Posted by Bob Hermann on Feb 09, 2026
I recently had the opportunity to attend the District 5150 Leadership Academy alongside fellow past presidents and Club leaders JT Forbus and Mary Liu. This inaugural Leadership Academy for our District, which was by invitation only from the current DG line, brought together 20 district leaders for an engaging two-day weekend focused on what it truly means to be an effective leader. The Academy emphasized understanding our individual leadership styles while strengthening our ability to work within highly effective teams. We explored practical and meaningful topics including conflict resolution, time management, mediation strategies, arbitration, facilitation, and much more. It was an experience that challenged us, energized us, and reminded us why leadership matters.
 

Another highlight of the Academy was the opportunity to engage with the Governors' line during a round-robin dinner. Leaders rotated from table to table, asking probing questions, sharing perspectives, and gaining valuable insights through open dialogue. These conversations strengthened relationships across the District and reinforced the importance of collaboration and communication in leadership.

One of the other special highlights was hearing from Sylvia Whitlock, an American humanitarian and educator, who was fascinating to hear from and learn from at the remarkable age of 90. Sylvia is known as the first woman to serve as a Rotary Club president in 1987 in Duarte, California, following the Supreme Court mandate that required the inclusion of women in the organization.

Overall, the first-ever District 5150 Leadership Academy was a powerful and inspiring experience — one that reaffirmed our commitment to grow as leaders and to serve with purpose and heart.

Bob Hermann, Mary Liu, DGE Yuhui Chen, JT Forbus, and Sylvia Whitlock