Rotaract Europe ERIC Awards Committee 2023-2024
The ERIC Awards Committee for 2023-2024, comprised of seasoned Rotaract leaders from around the world, was dedicated to recognizing the best Rotaract European Projects. With a diverse range of experiences and achievements, this committee focused on identifying innovative and impactful initiatives. Their goal was to celebrate the exceptional work of Rotaract clubs in addressing community challenges and fostering international cooperation. Through their thorough evaluation process, the committee aimed to highlight projects that exemplify the core values of Rotaract and Rotary.
Paulina Fuentes, from Argentina, became involved with Rotary in 2018 through the Rotary youth exchange program. After her exchange, she transitioned to Rotaract, serving as vice president in 2021-2022, president in 2022-2023, and currently holds positions as vice president and past president within her club. Additionally, she actively participates in various committees at both the club and district levels, including public relations, international, community service, finance, and as an instructor. One of her most notable achievements includes significantly increasing her club’s membership from one person to fourteen. Another milestone was receiving recognition at the Rotary district conference for her exemplary service as club president, earning a Paul Harris Fellow award from the representative of the president of Rotary International.
Mohamed Shalaby, hailing from Egypt, has been actively engaged with Rotary for over 11 years. He began his journey in 2013 as an Interactor with the Interact Marine Star club .In 2018-2019, he served as President of the Rotaract Club of Alexandria Marine. Over the years, Mohamed has held various roles within Rotaract, including Sergeant at Arms and International Service Coordinator for Rotaract Mediterranean. He also served as Vice President for Rotaract Mediterranean in 2021-2022, doubling as the International Understanding Coordinator for District 2451 and representing the Middle East for Rotary International. In recognition of his dedication and leadership, he was appointed President of Rotaract Mediterranean for the term 2023-2024, marking a significant milestone in his Rotary journey.
Patrick Hanrahan, from the United States of America, has been actively engaged in Rotary for several years. He served as Treasurer for the Rotaract Club of Milwaukee for three years before joining the Austin Cosmopolitan Rotary Club, where he contributed to the Service Committee for a year. Patrick has served the community as the Finance Director for the Ascension Rotaract Network MDIO, showcasing his commitment to financial management within the organization. His most significant achievement in Rotaract includes chartering a new Rotaract Club, integrating it into the Ascension Rotaract Network MDIO, and playing a key role in planning its inaugural annual conference.
Javier Gamboa Viquez from Costa Rica has been actively involved in Rotaract for several years. He has been in every role of the board of directors of his club. Also, he has been part of the coordination for international trips in Costa Rica and the assistant to the Rotaract district representative 4240 for Costa Rica. Currently, he is the new generations advisor to the current governor. His most significant achievement in Rotaract was creating a project in 2018 to aid refugees from the civil unrest in Nicaragua. Many of these refugees, primarily students and youth, later joined the Rotaract program in Costa Rica.
Elise Nassif from Lebanon is actively engaged in Rotaract, currently serving as the Vice District Rotaract Representative (VDRR) of District 2452. She hails from the Sahel Metn club. Elise’s notable accomplishment includes being selected for the prestigious Rotary Peace Fellowship.
Emil Moawad from Lebanon has dedicated nearly two decades to the Rotary family, commencing his journey as the Founding President of his Interact Club at the age of 14. Progressing to Rotaract, he assumed leadership roles including Club President at 18, subsequently serving on national and district levels. Emil’s notable contributions include establishing and revitalizing nine clubs in Lebanon, culminating in his election as District Rotaract Representative (DRR) for the 2015-2016 term. Transitioning to Rotary, he assumed various youth-focused roles and was elected President of his Rotary club for the 2024-2025 term. Among his significant achievements are organizing MEDICON 2016, founding the Rotaract Academy for District 2452, and overseeing a $1 million water filtration project benefiting 1300 schools in Lebanon, in collaboration with Rotary and Rotaract clubs.
Derrick Kabuye from Uganda has been actively involved in Rotaract for five years, holding various leadership positions including roles in public image committees and international service projects at both district and club levels. Notable among his achievements is mobilizing over $15,000 for the Nyakijumba Educate A Community Project initiated by the Rotaract Club of Kampala South.
Taylor Huie from the United States of America is the Executive Director of the Ascension Rotaract Network MDIO. She is member of the Rotary Club of Kalamazoo and the Rotaract Club of Kalamazoo in the United States. She has been actively involved, primarily focusing on supporting and amplifying the voices of young leaders in Zones 28 through 34 (eastern USA & Caribbean) through her work with Ascension Rotaract Network MDIO. Her most significant achievement in Rotary and Rotaract is building a foundation of support for young leaders within this region.
Shazmeen Khan, from India, is the current president of Rotaract Club of Churchgate RID 3141. Over the past three years, she has been heavily involved in Rotaract, previously serving as the vice president in her previous club. Shazmeen’s journey with Rotaract has been transformative, helping her grow from a shy individual into a confident and assertive leader, comfortable with public speaking and dedicated to community service. Among her notable achievements are being recognized as the best general body member in her first year and the best core team member in her second year. She has also very active in her zone, highlighting her commitment and contributions to Rotary and Rotaract.
Desmond Ikedim from Nigeria is an active member of the Rotaract Club of Lekki Phase One. His involvement in Rotaract spans several roles, including Membership Chair in 2019, Project Chair in 2022, TRF Chair in 2023, and President Elect in 2024. His most significant achievement lies in organizing the feeding and clothing of 1000 needy individuals within a five-day planning period, showcasing his leadership, organizational skills, and dedication to community service.
Shauna Loganathan from Australia is an active member of the Hills Rotaract Club, with extensive involvement in Rotaract. She has served as District Rotaract Representative (DRR) for four consecutive years from 2022 to 2025. Additionally, Shauna has held the position of Events Director from 2018 to 2024 and has been involved in various committees such as the D9685 Domestic Violence Committee and the D9685 Membership Committee. Her most significant achievement includes winning the RYLA (Rotary Youth Leadership Awards) award consistently over the past five years. Furthermore, she had the opportunity to meet notable Rotary figures like Gordon McInally, Jennifer Jones, and Barry Rassin.
Constance Jaiyeola from Nigeria has been actively engaged in Rotaract since joining the Rotaract Club of Ikoyi in 2009. Her journey has been marked by notable achievements, including serving as a Past District Rotaract Representative and currently holding the prestigious position of President of Rotaract Africa MDIO. Her leadership and dedication have made a significant impact within the Rotary community.
