From Exchange to Global Impact – My Journey with Rotary International
SONIA ALLEN
- Organisation:
- Various - All Hands and Hearts UK Trust / Tea Leaf Trust/ S Factor
- Region:
- Anywhere
- Notice Period:
- Emergency (maybe less than one week's notice)
- Type:
- Professional/ Education/ Women/ Charity/ Rotary/ Life Skills
- Fee:
- Expensed: Travel expenses and a donation to the charity the presentation focuses on (if requested)
- Category:
- Charity
- Updated:
- 11th August 2025
- Tagged:
- Circle Of Life | Volunteering | International
Sonia Allen’s Rotary story began in 1997 as a volunteer on a Group Study Exchange to Mexico, where she met fellow Rotarians and explored the country’s education systems. Inspired by the experience, she joined Rotaract in 1998 — planting the seed for a lifetime of service.
After a gap from 2001, and following her fight with cancer, Sonia felt the call to reconnect with Rotary. In 2011, she visited Medway Sunlight Rotary Club and joined immediately. Since then, she has served as grant leader, global grant team leader in South Africa, club president, and global grant lead for the Reading Bus project in Sri Lanka.
Today, Sonia travels the world volunteering for multiple charities, but she credits Rotary International as the catalyst that set her on this life-changing path of global service. Her journey is a testament to the power of Rotary to transform not just communities, but the lives of its members.
Invite Sonia to your Club, Region or International meetings to learn more and encourage others to join.
Views: 4 | Enquiries: 0About SONIA ALLEN
Bright mind, bold heart, I am the kind of woman who rolls up her sleeves and makes things better, wherever I go. From global volunteering adventures to local impact, I would like to say I bring energy, empathy, and no-nonsense smartness to every project I work on.
Professionally, I am a skilled education consultant, recognised for sharp thinking, calm leadership, and ability to accomplish tasks with grace and grit. At other times, I am off making magic happen through international volunteering, community mentoring, and advocacy work.
I am a cancer survivor, a foster carer, personal trainer and an ambassador for International disaster relief organisation 'All Hands and Hearts UK Trust.'
Public speaking is something I have done throughout my working careers', yes careers and never one to be 'lost for words'. I can tailor my speeches to meet the audiences needs:
"A magnetic role model with a wicked sense of humour, Sonia leads with purpose, gives generously, and leaves people (and places) better than she found them."
Smart. Sassy. Seriously inspiring.
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