Rotary Voices Podcast Summary: "The Liberation of Julie Mulligan"

Introduction

In the April 22, 2025 episode of Rotary Voices, hosted by Kate Silver and produced by Rotary Magazine, listeners are taken on an emotional journey through the harrowing experience of Julie Mulligan—a devoted member of the Drayton Valley Rotary Club—who was kidnapped while on a Rotary mission in northern Nigeria in April 2009. This detailed, long-form summary captures the key points, discussions, insights, and conclusions drawn from Julie’s ordeal and its profound impact on her life and family.

Julie Mulligan’s Rotary Journey

Julie Mulligan’s passion for Rotary and Africa set the stage for her involvement in international service. Having cycled through Tanzania, Morocco, Ethiopia, and Nigeria since her first trip in 2008, Julie was deeply committed to fostering cultural and vocational exchanges.

“I absolutely fell in love with Africa because the people were so warm and they were so friendly.”
— Julie Mulligan (04:13)

As the president of her Rotary club for 2008 and 2009, Julie seized the opportunity to lead a team for a group study exchange to Nigeria, driven by her desire to reconnect with the continent she had grown to love.

The Kidnapping Incident

Upon arriving in Kaduna, a city facing infrastructural challenges and burgeoning threats from criminal enterprises and militant groups, Julie led a group of five professionals. Approximately a week into the mission, while returning from a Rotary meeting, Julie and her Nigerian host, Moses Kandier, were ambushed.

“I realized, like, this is serious shit.”
— Julie Mulligan (08:24)

Their vehicle was overtaken by armed men demanding ransom. Julie was forcibly taken, enduring the terrifying experience of being held hostage for 13 days amidst uncertainty and fear.

Family’s Ordeal and Response

Back home in Drayton Valley, Julie’s abduction sent her family into immediate turmoil. Her husband, John Mulligan, received a chilling phone call around 11:30 PM where Julie proclaimed, “I’m kidnapped.” (00:42) This event plunged the family into crisis, prompting urgent actions to secure her release.

Stephanie Dean, Julie’s daughter, recalls the chaos: “I was like, taken where? Taken where to go downstairs?” (10:22). The family, supported by Rotary members and later, law enforcement, grappled with fear and uncertainty. RCMP agents intervened, establishing a lockdown to protect the family and coordinate efforts for Julie’s safe return.

Rotary and Law Enforcement Efforts

Rotary International played a pivotal role in managing the crisis. David Alexander, Rotary’s Public Relations Manager, describes the intense pressure during the emergency:

“It was the most difficult half hour of my work life that I’ve ever had. Absolutely.”
— David Alexander (20:19)

Through strategic communication and collaboration with the RCMP, Rotary members worked tirelessly to trace Julie’s location and negotiate her release, all while adhering to protocols to minimize risk for future travelers.

Julie’s Captivity and Resilience

During her captivity, Julie navigated a perilous environment, fostering a fragile rapport with her captors to humanize herself:

“I wanted them to see that side of me, make me human and to develop a relationship.”
— Julie Mulligan (13:18)

Despite the dire circumstances, Julie maintained her inner strength, engaging in small acts of resistance and preserving her hope for liberation. Her interactions with captors revealed their vulnerabilities, further deepening her understanding of human interconnectedness.

Liberation and Return Home

After nearly two weeks, intelligence and coordinated efforts led to Julie’s rescue. As she walked away from the scene under police protection, relief and disbelief enveloped her and her family.

“As I often told her, I said, I fell in love with you twice when we came down the aisle and we got married and you were rescued.”
— John Mulligan (29:15)

Julie’s return was met with overwhelming support and admiration, though the family faced the immediate challenge of healing from the trauma.

Healing and Moving Forward

The aftermath of the kidnapping saw Julie and her family grappling with emotional scars. Julie proactively engaged in healing by sharing her story and continuing her Rotary commitments:

“I still believe that the group study exchange program is the best vehicle to promote cultural understanding and peace.”
— Julie Mulligan (30:44)

Her resilience led her to participate in various Rotary projects globally, from building schools in Nepal to administering polio vaccines in India. Moving to British Columbia in 2017 provided Julie and John with a sanctuary where they could rebuild their lives, embracing new adventures and fostering a supportive Rotary community.

Long-Term Impact and Reflections

Julie’s experience profoundly shaped her perspective on life, forgiveness, and the inherent good in people. She reflects on the global support she received and her enduring connections with those who aided her:

“The outpouring of love and hope that came from around the world was so uplifting.”
— Julie Mulligan (32:38)

Her journey exemplifies the Rotary spirit of service, resilience, and global interconnectedness, inspiring her family and community to persevere and thrive despite unimaginable challenges.

Conclusion

Julie Mulligan’s story, as shared on Rotary Voices, is a testament to human strength, the power of community support, and the enduring bonds forged through Rotary International. Her liberation not only marked the end of a personal nightmare but also ignited a lifelong commitment to service and fostering peace. Through her recovery and continued dedication, Julie embodies the Rotary motto of "Service Above Self," illustrating how adversity can lead to profound personal growth and sustained contributions to global harmony.

Notable Quotes

• “I was really looking forward to just connecting with the different Rotarians because I had learned already that Rotarians, no matter where they're from, they all have the same heart.”
  — Julie Mulligan (04:34)

• “It changed my family's life for sure, but I like to think that it was for the good. I feel that life is a little sweeter when you know how quickly it can be taken away.”
  — Julie Mulligan (39:55)

• “Hard things don't need to take you down. She couldn't control that she was kidnapped, but she can control what she does.”
  — Stephanie Dean (39:32)

Acknowledgments

This episode was produced by Nguyen Huang and JP Swenson, with additional production and music by Yoo Soo Kim. To support Rotary Voices, please rate the show five stars on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, and share it with your friends.

For more about Rotary International and how to get involved, visit Rotary.org.