Last week (Oct 14th) Carmen shared her fascinating life with us, will expand on this later, but first a picture of Carmen with her parents and President Teresa.
Born in Venezuela, Carmen spent her youth living abroad with her family, her mother serving as a diplomat, her father a life-long Rotarian. In Italy, she became fluent both in Italian and in French. In Pittsburg, she learned english. On her graduation date, she accepted a job offer from the Canadian government to serve at their Embassy in Venezuela. She worked there 7 years, helping Canadians in trouble. With her own young family, she moved to Canada, and joined the NGO Pearson Peacekeeping group. Her father spotted an ad about a Rotary Club forming in Orleans and she joined the Club. She spent time as the Youth Exchange Counsellor, working with 4 youths who became her "kids". She was later able to join Global Affairs Canada, serving in Cuba (until the Cuban Syndrome), prepared to go to Russia (a year learning Russian, then deferred due to visa issues), worked in Afghanistan (head of security, dealt with evacuations, and helped those who arrived in Canada to adjust), then in Peru (covering also Ecuador and Bolivia). In Afghanistan she met her future husband Rick who was serving as a Canadian military police officer). Now back in Ottawa, she has rejoined our Club, and we're thrilled to welcome her back! Her work evolves already helping Canadians in trouble around the world! Rick and she also run a property management business helping people posted abroad. What a fascinating life!!!
Orleans, ON K4A 0G3
Canada