Our Mission in Action

The Rotary Global Women Forum team translates vision into reality by working at the critical intersection of leadership, service, and innovation. We empower women through tangible programs and strategic global discourse.

Curating Global Panels

Designing high-impact discussions that spotlight women's roles in technological governance and ethical innovation.

Building Strategic Partnerships

Connecting international leaders to foster collaborative ecosystems that drive service-oriented progress.

Mentoring Emerging Leaders

Providing mentorship and professional pathways for the next generation of women champions in service.

Innovative Service Tracks

Developing unique frameworks for community impact that leverage modern innovation to solve age-old global challenges.

Our Team

Meet the dedicated group of women and allies behind the Rotary Global Women Forum. Together, we are committed to building a platform that empowers leaders at the intersection of service and technology.

Rio Phior

Founder, Branding for Humanity

Creative Director for 150 Nonprofits,

Entertainment Brand Leader

Devrim Wellman

Emmy-award-winning Editor & Producer,

Documentary & Unscripted Genre

Member, Laguna Niguel Rotary Club, U.S.

Tatiana Shabelnik

International Fashion Designer,

Creative Visionary & Community Leader
past president, pico rivera rotary club, u.s.

Member, Laguna Niguel Rotary Club, U.S.

Ben Pasco

Award-Winning Softball Coach & Youth Leadership Advisor
Member, Laguna Niguel Rotary Club, U.S.

Kristin Epperson

CEO OF CHARITY MATTERS
ASSISTANT GOVERNOR, ROTARY DISTRICT 5320
past president & Member, Laguna Niguel Rotary Club, U.S.

Alexander Bezberdy

Global Business Leader | Former Deloitte | Board Member | Charter President of Rotary Club & National ICC Coordinator
Member, Minsk Rotary Club, Belarus

Kurt Stout

President-Elect, Laguna Niguel Rotary Club, U.S.

Kristina Yalanskaya

Environment & Quality Manager AT NORDISKPAPPER
past president & Member, Minsk Rotary Club, Belarus

Lance Powell

Retail Sales Manager at Planet Home Lending
PRESIDENT, LAGUNA NIGUEL ROTARY CLUB, U.S.

Neeta Merchant

FOUNDER OF NEETA MERCHANT WELLNESS, MEMBER, SUICIDE PREVENTION AND BRAIN HEALTH ROTARY CLUB

Rotary International Leadership
forum Advisors

Dr. Stephanie Urchick

Rotary International President 2024-25
Trustee 2025-29
Rotary Club of McMurra, Pennsylvania, USA

Stephanie Urchick is a member of the Rotary Club of McMurray,
Pennsylvania, USA. She served Rotary as International President in 2024-2025 and is currently a member of The Rotary Foundation Board of Trustees. Best known for her role in RI’s strategic planning process, Stephanie helped bring the Action Plan to the club level and continues to focus on membership growth, peace building, blending tradition and innovation, and the eradication of polio.

Stephanie has also served as a Rotary Director, Regional Foundation Coordinator, IA Training Facilitator, Council on Legislation Representative, President’s Representative and on many International, Zone, and District committees.

Her professional background is in the higher education, consulting, and entertainment industries. Stephanie received her doctorate degree in Leadership Studies from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has been recognized and awarded by The Rotary Foundation and numerous community and international organizations.

Ann-Britt Åsebol

ROTARY INTERNATIONAL Trustee 2024-28
Rotary Club of Falun-Kopparvågen
Sweden

Ann-Britt Åsebol retired from Sweden’s parliament in 2022 after several terms representing Dalarna County. She served on parliamentary committees, including Constitution and Education. Before entering politics, she was a teacher, principal and teacher trainer, later founding a private secondary school and serving as its CEO. She holds a master’s degree in Swedish and history from Uppsala University.

Åsebol joined Rotary in 1993 as her club’s first female member. Her leadership roles have included RI director, president’s representative, regional membership coordinator, Rotary Foundation coordinator and chair or vice chair of RI committees, including Rotary Peace Centers. Her international service includes supporting children in St. Petersburg, bringing clean water to a Nepalese hospital, leading projects in the Baltic states and Ukraine, and assisting Ukrainian refugees in Sweden.

A Rotary Foundation Benefactor and Major Donor, she has received the Citation for Meritorious Service.