In 1987, Rotary International welcomed women as official members—and Rotary has never been the same since.
That decision sparked a new era of energy, ideas, and leadership that continues to inspire generations of change-makers. Today, women are essential to the fabric of Rotary, playing vital roles from local service projects all the way to global leadership.
👩🎓👩💼👩🍳👩🔧👩⚕️👩🏫 Women in Rotary are community advocates, entrepreneurs, innovators, mentors, and problem-solvers. They are club presidents and scholarship recipients, engineers and educators. And, in 2022, Rotary International reached a historic milestone: the election of its first woman president, Jennifer E. Jones.
💬 “The door opened in 1987. Thousands of women walked through it. The world is better for it.”
Women have helped shape Rotary into a more inclusive, responsive, and forward-thinking organization. Their presence has expanded our reach, deepened our compassion, and elevated our service.
More than just welcoming women into membership, Rotary has made it a point to move women to the forefront of its mission.
💼 Leading the Way: Jennifer E. Jones, Rotary International President
A shining example of women’s leadership in action is Jennifer E. Jones. In 2022–2023, she became the first woman to serve as President of Rotary International. A proud member of the Rotary Club of Windsor-Roseland in Ontario, Canada, Jones brought decades of leadership, creativity, and heart to the role rotary7070.org.
Jones believes leadership should reflect the diversity of the people we serve—and she’s walked the talk. Her presidency championed the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), urging clubs around the globe to welcome more women and younger members.
“I believe that diversity, equity, and inclusion … begins at the top,” Jones said. “For us to realize growth in female membership and members under 40, these demographics need to see their own reflection in leadership” rotary.org.
Her global “Imagine Rotary” tour connected her with Rotary clubs in dozens of countries, elevating stories of local impact, fostering partnerships with Indigenous communities, and planting symbols of hope—like her 40 magnolia trees in Canada rotary.org.
🌟 Local Impact, Global Legacy
Right here in Murfreesboro, women have been the driving force behind some of our most successful projects—from leading our Boro BBQ Fest to launching new service initiatives that support families, veterans, children, and schools.
Women in our club currently serve as committee chairs, officers, mentors, and event organizers. They generously give their time and talents and model what “Service Above Self” truly looks like in action.
💙 Standing Together
As we reflect on the growth of women in Rotary, we celebrate not just the moment change happened—but what it made possible. The impact is undeniable. The opportunities are limitless.
To all the women of Rotary—thank you. We see you. We honor you. And we’re proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with you as we shape the future, together.
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