Welcome Zeda Dowell our newest Scotts Valley Rotarian

Among her many achievements, she has been featured in guest appearances on television and radio, interviewed in national newspaper articles and has been listed as the keynote speaker at several international seminars.  She is currently writing a book titled “Business Etiquette, International Protocol in Cross Cultural Understanding”.  She also serves as a court appointed special advocate for abused and neglected children (CASA).  Her other charitable successes include, recognition from the city of Oakland and Fremont for her work as the “Santa Lady”. In this role she collected and delivered presents to children whose holidays otherwise might be spent without even basic necessities. This year she provided much needed shoes for all the children at the City of Angels orphanage in Tijuana Mexico.

Zeda became interested in the Rotary Club after meeting difficulties with embassies overseas while attempting to deliver some of the over 8000 stuffed animals she acquired to send to children orphaned by the devastating tsunami that rocked Indonesia, Sri Lanka and India in December of 2004. She learned that the International Rotary Club could help. They indeed were able to help pave the way for these deliveries in India and Sri Lanka. Ultimately, all of these stuffed animals made their way into the arms of these orphans.

Her life in international protocol is somewhat pre-disposed. Zeda was born in British Guyana South America which borders the North Atlantic Ocean between Suriname and Venezuela. Her family immigrated there from the Middle East and Asia. Her family’s global political involvement brought to her, at an early age, interest in culture and diplomacy. Those early experiences supplemented by her education, world travel and business experience, makes her one of the leading experts in cultural diversity, international relations, business and social etiquette.