Meet three remarkable women who understand the transformative effect that collaboration can have on our community. President of the Heart of Centerville & Washington Township. and owner of Burgundy Chic Boutique, April K. Desai, is passionate about supporting local businesses and building relationships. President of the Centerville Rotary Club, Sofie Ameloot, brings her dedication to service and community support. President of the Centerville-Washington Township Foundation, Debe Dockins, volunteers tirelessly to make a meaningful impact.
April K. Desai
President, The Heart of Centerville & Washington Township
If you’ve met April Desai, it may come as no surprise she has a background in social work. Dedicated to building genuine relationships, she serves as president of the Heart of Centerville & Washington Township. and owns Burgundy Chic Boutique in Uptown Centerville. Having lived in Centerville for 33 years, joining the Heart solidified her desire to open a shop locally. “When I started my online business, I attended my first coffee meeting with the Heart. I felt so welcomed by then President Emily Tith and several other members,” April reflects.
April opened her boutique in July 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic. “Local news reporters interviewed me at a time when many businesses were closing. I remember saying I wanted my store to give the community a sense of hope, and that mission still drives me today,” she shares. In her boutique, April creates a fun space for people to visit, connect and feel good. That same desire to help others shines in her role as president of the Heart. “I’m most passionate about building relationships, supporting fellow business owners and creating a thriving local network,” she says. Her advice? “Focus on genuine connections, stay true to your mission and take a risk.”
Sofie Ameloot
President, Centerville Rotary Club
Born and raised in a small town near Bruges in Belgium, Sofie Ameloot found her way to the United States when she came to study at Duke University Law School. A few job relocations later, she settled in Centerville with her family because of the great schools. “Our three girls have thrived here. Centerville has been a happy home for us,” shares Sofie. Now president of the Centerville Rotary Club, Sofie credits her daughter Noë for getting her involved in the club. “Noë likes to brag that she had connections with Centerville Rotary before I did. She was in the Interact Club at Centerville High School, a service club sponsored by the Rotary,” reflects Sofie.
Sofie’s love of service drives her commitment to the Rotary. “I am happy knowing that through our work we make the lives of those in need just a little bit easier,” she says. Before becoming president, she served two years as community service director, helping select the many service projects the Rotary carries out. Seeing the impact of efforts like mulching at the Park District, helping at House of Bread and supporting Artemis Domestic Violence Center keeps her motivated to do more.
Debe Dockins
President, Centerville-Washington Foundation
Debe Dockins has worked in advertising, graphic arts, sales promotion and even used to arrange celebrity appearances and pony rides for grand opening celebrations. She is the kind of person who agrees to be the PTO vice president at Incarnation Catholic School simply because one is needed. “If I believe in an organization's purpose, I will volunteer to help whether that's showing up at a sporting event to take tickets or run a silent auction. I’m not afraid to raise my hand,” shares Debe.
Her can-do and will-do attitude led her to become the former president of the Centerville Noon Optimist Club and to serve as the current president of the Centerville-Washington Foundation. Debe also works as the executive coordinator at the Washington-Centerville Public Library. “I am passionate about making small differences that add up, whether it be an event like Incarnation's Trivia Night, creating the Ghost Walk on Main or bringing in The Wall That Heals with WCPL a couple of years ago,” says Debe. With the foundation, Debe looks forward to, “Moving the needle on philanthropy in Centerville and Washington Township so that people can lead better lives.” She encourages everyone to not be afraid to raise their hands.