Rotary District 7030 has officially announced the appointment of Soraya A.J. Warner-Gustave as the District Governor for the 2025–2026 Rotary year, marking a historic milestone as she becomes the first woman from St Lucia to assume this prestigious role.
A press release from the District explained that it encompasses 77 Rotary Clubs and more than 2,400 members spread across 17 countries and territories in the Eastern Caribbean, mainland South America, and the ABC Islands.
A committed member of Rotary since 2010, the media statement said that District Governor Soraya has participated in various leadership capacities including serving as President of the Rotary Club of Saint Lucia, District Secretary, and Chair of the District Interact committee. Her leadership achievements include guiding the Saint Lucia club to receive the District Club of the Year award and recognition for the largest membership increase in 2019. It also shares that she is particularly recognized for her enthusiasm for Interact and her dedication to fostering Rotary’s youth initiatives.
During her tenure, Saint Lucia will host the notable 2026 Rotary District 7030 Conference, scheduled from April 22 to 25, 2026. This event is expected to attract around 500 Rotarians from the region.
Aligned with Rotary’s emphasis on youth development and education, one of the key initiatives during her governorship will reportedly be the Future Empowered| Youth in Focus Project. As a flagship regional project, it aims to support vulnerable youth through educational and mentorship programs. The initiative seeks to address issues such as poverty and crime by providing skills training, vocational opportunities, mentorship, and access to digital and academic resources—empowering young people to forge sustainable futures.
Additional programs, including after-school tutoring, life skills development, and outreach to rural literacy programs, are planned to create meaningful impact throughout the district.
According to the statement, Soraya A.J. Warner-Gustave has worked with CIBC Caribbean and is currently with Sygnus Capital, a leading alternative investment firm in the Caribbean.
She is a multiple Paul Harris Fellow and participates actively in Rotary Foundation programs, including the Paul Harris Society and PolioPlus Society.
District 7030 stated that this appointment exemplifies “its unwavering commitment to diversity, to youth empowerment, and regional collaboration.”
This article headline is incorrect. First st Lucian female is not the same as first female to hold the post. Females have held the post from other Caribbean countries including last year from Trinidad.
ADMIN: Thank you for pointing that out.
We have made the correction.