By Mayan Raslan, Rotary Club of Cairo Royal, Egypt
When I received the Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award in March, I felt deeply honored. But more than celebrating a personal achievement, I saw it as a reminder of something much bigger: the responsibility to continue opening doors for women in Rotary.
This award carries the name of Sylvia Whitlock, the first woman to serve as a Rotary club president. Her courage changed Rotary forever. Receiving an award in her name is both humbling and inspiring because it reminds me that every step forward begins with someone willing to lead.
Rotary changed my life
Rotary has given me far more than opportunities to serve. It has shaped the way I see leadership.
Over the years, I have had the privilege of serving in many Rotary roles, including as district governor, district Rotary Foundation chair, Rotary public image coordinator, RI presidential representative, a facilitator for governors-elect and presidents-elect learning seminars, Zone Action Plan Champion, and chair of the National PolioPlus Committee in Egypt.
Every role taught me that leadership is not about titles. It is about bringing people together, building trust, and creating opportunities for others to succeed.
Through Rotary, I have met extraordinary people from every corner of the world. Despite our different cultures and backgrounds, we share one purpose: making our communities stronger through service.
That global fellowship has become one of the greatest gifts Rotary has given me.
Why women matter
One of the causes closest to my heart has always been advancing women in Rotary.
When I became district governor, I wanted more women to see themselves as leaders. We established our district’s first Women Empowerment Committee and encouraged women to take on meaningful leadership roles. During my year as governor, women’s membership grew significantly, and many women accepted responsibilities they had never imagined for themselves.
Later, while serving as a Rotary public image coordinator, I continued encouraging district governors to appoint more women as assistant governors and committee leaders. Every new appointment created another role model for future generations.
I have learned that when women are given opportunities to lead, Rotary becomes stronger, more diverse, and better able to serve our communities.
An award that renews my commitment
Receiving the Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award doesn’t mark the end of a journey for me but rather it has renewed my determination and reminded me that there is still important work ahead.
I want to continue mentoring women leaders, encouraging young professionals to discover Rotary, and helping create an environment where talent, commitment, and service are the only qualifications needed to lead.
Leadership is not about being the first. It is about making sure you are not the last.
If my Rotary journey has taught me anything, it is that empowering one woman creates opportunities for many others.
Looking ahead
Rotary’s greatest strength has always been its people.
Every member has the ability to encourage someone, mentor a future leader, or create an opportunity that changes another person’s life. Small actions often create lasting impact.
I hope my story encourages others to believe in the power of inclusive leadership and to help more women discover their own potential within Rotary.
What has Rotary inspired you to do? I would love to hear your story. Please share it in the comments section below. Let’s continue building a Rotary where every leader has the opportunity to serve, inspire, and make a difference.
Mayan Raslan received the Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award in 2025-26. Read about other recipients by visiting the gallery. You can nominate someone you know who is advancing women in Rotary during the month of August.
https://blog.rotary.org/2026/07/23/one-award-many-more-women-to-inspire/