Welcome to the Rotary Club of Washington, DC
Upcoming Lunch Programs
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Luncheon
Speaker: Arvind Venugopal
Transformational Leadership - Everyday People, Extraordinary Leadership
Arvind Venugopal is a purpose-driven leader with over 20 years of experience in product and program management, bringing together technology, people, and purpose to drive meaningful change. His career spans global organizations where he has led cross-functional teams, delivered transformative solutions, and fostered inclusive innovation.
Arvind is currently serving as the District Director for District 36 Toastmasters, a role in which he supports leadership and communication development for hundreds of members across the DC-Maryland region. A Distinguished Toastmaster (DTM), he has mentored numerous emerging leaders and spearheaded service-oriented programs that uplift individuals and communities.
What sets Arvind apart is his passion for human connection. He is the creator and host of the podcast *Empathy Speak*, where he explores stories of compassion, leadership, and collaboration. As the founder and lead vocalist of Tvameva, an Indian fusion world music band, Arvind uses music as a platform to bridge cultures and inspire harmony.
He is certified in Design Thinking and Analytics and brings a balanced approach of strategic thinking and empathy to every endeavor. His work aligns closely with Rotary's values-fellowship, leadership, integrity, and service.
Whether he's leading a district, building a product, mentoring a peer, or performing on stage, Arvind believes in making a difference by empowering others and giving back to the community. His journey reflects a lifelong commitment to service above self.
In-Person/Hybrid Washington DC Weekly Club Luncheon
Speaker: Andy Shallal
CEO and Founder Busboys and Poets
Anas "Andy" Shallal is an artist, activist, social entrepreneur, and founder/CEO of Busboys and Poets, a restaurant group in the Washington Metropolitan area. He opened the first location in 2005 as part restaurant, part agent for social change. All Busboys and Poets’ locations continue to operate as a community gathering space where art, culture, and politics intentionally collide over mindfully sourced food, drinks, books, and event programming. With eight locations in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia, Busboys and Poets has become a home for progressives, artists, creatives, and intellectuals. Over the past 20 years, Busboys and Poets have hosted many social and political activists including Howard Zinn, Harry Belafonte, Angela Davis, Alice Walker, Nikki Giovanni, Mehdi Hasan, Norman Finkelstein, Barack Obama, Amy Goodman, Rashida Tlaib, Ilhan Omar, Pramila Jayapal, Bernie Sanders and a host of
others.
Busboys and Poets focuses on sustainable business initiatives and employment practices. Busboys locations are 100% wind-powered and have been recognized locally and nationally for their innovative, conscious cuisine. Under Shallal’s leadership, Busboys has received numerous awards including the Mayor’s Arts Award, Employer of the Year from the Employment Justice Center, Washingtonian of the Year, and the Mayor’s Environmental Award, among others.
Shallal is a 2018 Frederick Douglass 200 award winner for those who best embody Douglass’ spirit, TedX speaker, and founder of several peace and justice organizations. He is on the board of trustees for the Institute for Policy Studies, Palestine House of Freedom, DAWN, the Anacostia Coordinating Council, and a founding member of Think Local First DC, a local business association serving in advisory and leadership roles to advance progressive business and labor practices. Shallal has chaired DC’s Workforce Investment Council and ran for Mayor of Washington DC in 2014. He continues to strive to make his hometown of Washington DC a more livable community.
His memoir, A Seat At The Table: The Making of Busboys and Poets is set to be released late summer 2025.
Shallal received his B.S. in biology from Catholic University of American and an MBA from The Robert Smith School of Business at the University of Maryland School in College Park.
Our Upcoming Events
Interested in the Rotary Club of Washington DC?
ATTEND LUNCH
Visitors are warmly invited to attend a weekly luncheon meeting of the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C. to experience our culture of service, leadership, and fellowship. The Club meets every Wednesday from 12:30–1:30 p.m. at the University Club of Washington, D.C. (1135 16th Street NW), with informal fellowship beginning at approximately 12:15 p.m. Guests are encouraged to register in advance using the link below and to introduce themselves at the registration table upon arrival. The cost of lunch is $42.
MEMBERSHIP INFO
We would also like to invite you to attend a New & Prospective Membership Orientation, which takes place on the 3rd Monday of every month from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m.
Please register HERE.
It’s the best opportunity to meet Club leaders and learn more firsthand about why joining us is so rewarding personally and professionally.
APPLY TODAY
If you are looking for a place to serve, lead, and connect with others who care about making a difference, we invite you to apply for membership in the Rotary Club of Washington, D.C. Our members come from many professions and backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to “Service Above Self” and to building community in the nation’s capital. Simply complete the application using the link below, and a member of our team will reach out to welcome you and guide you through the next steps.
Impacting the Community
Our members take action to create lasting change in Washington, D.C. and around the world. Through service projects, partnerships, grants, and hands-on volunteerism, we work to address real needs in our community while building meaningful relationships with those we serve and with one another.
Rotary is where people come together to turn commitment into impact.
Our Impact
