President's Message 02.11.26

My journey into parenthood looked a little different than most—and looking back now, that difference feels like a gift.

 

My husband and I adopted two boys before later welcoming two biological children. Today, all four are adults, so I don’t talk about “the boys” quite as often anymore—especially since they’re long out of the house—but the lessons of those years continue to shape me.

 

At a recent Rotary meeting, we heard from Julie Henning, an author who shared her personal story of being adopted. Her words prompted me to reflect on my own experience as an adoptive parent, particularly as the mother of children who do not share my race.

 

As I shared during the meeting’s closing, one detail from Julie’s story stayed with me: just as her adoptive mother had been, Julie herself became an author. It was a powerful reminder that influence—whether as a parent, mentor, or caring adult—does not rely on biology. Love, modeling, and encouragement leave lasting marks.

 

When our boys were growing up, February was always an especially meaningful month in our household. First, it brought Michael’s birthday. The photo accompanying this article was taken earlier this year as we celebrated that milestone together. February also marked Black History Month.

 

In the 1990s, it was still far less common to see Black representation in children’s books, television, and classrooms. Wanting my sons not only to learn their history but to feel pride and possibility as young Black men, I sought out stories, biographies, and role models wherever I could find them. Black History Month helped open those doors. Libraries, schools, magazines, and television programming made space for stories that too often went untold—stories of Black and Brown individuals whose contributions have profoundly shaped our society.

 

Last week, I wrote about February being designated as Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention Month in the Rotary calendar. For me, the connection between these two observances feels natural. Learning one another’s stories, honoring lived experiences, and creating space for understanding are all acts of peacebuilding. They begin in families, grow through communities, and are strengthened by organizations like Rotary that are committed to service, inclusion, and connection.

 

February reminds me that peace is not only built through large initiatives, but also through everyday choices—to listen, to learn, and to lift up one another’s stories.