Meet Anne-Marie Lall-Salim: President, Powerhouse & Passionate Educator of the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain
There’s a special kind of energy that fills the room when Anne-Marie Lall-Salim walks in. A vibrant blend of educator, activist, leader, and unapologetic fun-seeker, Anne-Marie now brings her signature style of purpose and passion to the Rotary Club of Central Port of Spain (RCCPOS) as its newly minted President.
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But let’s rewind for a moment.
Annie, as she is fondly called by fellow Rotarians, launched her Rotary career in the classroom. Or, more precisely, with a group of students simulating a Model United Nations (MUN) conference nearly a decade ago. As an educator with a deep love for International Relations, she found herself volunteering with RCCPOS's flagship MUN programme in 2014. What started as a “side gig” to support youth empowerment quickly morphed into something bigger.
Annie said, “I loved the concept of MUN, which was unique to our Rotary Club in Trinidad and Tobago. While studying for my MSc in International Relations & Diplomacy, my lecturer encouraged me to reach out to volunteer. As an educator, I knew I could help guide students through this initiative and I haven’t looked back since."
Making it OfficialAfter three years of volunteering, it was Past President Nicole Matouk who nudged Annie to make things official: “Why not just join the club?” Nicole asked. And so, in 2017, she did, though not before asking a million questions, soaking up everything RCCPOS had to offer, and learning from its dynamic membership. “Nicole also encouraged me to one day consider being President and… here we are!”
Annie’s first official Board position was Youth Service Chair, a perfect fit given her passion for youth development and education. Her very first event as a Rotarian? The MUN conference, of course. “It was electric,” she recalls. “The dedication of the members, the energy of the students, and the genuine commitment to service sealed the deal for me. I knew this club was different.”
A Life Built on Service, Students & Smiles
Annie is a woman of many titles - Rotary President, educator, mother, mentor - but at her core, she’s someone who lives to serve others. A secondary school teacher for over 24 years, she currently acts as the Head of Department for Business & Modern Studies. Annie said, “I’ve always wanted to teach. I’m literally living my dream.”
Her educational background reads like a syllabus for a well-rounded global citizen: History, English, International Relations, Law, Industrial Relations, Gender Studies, Carnival Studies, and more. “I love to learn. And I believe in using education to empower others especially the youth.”
Her role as a mother extends beyond her biological daughter, 6-year-old Amani-Arya. “I’m also a second mom to my Rosina-Marie, and then there are hundreds of students who don’t forget me on Mother’s Day,” she laughs. “It’s the best feeling.”
The Fun Aunt with a Passport and a Purpose
When she’s not leading meetings or mentoring youth, you’ll find Annie at the airport or at a fundraiser. “I travel every vacation I get; I have to,” she says with a grin. “But I also love social events, especially if they support women or children. And I’m the fun aunt, so I make the most of having the same vacation schedule as the kids in my family.”
She’s also active outside of Rotary, proudly serving with TTUTA POS & Environs District Executive and the TML Ladies League, St. Joseph. Her advocacy extends far and wide, encompassing neurodivergent awareness, boys' mental health, girls’ empowerment, animal rights, and elder care. “If it’s about helping people or animals, I’m in,” Annie said.
One Secret… and One Legacy
And if you think you know all there is to know about Annie, she leaves you with this intriguing tidbit: “Most people don’t actually know how many tattoos I have!” (We, Annie, we won’t pry but we’re definitely curious.)
Signature Quote
And when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it. Don't fret, take things one day at a time.
As President of RCCPOS, Annie brings a rare blend of intellect, heart, and humour to the helm. She’s proof that service and self-expression don’t have to be opposites, and that leaders can be both fun-loving and fiercely committed to change.
Here’s to a year of passion, purpose, and maybe a few surprise tattoos.