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Rochelle Smarr

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Celebrating Rochelle Smarr: A Beacon of Community Engagement

The heart of a community beats strongest when its members come together, and one remarkable individual helping to foster this spirit is Rochelle Smarr, Ed.D., the Director of Experiential Learning at UC San Diego. Nominated anonymously by a community member, Rochelle’s dedication to service, leadership, and education makes her a true role model for middle and high school students looking to make a difference. Rochelle has an impressive background that enriches her role in higher education. Since 2013, she has played pivotal roles in community engagement across several prominent institutions, including the City College of New York and Cornell University. Her commitment to experiential learning extends beyond the classroom, exemplified by her leadership in programs like the UC Washington (UCDC) initiative, Academic Internships, and the Co-Curricular Record – an extracurricular transcript that highlights student leadership activities. Rochelle’s passion for service-learning transcends borders. She has organized international community service-learning trips to the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, igniting the spark of volunteerism in students who may not have otherwise experienced the profound impact of working with communities abroad. As a member of LEAD CA, she was honored with the 2022 Richard E. Cone Award for Emerging Leaders in Community Engagement, recognizing her exceptional service and commitment. Her experience with the International Association for Research on Service-Learning and Community Engagement (IARSLCE) is equally impressive. As vice chair of the board and chair for the upcoming conference in San Diego, Rochelle is shaping the future of service-learning at a national level. She believes that every student can play a role in fostering community connections, and her efforts are helping to create accessible pathways for all students. Rochelle holds a B.A. in English from San José State University, an M.A. in Educational Leadership from New York University, and is set to complete her Ed.D. through the University of California, San Diego, and California State University, San Marcos this spring. Her academic journey is a testament to her belief in continuous learning and the importance of education, which she artfully shares through her upcoming podcast dedicated to educational leadership. When reflecting on her career, Rochelle emphasizes the importance of making connections – she refers to herself as a “matchmaker” between students and community partners. This ensures that students find volunteer opportunities that resonate with their values and interests, transforming service from a requirement into a meaningful experience. Her vision is clear: to embed a culture of service into university life, encouraging students to embrace their agency and influence. For middle and high schoolers, Rochelle Smarr’s journey is an inspiring call to action – to engage with their communities, pursue their passions, and recognize the power of service. “What do you value? How do you want to spend your time?” she encourages students to consider. With leaders like Rochelle paving the way, our youth can help forge stronger, more connected communities.

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