Rotary Youth Exchange Program
From 2011 to 2012, Ciara Stahly studied abroad as a Rotary Youth Exchange student in Jonkoping, Sweden. She is currently the Director of Fund Development at Rockford Promise, where she leads efforts to advance educational opportunity and strengthen Rockford’s future through strategic philanthropy. Her work bridges data-driven strategy with authentic relationship-building — ensuring that every campaign, partnership, and donor experience reflects both impact and heart.
She oversees the development of comprehensive fundraising strategies that include major gifts, corporate giving, grants, and annual appeals — all designed to sustain Rockford Promise’s mission of providing tuition-free scholarships and holistic support to local students, with hopes of them bringing their talents back to Rockford.
She oversees the development of comprehensive fundraising strategies that include major gifts, corporate giving, grants, and annual appeals — all designed to sustain Rockford Promise’s mission of providing tuition-free scholarships and holistic support to local students, with hopes of them bringing their talents back to Rockford.
Prior to Rockford Promise, Ciara worked at various positions for the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois with her last position as the Director of Fund Development.
Ciara joined Rotary in November 1, 2017, as a member of Loves Park Rotary and transferred to Rockford Rotary in January of 2026.
Ciara will be talking about her experiences as a Youth Exchange Student and about her experiences in Rotary. Elise Cadigan will introduce our presenter and act as Rotary host.