The first woman Rotary President was Sylvia Whitlock. As an American advocate, trailblazer, and humanitarian for women, she was the first to serve as president of the Rotary Club of Duarte in 1987. In 1989, the Council on Legislation votes to eliminate the requirement in the Rotary International Constitution that membership in Rotary clubs be limited to men, which opened the door for women to become Rotary members.
On October, 2021, Jennifer E. Jones became president-nominee, the first women to be nominated to be Rotary International President. She served as RI President from 2022-2023.
Today, many women are active in Rotary. Our Rockland Rotary Club has women who are committed to serving their communities and who actively take part in leadership positions.