Rotary Friendship Exchange: Welcoming Samuel English to Charlotte County
- Priya Ahluwalia
- Sep 23
- 2 min read
This September 2025, the SWFL Rotary Club had the privilege of hosting Samuel English, a student from the prestigious University of Cambridge in London, as part of Rotary International’s Friendship Exchange Program.
Arriving on September 7, 2025, for his very first trip to the United States, Samuel chose Charlotte County and Babcock Ranch as his gateway to America. He stayed with Rotarians Priya Ahluwalia and Mohit Pohani in Babcock Ranch, immersing himself in the heart of our community.
A Journey of Learning and Exchange
Samuel’s academic interests in geography, resilience, and international collaboration made his visit to Southwest Florida especially meaningful. Over the course of his stay, he engaged with a wide range of community leaders and organizations, including:
Syd Kitson, Chairman & CEO, Kitson & Partners
Danny Nix, State Representative
Bill Truex, Charlotte County Commissioner
Kim Amontree, Charlotte County School Board District 2
Mark Odell, Charlotte County Economic Development
Suzanne Herron, Charlotte Community Foundation
Bob White, Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce
Cecil Pendergrass, Lee County Commissioner
Kevin Anderson, Fort Myers Mayor
FGCU’s Emergency Department
Through these conversations, Samuel gained a firsthand look at how Charlotte and Lee Counties prepare for and respond to hurricanes. From infrastructure planning to disaster recovery, he witnessed how collaboration between government, businesses, and nonprofits strengthens community resilience.
Falling in Love with Babcock Ranch
One of the highlights of Samuel’s visit was experiencing Babcock Ranch, America’s first solar-powered town. He was deeply inspired by its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and resilience. From its forward-thinking design to its strong sense of community, Samuel shared that Babcock Ranch was unlike anything he had seen before — a place that seamlessly combines progress with purpose.
“For the past week and a half, I’ve been living and breathing Southwest Florida. Thanks to the hospitality of the Rotary Club, I’ve seen up close how Babcock Ranch embodies resilience and innovation. Interviewing Syd Kitson was a particular highlight, as his vision for sustainability continues to inspire this community.”— Samuel English
Voices from the Exchange
“The Rotary Friendship Exchange is about more than travel — it’s about building lifelong connections across borders and fostering understanding between cultures,”— Priya Ahluwalia, SWFL Rotary
“Samuel has had a front-row seat to see how Charlotte County and its neighbors come together during challenging times, and that’s a powerful story of resilience to take back home.”— Mohit Pohani, SWFL Rotary
Connecting Communities Through Rotary
Beyond official meetings, Samuel explored the unique development of Babcock Ranch while experiencing the culture of service and innovation that defines Rotary. His visit showcased how Rotary’s global network unites people across cultures under a shared vision of service, leadership, and friendship.
About the Rotary Friendship Exchange
The Rotary Friendship Exchange is an international program that connects Rotary members and families across the globe. By staying with local Rotarians, participants experience cultures firsthand, build friendships, and strengthen ties between communities worldwide.
📧 Contact: Priya Ahluwalia, Public Image Chair
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