From TikTok to top job

PICTURED: Incoming District Governors Emma Davis (left), Evan Burrell and Jenn Wong are all under 45 years of age and ready to shake up Rotary leadership.

Three new gen governors are spinning the Rotary wheel their way.

In a refreshing and revealing conversation, we sat down with three of Rotary’s youngest and most dynamic district governors.

Incoming district governors Evan Burrell, 43 (District 9660, NSW), Emma Davis, 41 (District 9790, Vic & southern NSW), and Jenn Wong, 37 (District 9910, NZ) are proving that age is no barrier when it comes to leading with passion, purpose and a good dose of personality.

These trailblazers represent a new era of Rotary leadership: energetic, digitally savvy and unafraid to shake things up.

Their leadership style is collaborative, cheeky at times and deeply committed to service with impact. These three authentic changemakers are truly spinning the Rotary wheel their own way – and inviting others to hop on for the ride.

Here, they speak candidly about their unexpected paths to governorship, and how they’re infusing their districts with fresh ideas – from TikTok takeovers and creative club collaborations to grassroots projects that truly connect with their communities.

You’re under 45 and a Rotary District Governor – what inspired you to take on such a big leadership role at a relatively young age in Rotary terms?

Evan: Honestly? I’ve got three young kids, a full-time job and barely time to think… so why not add district governor to the mix [laughs]? But really, I’ve been part of the Rotary family since I was 18, starting out in Rotaract, so service and leadership have been in my blood for a very long time.

Taking on the role of district governor under the age of 45 might be seen as ‘young’ in Rotary terms, but to me, it felt like the right time. I’ve spent 26 years having fun in Rotary, building connections, taking selfies and using creativity and social media to modernise our message. I wanted to bring fresh energy to the role – to show younger members and future leaders that Rotary isn’t just for those with grey hair. Rotary can be exciting, inclusive and full of potential opportunities.

Plus, if not now, when? Rotary needs diverse voices and bold ideas now, not later.

Emma: Rotary leadership did not reflect our community. Seven years ago, I rang a governor elect and said, “The board is all old white men. What are you going to do about it?” He said, “You can help me”. I joined the district board. As a young woman, committed Rotarian and busy working millennial, I wanted our district leadership to reflect the community we serve – true diversity and inclusion. I’m aware ‘young’ is a term based on age, not on the years of dedicated service or extensive experience given I’ve been around Rotary for 26 years. I’ll be 41 as governor​, the youngest DG in our district and my state, and I’m proud of that achievement.

Jenn: I wanted to make a difference and challenge some of the common stigmas. I wanted to show that Rotary is still relevant in today’s world – and open to everyone. When I stepped into the DG role, I had a three-month-old baby, and he’s come to most of my Rotary events. It’s been amazing to see how welcoming the clubs have been to a first-time mum
and her baby!

What first drew you to Rotary, and what made you stick around long enough to end up running the whole district?

Evan: What first drew me to Rotary? Honestly, free food and the chance to find a girlfriend! I was 18, I went along to a Rotaract meeting in Manly, and I thought, “Hey, this looks fun and there are free snacks!” But what made me stay wasn’t the party pies or sausage rolls – well, the party pies were pretty good – it was the new people I met, the purpose and the potential to actually do something good in the world. Plus, as a bonus, I did meet a girl!

Over time, I realised Rotary gave me a platform not just to serve, but to grow as a leader, be creative, have fun and connect with people from all walks of life. I stuck around because it never stops inspiring me. And as for running the whole district? Oh boy! Well, let’s just say I couldn’t resist the challenge – and maybe the cool lapel pin.

Emma: I was approached for high school debating at 15. I was then privileged to be part of two great alumni programs, Rotary Youth Leadership Award (RYLA) and the Group Study Exchange program. I was so appreciative and​ got involved​ and joined in my 20s. Within weeks, I was on the club board, and I’ve served a diverse range of club, district and zone portfolios. The more you do, the better you feel… and the more you do. Everything I’ve done with Rotary is my way of paying it forward​.

Jenn: I’m a second-generation Rotarian – my dad has just completed 50 years of service, so I basically grew up with Rotary. When I started university, I had some free time and wanted to give back to my community.

I Googled ‘Rotaract’, found the Rotaract Club of Dunedin, joined… and the rest is history!

What bold, fresh goals do you hope to accomplish as DG – something that maybe previous governors didn’t dare try, or simply couldn’t crack?

Evan: As district governor, I really want to shake things up – in a good way! One bold goal of mine is to revolutionise how Rotary is seen by the public. I want to supercharge our public image and digital messaging with creativity, storytelling and social media in ways a DG hasn’t fully embraced before. It’s certainly something I’ve been trying to do for over a decade. I’ve got some amazing clubs doing some incredible work out there, but the world doesn’t always see it. I want to fix that.

I’m also focused on making Rotary simply irresistible to younger generations, especially younger families like mine, by modernising how we meet, how we engage and how we lead. That means more flexibility, more fun and less formality. Rotary can still have tradition and TikTok!

Emma: I’m a busy active Rotarian living in Melbourne with our district stretching up to Holbrook in southern NSW, over to Deniliquin and across to the mountains of Corryong and Mount Beauty. I’m intentionally balancing full-time work and the Rotary service aspects of my life to normalise the future of Rotary leadership. Governor visits in the traditional sense – having a meal and repeating an international president’s theme – is no longer valuable to members. My district’s clubs know I am going to be on the ground for their service activities and community engagement projects. I’m getting out and about and being part of their communities and the things that are important to them. We need to focus on service and celebrations, not meetings. It’s just different. Different is good.

Jenn: Well, showing up to club visits with a toddler definitely hasn’t been the norm [laughs]! I try to approach things differently and bring a fresh energy. I’ve had Rotarians at every club up and dancing – it’s about shaking things up and making Rotary feel inclusive and dynamic. I’m also encouraging clubs to embrace technology more – tools like Canva, AI and improving their social media presence. The ideas of yesterday might not appeal to the Rotarians of tomorrow, so we must continue to evolve to stay relevant!

Okay, real talk – did you take on the DG role for the chance to make a difference… or was it the irresistible combo of fancy name badges and the bling, being fawned over at club visits or being able to say ‘Past District Governor’ in your LinkedIn bio?

Evan: Look, I’d love to say I took on the DG role purely for noble reasons like making a difference and uniting for good, but let’s be honest… have you seen the bling [laughs]? I mean, who doesn’t want a fancy name badge to wear 24/7 and have an excuse to update their bio across every social media platform? But in all seriousness, I did it because I do care deeply about Rotary’s future and the role I play in it, plus the chance to make some change and hopefully make a difference too.

Emma: I will admit that wearing a Rotary badge and showing the world that I’m a proud Rotarian is important to me, but that can also be done in a practical way. I’m proud to have been involved in district leadership for the past seven years; as assistant governor for three, and then nominee designate, nominee, elect and now governor. It’s not the title that’s important, it’s what the role represents, the connector between member, club, community, district, zone and Rotary International. I’ve had many celebrations to be proud of and challenges that I’ve supported for our People of Action in District 9790.

Jenn: [laughs] Definitely the LinkedIn title! But the funny thing is, most people in my professional network don’t actually know what a district governor is – or even what Rotary really does. That’s part of what drives me: I want to change that narrative. I want to show that Rotary is for everyone and, yes – kids are welcome too!