Rotary International Director Virpi Honkala, Rotary International Board of Directors, 2023-2025

A Special Message from Rotary International Director Virpi Honkala
Rotary International Board of Directors, 2023–2025

It is with deep honor and sincere gratitude that we present a special congratulatory message from Rotary International Director (RID) Virpi Honkala, in celebration of the Icons of Change Awards 2025.
A distinguished medical professional, public health advocate, and dedicated Rotarian, Director Virpi embodies the essence of Service Above Self. She served for decades as Head of Surgery at Raahe Hospital in Finland, where she also held the role of Medical Director from 1989 to 2010. In 2015, her transformative work in public health earned her a national honorary title conferred by the President of Finland.

Her commitment to well-being extended far beyond the operating room. As a founding member of the Finnish arm of the World Health Organization’s International Network of Health Promoting Hospitals and Health Services, she championed the integration of healthcare and social development—a principle that continues to guide her leadership in Rotary.

Since joining Rotary in 2001, Director Virpi has taken on pivotal leadership roles, including District Governor, District Foundation Chair, RI Training Leader, Council on Legislation Representative, and Regional Rotary Foundation Coordinator. Now in her second term on the Rotary International Board, she also serves as RI Treasurer, helping steward the organization’s global financial direction. Together with her husband, PDG Matti Honkala—Finland’s National Polio Advocacy Adviser—they are Major Donors, Bequest Society members, and tireless champions of The Rotary Foundation.

Her message for this occasion affirms Rotary International’s shared mission: to uplift and empower changemakers whose work advances peace, health, and opportunity across borders. The Icons of Change Awards recognizes individuals and institutions whose impact aligns with Rotary’s Seven Areas of Focus and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)—creating a synergy of purpose between grassroots action and global vision.

Director Virpi’s words remind us that service knows no boundaries, and that every act of compassion, leadership, and innovation—however quiet—contributes to a larger movement of progress.

To all our honorees and awardees: may you draw strength and inspiration from the voice of a global Rotarian whose leadership continues to uplift lives and communities around the world.

Let us now listen to her message of encouragement and unity.

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