Edge of Tomorrow
Jul 09, 2021
Sylvia Whitlock
Edge of Tomorrow

Sylvia Whitlock was born in New York City and educated through high school in Kingston, Jamaica.  She has the distinction of being the First Woman President worldwide in Rotary International, and also served as the District Governor, 2012-2013.

She has the following degrees:

  • International baccalaureate from Cambridge University, England
  • B.A. Psychology – Hunter College of the City University of New York
  • M.A. – Education, Cal Poly, Pomona
  • PH. D. Education – Claremont Graduate School
  • M.A. Marriage and Family Therapy – Azusa Pacific University
  • California State Teaching and Administrative Credentials
  • Licensed in Marriage and Family Therapy by Board of Behavioral Sciences, California
  • Licensed Supervisor – Marriage and Family Therapy

Sylvia joined the Rotary Club of Duarte in 1982 and held every office at the club-level.  During her long Rotary career, she has:

  • Made up at clubs in England, Scotland, the Caribbean, Australia, South Africa, India
  • Chaired Four-Way Test Speech competition for 6 years
  • Chaired Ambassadorial Scholarship Committee for 6 years
  • Served on District Finance Committee
  • Chaired Simplified Grant Program
  • Served as Assistant Governor
  • Recipient of Rotary Foundation District Service Award
  • Recipient of Sylvia Whitlock award, established and presented at the 2017 International  Convention
  • Participated in NIDS, established AIDS clinic in Jamaica, supported orphanage in Mexico, sank wells in Nigeria, raised almost $90,000. for Education for Girls in India
  • Is multiple  Paul Harris Fellow, Benefactor and Member of the Bequest Society
  • Has spoken at more than 100 District Conferences, numerous clubs in the United States and overseas, Institutes and Zone events
  • Addressed all 530 incoming governors at 2013 International Assembly
  • Honorary Member of Rotary Club of Calcutta Metropolitan, Chicago One, Duarte Rotary

Other community activities and awards (past and present)

  • Member of the Rotary Club of Claremont, CA
  • Member of the Board of Spanish Trails Girl Scout Council
  • Recorder for Blind and Dyslexic
  • Commission Member at Tri-City Mental Health Authority
  • Trainer in Mental Health First Aid
  • Volunteer at Pomona Valley Hospital
  • Chair of Pastor Parish Relations Council at Trinity U.M. church
  • Member and Past President of Beta Mu Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma International
  • AFRAM GLOBAL Villager Award, 2019
  • UNA Global Citizen Award 2013

Academic Activities

  • Chair of Western Association of Schools and Colleges Accreditation Teams
  • Member of California State Committee on Credentials at California State Department of Education (2004-2010)
  • Distinguished Alumna at Cal Poly, Pomona
  •  NAACP Woman of the Year 
  • Hall of Fame, Hunter College, CUNY. 2021

Sylvia had three adult children, one of whom is Human Resources Assistant at University of California, Berkeley.  She considers raising her children the most satisfying and enjoyable job she has ever had, almost comparable to enjoying her first grandson, and now a new granddaughter and another grandson.  She likes tennis, the Stanford Cardinals Football Team, the Seahawks, the Golden state Warriors, especially Steph Curry, and the Los Angeles  Angels.  She is also a world traveler.