The Rotary Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor is highlighting the role of women in the organization. It says women have increasingly played a critical role in carrying out the Rotary’s mission. The Rotary told us more:

On July 8th, the Rotary Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor swore in Jennifer Cole of St Joseph as its new president for the 2024-2025 year. Cole’s presidency ushers in another year of strong female leadership. Rotary of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor honored Cathy Kreter’s last day of presidency by collecting and donating stuffed animals for the Children’s Advocacy Center, a cause dear to her heart.

Since Rotary’s founding in 1905, strides have been made to include women in its membership, and usher in new opportunities for female leadership. Up until 1989, Rotary International did not permit women to become members. In 1989, the vote was cast by the Rotary International board to include women in the club, and Rotary has since continued to make strides towards diversity, equity, and inclusion.

The St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Rotary was chartered in 1918 and in 1995, and Donna Probasco became the first female president of the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Rotary. Since then, the club has seen 10 more women complete their presidency, including Lynn Kellogg (1995), Char Wenham (2002), Christine VanLandingham (2005), Nanette Keiser (2008), Jackie Huie (2012), Maria Kibler (2014), Wendy Edwards (2018), Brandi Smith (2019), Lisa Cripps-Downey (2022), and Cathy Kreter (2023). With the ascension of Jennifer Cole into the presidency, Renee Borah became the President Elect to serve next year, and President Nominee Jennifer Zerrenner the year after, making five straight years of female leadership by 2026.

The St. Joseph-Benton Harbor club is proud to have produced its strong leadership, especially in Jackie Huie, past president who will become the first member from St. Joseph-Benton Harbor to serve as District Governor for District 6360 next year.

Meanwhile, the Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary Club has also seen its share of female leadership, and swore in Becky Foster as its president for this year.

Women have always been an integral part of the Benton Harbor Sunrise Rotary club. Established in 1991, the club has had eight women presidents, including the four previous presidents; Julie Webb, Felicia Smith, Cindy Kinney (for her second time), and Becky Foster. Previous women presidents are: Alice Ford, Sarah Stocker, Patrice Grant and Fern Hollingshead. Every president at Rotary, including at the International level, are in office for one, busy year. Currently serving as Rotary International President, is Stephanie Urchick of Pennsylvania.

Photo: Rotary Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor presidential line. From Left to Right is Jennifer Zerrenner-President Nominee, Renee Borah-President Elect, Jennifer Cole-President, and Cathy Kreter-Immediate Past President