While women now play vital roles across Rotary worldwide, serving in leadership positions and driving impact, that wasn’t always the case. It took decades of advocacy, persistence, and courage to open Rotary’s doors.
In 1989, Rotary International made a historic decision to officially welcome women into clubs worldwide, a defining moment that changed the future of our organization. As Frank Devlyn said at the time, “Rotary has to adapt itself to a changing world.”
And adapt we did.
From just over 20,000 women members in 1990
to more than 277,000 women worldwide today
The impact has been extraordinary.
💙 Women are leading clubs
💛 Driving service and impact
💙 Championing community and global projects
💛 And in 2022, Rotary reached a milestone when Jennifer Jones became the first female Rotary International President
Here in Perrysburg, we are proud to be part of that story.
Since welcoming women into Rotary, our club has been guided by exceptional female presidents who helped shape our club’s legacy:
• Karen Eckel (2004–2005)
• Julie Roberts (2011–2012)
• Jennifer Fehnrich (2015–2016)
• Alison Frye (2018–2019)
• Tami Wise (2020–2021)
• Lorena Gloden (2021–2022)
• Sherina Ohanian (2023–2024)
And we are excited to continue that legacy as we welcome our next female President, Hallie Nagel (2026–2027), who will begin her term on July 1st.
Rotary believes our strength grows when we reflect the communities we serve. Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just values we celebrate. They are essential to the work we do.
To the women of Rotary past, present, and future thank you for your leadership, your vision, and your service.
You are helping Rotary unite for good every single day.