Our speaker on Monday, July 13, 2026, was Harnoor Sohi, a participant in RYLA 2026.
Harnoor was first introduced to Rotary while in high school, volunteering at Rotary's Rib 'n' Roll. During her time at Western University, she became actively involved with Rotaract, serving as Vice President of Fundraising and Finance for three years.
Harnoor was first introduced to Rotary while in high school, volunteering at Rotary's Rib 'n' Roll. During her time at Western University, she became actively involved with Rotaract, serving as Vice President of Fundraising and Finance for three years.
Before attending RYLA, she was interviewed by our President and President Elect and was asked what leadership meant to her. At that time, she didn't have a clear answer. Following her RYLA experience, however, she discovered that leadership is not about surrounding yourself with people who think the same way you do. Rather, it's about being curious enough to understand people whose experiences, perspectives, and values are different from your own.
One of Harnoor's greatest takeaways from RYLA was learning to replace assumptions with curiosity. Instead of deciding how someone might perceive her before even having a conversation, she now allows people to show her who they are.
Harnoor concluded by sharing that RYLA didn't change who she is; it changed the way she thinks, a powerful lesson in leadership and personal growth that resonated with everyone in attendance.