Guyanese Dr. Kimberly Manbodh assumes leadership of Rotaract District 7030

Guyana continues to make its mark on the regional stage as Dr. Kimberly Manbodh, PHF, officially assumed office on July 1, 2026, as the District Rotaract Representative (DRR) for Rotaract District 7030.

Her appointment is a historic milestone, making her the 40th District Rotaract Representative in the district’s history and only the fifth Guyanese to hold the organization’s highest elected leadership position. Over the next year, Dr. Manbodh will lead more than 1,000 Rotaractors across 47 clubs spanning 17 countries and territories throughout the Caribbean.

A medical doctor, community advocate, entrepreneur, wife and mother, Dr. Manbodh is no stranger to service. She is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Cysterhood Support Guyana, an organization dedicated to supporting women living with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and Polyendocrine Metabolic Syndrome (PMOS). She also manages two small businesses and has been recognized nationally as one of Guyana’s 25 Influential Women Leaders.

Within Rotary, she has distinguished herself through years of dedicated service, culminating in one of the movement’s highest recognitions—the prestigious Paul Harris Fellow (PHF), awarded by the Rotary Club of Garden City. Throughout her Rotaract journey, she has served in numerous leadership capacities, including Vice President, Director, Assistant District Rotaract Representative (ADRR), Lead Assistant District Rotaract Representative (LADRR), District Rewards and Recognition Officer, Conference Chair for the 2024 Rotaract District Conference hosted in Guyana, and twice as President of the Rotaract Club of Georgetown, the oldest of Guyana’s six Rotaract clubs.

Reflecting on her appointment, Dr. Manbodh described the role as both an honour and a profound responsibility.

“Becoming District Rotaract Representative means that beyond what I know about myself, others have trusted me to lead them at a much larger level. It reminds me that hard work, consistency and service never go unnoticed. Sometimes the reward for serving well is simply being entrusted with even greater responsibility.”

Her journey with Rotaract began in 2018 after being inspired by a colleague whose leadership and personal growth had been shaped through the organization.

“I wanted to be part of something that was bigger than myself,” she explained. “Rotaract gave me that opportunity and completely transformed the way I lead, serve and view community.”

Today, nearly a decade later, she credits Rotaract with teaching her resilience, consistency and servant leadership.

“Rotaract has taught me that even during difficult seasons, you must continue to show up. Leadership isn’t always comfortable. Sometimes you have to have difficult conversations and choose unity over ego.”

More than Community Service

Although many people associate Rotaract solely with volunteer projects, the organization is far more than that.

Rotaract is the global service organization for adults aged 18 and older and forms part of Rotary International, one of the world’s largest humanitarian service organizations. Rotaractors develop professional skills, undertake impactful community and international service projects, build lifelong friendships and promote peace and understanding through leadership and collaboration.

Members lead initiatives addressing issues such as education, health, environmental sustainability, youth empowerment, disaster preparedness, economic development and peacebuilding while simultaneously developing skills in communication, project management, public speaking, financial stewardship and governance.

“Rotaract prepares you for the real world,” Dr. Manbodh said. “It provides leadership opportunities and practical life skills that many people spend years trying to acquire professionally. It is an established, trusted organization where service and leadership grow together.”

Leading One of Rotary’s Most Diverse Districts

District 7030 is among Rotary’s most culturally diverse districts, stretching from the ABC Islands in the southern Caribbean to French Guiana on the South American mainland. The district comprises 17 countries and territories, 47 Rotaract clubs and more than 1,000 members, representing a remarkable blend of cultures, languages and traditions.

With English, French, Dutch and Papiamento spoken throughout the district, fostering inclusion across geographical and linguistic boundaries will be one of Dr. Manbodh’s greatest priorities.

“Our diversity is one of our greatest strengths,” she said. “While languages and cultures may differ, service remains a language we all understand. My goal is to ensure every club feels included, valued and connected.”

As District Rotaract Representative, Dr. Manbodh serves as the highest-ranking elected Rotaract leader within District 7030. She is responsible for providing strategic leadership to the district, supporting and mentoring club leaders, coordinating district-wide initiatives, strengthening membership growth, overseeing district committees, representing Rotaract at regional and international forums, and planning the annual District Conference, which will be hosted in Grenada in 2027.

Her calendar will include regular meetings with district officers, leadership development programmes, club support, regional collaboration and official visits throughout the district.

“Becoming One”

For the 2026–2027 Rotary year, Dr. Manbodh has chosen the theme “Becoming One.”

Interestingly, it is not a new theme but one deeply rooted in her own leadership journey.

She first introduced “Becoming One” during her presidency in 2021/2022 of the Rotaract Club of Georgetown amid the COVID-19 pandemic, when collaboration across countries helped clubs continue serving despite unprecedented challenges.

“COVID reminded us that oceans, borders and languages could not stop service. Clubs came together when it mattered most. I want our district to embrace that same spirit—that regardless of where we live, we are one family working toward one common purpose.”

Through collaborative district initiatives, she hopes clubs will partner more frequently across countries while strengthening relationships with EarlyAct, Interact, Rotaract and Rotary clubs and local communities.

Vision for District 7030

Among Dr. Manbodh’s priorities for the coming year are increasing district membership, establishing at least five new Rotaract clubs, strengthening collaboration across the Rotary family—from EarlyAct through Rotary—and positioning District 7030 as a model district throughout Rotary International.

She also hopes her leadership will inspire more young people to step into leadership roles.

“I want people to realise that irrespective of where you come from, you are capable of becoming someone exceptional. If, by the end of my term, one person feels inspired to serve their community or take on a leadership role because they saw what was possible, then I would consider that a success.”

A Win for Guyana

For Dr. Manbodh, this appointment extends beyond personal achievement.

“It is a moment that Guyana should be proud of,” she said. “I have had the privilege of representing Guyana internationally before, but serving as District Rotaract Representative is an opportunity to showcase the leadership, innovation and potential of our young people throughout the Caribbean. As our country continues to grow, we also have a responsibility to contribute to regional development, youth empowerment and meaningful partnerships.”

She believes Rotaract can play an important role in addressing issues affecting young people, including cyberbullying, violence, unhealthy lifestyles, mental health awareness and period poverty.

A Message to Young People

Despite an impressive list of accomplishments, Dr. Manbodh remains remarkably grounded.

“I often joke by saying, ‘I’m just a girl,’” she laughed. “When I hear my biography read, I sometimes struggle to believe it myself. There was a time when I was simply trying to find my place, overcome challenges and pursue my professional dreams. If my journey encourages someone else to believe in themselves, then every sacrifice has been worthwhile.”

Her message to young Guyanese is simple: “If you want to see change, you must first become the change. Never think you’re too young, too inexperienced or not ready. Leadership begins with showing up.”

And perhaps the philosophy she hopes will define her year of service is captured in the words she lives by: “Pray without ceasing.. Be willing to leap forward—and whatever you do, don’t see yourself as a failure.”