Rotary International awarded Mayan Raslan the 2025–2026 Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award, one of the prestigious global honors recognizing women leaders. The award, presented annually to only one female Rotary member worldwide, celebrates exceptional commitment to advancing women’s leadership within Rotary and beyond.
Raslan’s selection places her in a historic position: she is the first woman from Rotary Zone 22 (Africa) to receive the Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award, marking a significant milestone for African representation in global service leadership.
A Global Recognition for Women’s Leadership
Announced this week, the honor reflects Raslan’s sustained efforts in mentorship, inclusive leadership, and service-driven impact. Rotary International cited her work in empowering women, strengthening community leadership, and advancing gender equity across Rotary initiatives.
“This recognition is both humbling and energizing,” Raslan said in a statement. “It reinforces my commitment to serve, empower, and lead with purpose.”
The Sylvia Whitlock Leadership Award is widely regarded as one of Rotary’s highest distinctions for women. It underscores not only individual excellence but also the broader movement toward equality and representation within one of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations.
The Legacy of Sylvia Whitlock
The award bears the name of Sylvia Whitlock, a transformative figure in Rotary history. Whitlock became Rotary’s first female club president after successfully challenging the organization’s long-standing exclusion of women. In 1985, her club’s landmark victory before the U.S. Supreme Court forced Rotary International to open its membership to women—an inflection point that reshaped the organization globally.
Whitlock’s leadership paved the way for millions of women to serve as Rotarians, leaders, and changemakers. Today, her legacy lives on through leaders like Raslan, whose work continues to expand opportunities for women worldwide.
A Milestone for Africa and Rotary International
Raslan’s achievement is being celebrated across Rotary districts in Africa, where her recognition is seen as a breakthrough moment for women leaders in the region. Rotary officials note that her selection reflects both personal excellence and the growing global impact of African women in service leadership.
As Rotary International looks toward the 2025–2026 year, Raslan’s award sends a clear message: leadership rooted in inclusion, courage, and service continues to define the organization’s future.
Creating Lasting Change
Accepting the award, Raslan emphasized that the honor represents not an endpoint, but a renewed responsibility.
“I accept this recognition with gratitude and a deeper commitment to lead with integrity, empower others, and create lasting change,” she said.
With this historic recognition, Mayan Raslan joins a select group of global leaders whose work is shaping a more inclusive and equitable future—within Rotary International and far beyond it.
