Rotary Club of Dupont Circle

Jessica G. Smith Lennan is the Deputy Director of the 11th Street Bridge Park, a project of Building Bridges Across the River. She leads the external relations and community engagement strategies for multi-sector initiatives to advance equitable and community-driven development in Washington. As a native Washingtonian, she is passionate about creating greater economic opportunity through inclusive development and having resources that allow current Washington residents east of the Anacostia River to live in healthy and vibrant communities. As a Ward 7 resident, she served on the National Capital Region Transportation Planning Board Citizen Advisory Committee of the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, raising awareness of transportation needs unique to residents living east of the Anacostia River. Jessica also serves on the
Anacostia Parks & Community Collaborative Steering Committee working with other community organizations to remove barriers that prevents residents from connecting to the park and river.

Prior to joining the Bridge Park, Jessica worked with the Golden Triangle Business Improvement District. As the Placemaking and Events Manager, she promoted economic growth and sustainability initiatives through programming and advocated for the needs of the community and local businesses. Jessica holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism from The Pennsylvania State University and a Master’s Degree in Legislative Affairs from George Washington University.

Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm
Location: Lyle, 1731 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20009

See you there!

Join us tomorrow at 7 pm at the Lyle to hear from Andrew Szunyog, Director of Sustainability for the National Links Trust. The National Links Trust is transforming DC’s municipal golf courses. Join us to learn about golf, conservation, and community. See you there.

Happy Pride Month! Dupont Rotary celebrates the freedom of love 🌈

Join us to learn about Ranked Choice Voting in DC. Howard Garrett is a dedicated community leader, ANC Commissioner for 2G01, President of Capital Stonewall Democrats, National Committeeman for DC Young Democrats, and long-time advocate for civic engagement across Washington, DC. Since moving to the District, Howard has built a reputation for action, strengthening neighborhood partnerships, elevating young voices, and delivering real-time solutions for residents across the city. Professionally, he serves as a consultant to the Department of Defense, overseeing complex infrastructure and governance initiatives. His passion for public service, community-building, and equity fuels his commitment to making Ward 2 the most engaged, representative, and energized Democratic ward organization in the city.

Howard believes in the power of bringing people together around shared goals. Whether he is mentoring youth, organizing neighborhood cleanups, elevating LGBTQ+ leadership, or engaging neighbors in local issues, his North Star has always been the same: empower people, build community, and create pathways for every voice to be heard.

Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Location: Lyle, 1731 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20009

See you there!!

Join us next Tuesday to hear from Gretchen Ehle, Ehlevation Counseling.

Gretchen is a nonprofit and social impact executive based in Washington, DC, and the founder and principal of Ehlevation Consulting, LLC, where she advises mission-driven organizations on strategy, governance, partnerships, fund development, and operations. Her career has focused on mission-driven organizations in the global development and foreign policy space, including leadership roles with Pope Universal Corporation, the Atlantic Council, and Meridian International Center.
 
In addition to her professional work, Gretchen has served in volunteer leadership roles with the Phi Sigma Sigma Foundation, Cultural Vistas, and Atlas Corps. She is also an active volunteer with the Junior League of Washington and lives in DC with her husband, Quinn, and their two dogs, Mila and Dingus.

Time: 7:00 - 8:00 pm

Location: Lyle, 1731 New Hampshire Ave, NW, Washington, DC 20009

See you there!!

This week in lieu of our meeting, join the Rotary Club of Capitol Hill as they host this month's Red Line Happy Hour. Bring a friend or two and fellowship with local Rotarians and Rotaractors. 

Date: May 26

Time: 5:00 - 7:00 pm

Location: The Dubliner, 4 F St NW, Washington DC

See you there!!

Congratulations to Paulo Sena for being inducted as a new member. Welcome to the Dupont Rotary family.

Just us this Tuesday at for our weekly meeting at 7. We will be joined by both Kelly Ryan, President and Clara Sayans, Outreach Manager, of .

Jesuit Refugee Service/USA is the U.S. office of Jesuit Refugee Service, an international Catholic organization that accompanies, serves and advocates for refugees and other forcibly displaced people.

Through global support, U.S.-based programs and policy advocacy, JRS/USA helps forcibly displaced people access protection, education, mental health and psychosocial support, emergency assistance, livelihoods and community-based accompaniment.

See you there!

Saturdays are made for Service. Some of our members volunteered with for their Eastern Garden Workday.

Join us for community service with City Blossoms on Saturday, May 16.

Time: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm

Location: Eastern High School, 1700 East Capitol St NE, Washington DC

Register at: https://cityblossoms.org/private-events/2026/05/16-volunteer-opportunity-eastern

See you there!