Experiences as a Rotary Peace Corps volunteer

Cecelia Babkirk has been a Rotarian since 1994. She has served twice as Club President and has served in many district positions, including Asst. Governor, International Service Chair, Vocational Service Chair, Lieutenant Governor, District Grants Chair and as the District Rotary Foundation Chair.

In addition, she is a member of The Rotary Foundation Cadre ofTechnical Advisors, conducting audits and reviews of Global Grants to ensure good stewardship for The Rotary Foundation.

In January, 2018, Cecelia Received the Distinguished Service Award, the highest honor granted by The Rotary Foundation, for her service to Rotary District 5170 and The Rotary Foundation.

In June, 2019, she retired after 45 years in the mortgage business and joined the Peace Corps. This seemed like a logical extension of herRotary Foundation grant activities and a great way to kick off the next part of her life. She served as an 11 th grade English teacher in a rural village in Ethiopia until March, when she was part of the first-ever global evacuation of Peace Corps Volunteers.

Cecelia believes that the best way to experience the internationality of Rotary is to become involved in a Rotary Grant project that includes travel as a component.