Rachel Bellis, who joined our Rotary Club a few months ago, grew up in Jupiter, Florida. She studied theater in New York at Circle in the Square where she learned to appreciate Shakespeare and classic and modern productions. She then lived in Italy, Spain and Mexico. In her varied career she has been a nanny, English teacher, real estate agent specializing in luxury homes in Spain and a convention center manager in Mexico. "I have never been without a job," Rachel says.

 

A long-time volunteer for animal rights she decided a few years ago "to do something I was passionate about." While living in Madrid she sent her resume to the Norfolk-based People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and quickly heard from a staff member. After several interviews in 2013, Rachel became PETA's community liaison and executive assistant to the senior vice president of the cruelty investigations department. At PETA she organizes events, speaks to political and community groups and has helped get laws passed that prevent citizens from chaining their dogs.

 

Rachel, who lives in Ghent, had never been to Norfolk before moving here but likes living near beaches and the Elizabeth and Lafayette river waterfronts. You can often find her walking, running, doing hot yoga and hanging out with her dogs. They are Lola, a 12-year-old Chihuahua she brought from Mexico, and Elena, a five-year-old chiweenie (Chihuahua and Dachshund mix) she adopted from PETA. Both Lola and Elena can go to work with Rachel. 

 

Rachel was matched with our club after contacting our Rotary District to inquire about becoming a Rotarian. She says: "At Rotary I like meeting people and learning about the different careers people have. Everyone has been so nice. I like feeling like part of a community."