Adelena Chandler, President of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten
This week, we are proud to feature the newly appointed President of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten, Ms. Adelena Chandler. A passionate advocate for service, health equity and community development, Ms. Chandler opens up about her journey into leadership, the values that guide her, and how she hopes to create lasting impact in St. Maarten and beyond.
1. Congratulations on your new role! What does this leadership position mean to you?
Thank you so much. To be installed as President of the Rotary Club of St. Maarten is truly an honour and a responsibility I carry with deep humility and immense gratitude. This role allows me to serve at the highest level of our Club and to work alongside a team committed to promoting peace, fighting disease, and strengthening our community by uniting people through service. But beyond the title, this moment is deeply personal. I give all glory and thanks to God for this opportunity.
I stand on the shoulders of those who shaped me – my late father Simon Chandler, and my mother Margaret Meade, whose strength continues to inspire me; and my grandmother Margaret Rombley, who introduced me to the essence of “service above self” long before I ever joined Rotary. Her compassion, her generosity and her selflessness formed the foundation of my commitment to community service.
2. The Rotary Club is deeply rooted in service and charity. What are your top priorities during your tenure as president?
The Rotary Club of St. Maarten was the first Rotary Club on the island, and we take that legacy seriously. Rotary International sets monthly themes for all clubs, which guide much of our work throughout the year. For August, we’re focusing on Membership and New Club Development. We want to expand our reach – not just by recruiting new members, but by supporting the development of new clubs that reflect the unique needs and spirit of their communities.
Our club was instrumental in establishing the Rotary Mid Isle, Sunrise, and Sunset clubs, and we’ve even supported Île de Nord on the French side. Expanding our network is key, because when we grow, our impact multiplies. We also tailor our local projects around these monthly themes. For example, in July – which focuses on Maternal and Child Health – we hosted Dr. Friday at our bi-weekly luncheon to shed light on reproductive health issues on the island. It’s a reminder that these themes are not abstract – they are real challenges that require local action.
3. What are the other monthly themes?
I have already mentioned that August focuses on Membership and New Club Development. Just to clarify the rest:
- July is Maternal and Child Health.
- September is Basic Education and Literacy, aligning with Back to School.
- October highlights Community Economic Development.
- November is dedicated to the Rotary Foundation.
- December focuses on Disease Prevention and Treatment.
- January is about Vocational Service.
- February promotes Peacebuilding and Conflict Prevention.
- March centres on Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene.
- April emphasizes Environmental concerns.
- May is for Youth Service.
- And June celebrates Rotary Fellowships.
We create projects around these themes, whether it’s through partnerships, awareness or just simply rolling our sleeves up and doing the work in our local community and globally.
4. How does the Rotary Club of St. Maarten approach health and wellness through its community initiatives?
One example is that we’ve partnered with organizations like Nagico, WIMA, and SZV to raise awareness about health issues that affect our community the most. We work closely with them and, together, we organize an annual public health conference to educate health professionals and provide accessible information to the general public. Health is not just about treatment – it's about prevention, education, and empowerment. Through our initiatives, we want to ensure that individuals are informed and supported in making healthier choices, and that vulnerable groups are not left behind.
5. The theme of guidance plays a key role in both leadership and mentorship. Who has guided you in your journey, and how do you plan to guide others in return?
My journey began long before I wore a Rotary pin. My family instilled in me the values of compassion and service, and that foundation led me to Rotary in 2016. I first became curious about the organization in 2014. For over a year, I observed quietly from the sidelines. Then I reached out through Facebook and soon found myself having powerful conversations with then-President Nisha and members like Pierre Decelles, Stephen Thompson, and Robert Judd.
I was drawn in by the real-world impact they were making – and that’s when I knew I belonged. I was proudly inducted in March 2016, sponsored by past President Nisha. Since then, I’ve been mentored by incredible leaders – especially immediate past President Soc, who took the time to prepare me for this role. His trust in me and his support have been invaluable. Now it’s my turn to pass that torch – to be a mentor, to lead with intention, and to empower others the way I was empowered.
6. As a female leader in a prominent community role, what message do you have for young women aspiring to lead in health, charity, or public service?
Coming from Dutch Quarter and a family full of strong women, I was taught early on that failure is not the end – it's a lesson. My grandmother taught me that we fall at some point in life, but more importantly, she taught me how to rise. That resilience is something I carry with me every day as a leader. My message to young women is this: Your freedom lies in your education – not just what's written in a book, but in what you observe, the people you surround yourself with, and the way you choose to think for yourself. Be curious. Be bold. Be willing to create your own story.
Leadership isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being real. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard, and using your voice to lift others. As women, we often feel the need to connect every dot, to serve in every role, to nurture everyone around us. But that is our strength. And when we harness that strength with purpose, we create incredible impact. So, yes, I feel honoured – and, yes, I feel a bit anxious stepping into this role; but I do so knowing that I am not alone. I’m supported by a global network of Rotarians who, like me, are committed to uniting for good, recognizing needs, and transforming lives.
About the Rotary Club of St. Maarten
Founded in 1972, the Rotary Club of St. Maarten is part of Rotary International, a global network of 1.4 million neighbours, friends, leaders, and problem-solvers who unite to take action and create lasting change. Our club is committed to serving the local community through impactful projects in education, health, youth development, and disaster relief. With a strong tradition of service above self, we work collaboratively with local partners to uplift those in need and build a stronger, more resilient St. Maarten.
Adelena Chandler’s leadership reflects more than just vision – it’s deeply rooted in heritage, service, and heart. As she begins this new chapter with the Rotary Club of St. Maarten, her focus remains clear: to serve with compassion, lead with integrity, and create a ripple effect of positive change across the island and beyond.
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