Growing up in Dublin, Virginia, Dr. Diane Wallach dreamed of becoming a nurse, writer, forest ranger or doctor -- all noble professions rooted in serving others. That notion of service has been with her throughout the years. In high school, she performed community service through the National Honor Society and at the College of William and Mary she was a member of Alpha Phi Omega, a co-ed service fraternity. “I was hooked on the great feeling of contributing to the greater good and unique experiences,” says Diane.

 

Although she was on a pre-med track in college, Diane decided she was not interested in the high-stress environment found in medical school and residency. “My pre-med advisor suggested optometry or podiatry,” she says. “I did not want to scrape calluses off feet and had been fascinated by vision previously. I attended the New England College of Optometry in Boston." As a doctor of optometry, Diane says: "I love my job because most days it is not work; it is something fun to do while helping people in their lives.”

 

After optometry school, Diane moved to Williamsburg and joined the Lions Club. A couple years later, she moved to Norfolk. “When I moved here, I tried a couple other organizations before coming upon Rotary,” she says. “It was by far the most service oriented of any of the professional groups I tried. I have much enjoyed my tenure so far with our Rotary Club. I loved reading at the elementary schools with RIF (Reading Is Fundamental) and giving books to the children. The camaraderie of our group is just awesome and I look forward to many more years as a Rotarian.”

 

Diane joined the Rotary Club of Norfolk in 2011 and served as Community Service Chair before co-chairing the club's Tiel Youth Exchange Committee. She also serves on the boards of the Downtown Norfolk Council and Todd Rosenlieb Dance. She recently was named one of Inside Business' Women in Business Achievement Award winners. She was nominated by our club for this honor. 

 

Diane, who owns Selden Optometry on Granby Street, is married to her college sweetheart, Dr. Joshua Wallach, who teaches chemistry at Old Dominion University. They have a son and a daughter, who attend the Lower School at Norfolk Collegiate. When she’s not working or performing public service, the children keep Diane busy with music and dance lessons, lacrosse and chess.