The Richardson East Rotary Club May 2026 Member Spotlight is Christie Hanley. We asked Christie a few questions about herself, Rotary, and what she enjoys doing. We hope you enjoy getting to know her!
Tell us about yourself
I graduated from Texas State University with a degree in Business. In my free time, I enjoy playing sand volleyball and staying active. I’ve also traveled to other countries on my own, which has helped me become independent. Adaptable, and open to meeting new people and experiencing different cultures. Family is very important to me and I am lucky to have two beautiful nieces who bring a lot of joy to my life.
What do you do/or did you do in your job and what do you love about it?
I work for a water mitigation company, helping homeowners restore their homes after events such as water damage or fire. My role allows me to support people during some of the most stressful times in their lives, which is something I find very rewarding. A home is one of the biggest investments a person will make, so I take pride in working for a reliable company that values honesty, does not take advantage of customers, and truly focuses on helping people get their homes back to normal.
What is my favorite restaurant or small business in Richardson?
My favorite small business/ restaurant In Richardson is called Royal Shawarma, its middle eastern and the chicken shawarma is so good, it’s my new addiction currently. If you have never tried a shawarma, you really should, it’s so crispy on the outside and the flavor is unbelievable.
What inspired me to join Rotary? Is there a service project that you have been involved in that stands out?
I joined Rotary after learning more about the organization through my boss, Greg, who was a donor for the Games and Giving gala. He also knows Stephanie South well and shared with me some of the impactful work Rotary does in the community. One project that really stood out to him was the college scholarship program, especially since he has daughters who attended Richardson Schools. Hearing about the difference Rotary makes locally made me want to get involved as well. Even though I don’t live in the Richardson area, I’ve come to really appreciate the community through my work, and I wanted to give back in a more meaningful way. Joining Rotary felt like a great opportunity to support important causes while also connecting more deeply with the community we serve.
One service project that has really stood out to me is the Challenge Air project. I originally wanted to participate because it sounded like an incredible and meaningful opportunity especially for kids with special needs and their families to experience something unique together, When I was first told about it I immediately knew it was something I wanted to be part of.
The event itself was truly special. It was inspiring to see the excitement on the kids and families faces, and to witness them having that unforgettable experience in the air. I also really enjoyed seeing all the different private planes and learning more about the event as a whole.
On a personal note, the Challenge Air project has an even deeper meaning for me because I actually met my boyfriend there. It ended up being a really meaningful moment in my life, and, to me, felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be at that time. Because of both the impact on the families and my own personal experience, this project stands out to me as one of the most memorable and meaningful service events I’ve been a part of.
