Patricia is a symbol of Rotary’s transforming commitment to diversity and inclusion. Women join the senior leadership ranks. It has been a process, not an event.
Consider some of the journey’s highlights:
1987 On 4 May, the U.S. Supreme Court rules that Rotary clubs may not exclude women from membership on the basis of gender. Rotary issues a policy statement that any Rotary club in the United States can admit qualified women into membership.
Sylvia Whitlock, of the Rotary Club of Duarte, California, becomes the first female Rotary club president.
1989 At its first meeting after the 1987 U.S. Supreme Court decision, the Council on Legislation votes to eliminate the requirement in the RI Constitution that membership in Rotary clubs be limited to men. Women are welcomed into Rotary clubs around the world.
2005 Carolyn E. Jones begins her term as the first woman appointed as trustee of The Rotary Foundation.
2008 Catherine Noyer-Riveau begins her term as the first woman elected to the RI Board of Directors.
2013 Anne L. Matthews begins her term as the first woman to serve as RI vice president.
2020 In October, Jennifer E. Jones becomes president-nominee, the first woman to be nominated to be Rotary International President. Her term as president will begin on 1 July 2022.
Lest we forget,
“Who you are surrounded by often determines who you become.”
– Vicky Saunders (Founder, SheEO)
Click below and hear Patricia’s vision for District 7610 next year.
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Until next time, remember,-
You are not alone.
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You are not your circumstances.
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You have everything within you to live a purpose-filled life.