DG Lisa's Corner July 2026
Happy New Rotary Year!
What an incredible way to begin our year together! Just a few days after officially becoming your District Governor, I had the honor of throwing out the first pitch at our District Changeover celebration at the Rochester Red Wings game. Seeing Rotarians from across District 7120 gathered together, celebrating friendships, welcoming new leaders, and sharing their enthusiasm for Rotary reminded me why I am so excited for the year ahead.
This year, Rotary International President Yinka Babalola has challenged us to Create Lasting Impact.
It's a simple phrase, but one that speaks directly to what Rotary does best.
I've witnessed that impact firsthand. Many years ago, my daughter Tiffany attended Camp Haccamo and Camp Sunshine, two of the camps supported by Rotarians throughout our district. Tiffany faced significant physical and developmental challenges throughout her short life, and those experiences meant the world to her and to our family. The volunteers who gave their time may never have known the difference they made, but their kindness created memories that still inspire me today.
That's Rotary…
We don't always see the full impact of our efforts. We may never know how a scholarship changed a student's future, how a service project strengthened a community, or how a simple act of kindness encouraged someone who needed it most. Yet those moments matter. They create lasting impact.
As your District Governor, one of my hopes for this year is that more Rotarians will discover opportunities beyond their own clubs. Whether it's supporting one of our youth programs, volunteering at a district event, serving on a committee, participating in a Rotary Friendship Exchange, or mentoring a newer member, there is a place for everyone to make a difference.
I'm especially excited about helping newer and younger members become involved and develop as leaders. The future of Rotary isn't something waiting in the distance, it's already sitting beside us at our meetings.
Over the next few months, I'll be visiting clubs and making area visits throughout the district. I look forward to hearing your stories, learning about your projects, and celebrating the many ways you are making a difference in your communities.
Thank you for all you do. Together, let's create lasting impact for our clubs, our communities, and the people whose lives we may never even realize we've changed. I can't wait to see what we'll accomplish together this year!
This year, Rotary International President Yinka Babalola has challenged us to Create Lasting Impact.
It's a simple phrase, but one that speaks directly to what Rotary does best.
I've witnessed that impact firsthand. Many years ago, my daughter Tiffany attended Camp Haccamo and Camp Sunshine, two of the camps supported by Rotarians throughout our district. Tiffany faced significant physical and developmental challenges throughout her short life, and those experiences meant the world to her and to our family. The volunteers who gave their time may never have known the difference they made, but their kindness created memories that still inspire me today.
That's Rotary…
We don't always see the full impact of our efforts. We may never know how a scholarship changed a student's future, how a service project strengthened a community, or how a simple act of kindness encouraged someone who needed it most. Yet those moments matter. They create lasting impact.
As your District Governor, one of my hopes for this year is that more Rotarians will discover opportunities beyond their own clubs. Whether it's supporting one of our youth programs, volunteering at a district event, serving on a committee, participating in a Rotary Friendship Exchange, or mentoring a newer member, there is a place for everyone to make a difference.
I'm especially excited about helping newer and younger members become involved and develop as leaders. The future of Rotary isn't something waiting in the distance, it's already sitting beside us at our meetings.
Over the next few months, I'll be visiting clubs and making area visits throughout the district. I look forward to hearing your stories, learning about your projects, and celebrating the many ways you are making a difference in your communities.
Thank you for all you do. Together, let's create lasting impact for our clubs, our communities, and the people whose lives we may never even realize we've changed. I can't wait to see what we'll accomplish together this year!
Yours in Rotary,
Lisa Norwood
Rotary District 7120
District Governor 2026-27
