Rotary student exchange experience helped her gain the confidence to seize the opportunities

Patricia Kennedy Davanzo, a proud Maquoketa Rotarian and former Rotary Youth Exchange student, turned a life-changing year in New Zealand into a 30-year career in aviation. Growing up on an Iowa farm and boarding her first flight for Rotary Exchange, Patricia embraced the spirit of adventure and the Rotary 4-Way Test throughout her professional journey, rising through airline roles nationwide. Now retired, she runs Organizing Life, helping people create space for what matters most—family, dreams, and bucket-list goals. Passionate about mentoring and empowering others, especially young women, Patricia continues to travel and share her story of seizing opportunities and living intentionally.

Patricia will be sharing how the Rotary student exchange experience helped her gain the confidence to seize the opportunities in the airline industry and how the 4 way test helped her navigate successfully while away from home.