Accompanied by her husband, Evangelist Walter Marria, District Governor
André Marria graced the Rotary Club of Stone Mountain (RCSM) as the
distinguished guest during her Official Club visit on January 23. The event
featured insightful presentations on RCSM by club leadership (see attachment),
followed by a warm reception at The Vibrary, attended by Assistant Governor
Villard (Ardy) Bastien,
On January 24, DG André captivated RCSM members and guests with an
inspiring presentation, sharing her life, passion for music and family, and the
focal points of Rotary for the 2023-2024 Rotary Year. Reflecting on her early
Rotary journey as the sole black female Rotarian in a male-dominated and
culturally homogeneous club, DG André also shared heartfelt personal
experiences of loss. Now, as the Governor of District 6900, she emphasized the
importance of mental health, drawing from her own commitment to the cause.
The Lady with a Song, DG André, uplifted the spirits of RCSM members with
inspirational and melodious songs. She underscored the significance of
fostering club leadership and membership, which mirrors the community's
diversity in race, culture, thought, age, gender, backgrounds, and experiences.
In a gesture of appreciation, President Weekes and Cynthia Edwards
presented DG André, an avid reader, with a contribution to her favorite charity
and books highlighting the rich history and diversity of Stone Mountain and
DeKalb County.