Heather Sheffield
When I first joined Rotary, I had no idea how deeply it would influence my life—not just through service projects or weekly meetings, but through the people, the values, and the way it grounds me in community. Serving on the board of the Rotary Club of Austin Westlake for years and then eventually as President of our Club was an honor. It reminded me how much can happen when people commit to something bigger than themselves.
Rotary gave me a space to grow alongside people I might not have met otherwise—people older, younger, from different careers or backgrounds—and I’ve learned so much from those connections. I really value the learning and service opportunities provided by our club. More than anything, I love the big impact our little Rotary club has on the educators and students in Eanes ISD.
I believe deeply in public schools and the power they have to build meaningful lives. I ran for the Eanes ISD school board in 2019 because I wanted to help improve the district—and it’s still why I’m running for re-election now. Our school district is the best in Texas—and among the best in the country. It’s been a privilege to serve during these successful times, but I know rankings aren’t the full story. It’s about making sure every student feels seen and supported, and that our schools are preparing them for the world they’re stepping into, whether that’s college, a career, or something else entirely.
Right now, our school district is facing real challenges—funding cuts, shifting demographics, and tough decisions. My Rotary experience has taught me that when you bring people together with a shared purpose and a willingness to listen and lead, we can overcome any challenge. I’m so grateful for the Rotarians who continuously step up to help our community and around the world. I’m still here, doing the work, because I care deeply. And because I believe that how we serve—consistently, thoughtfully, and with heart—matters more than ever.
As I think about the future of our Rotary Club, I’d love to see us continue to attract more engaging speakers and organize service projects and events that really connect people. Having speakers who offer fresh perspectives and that can teach us things about our community can help keep things exciting and relevant. Additionally, service opportunities that tie into the passions and skills of our members can create a deeper sense of connection and community. These things can help grow our membership and continue to make the club a place where people feel truly included, involved and inspired. Rotary has given and taught me so much, and I would love for more people to live by the Four Way Test, put Service above Self and gain more meaningful friendships with people you might otherwise be friends with by joining our club.