First Indian Origin Woman Governor in US Installed

Media Release

Chicago, 9 June 2014:  Terry D’Souza created new history in the United States of America by being the first ever Indian origin woman Governor for Lions Clubs International.  She is the charter member of The Forest Kala Sampath Lions Club which established in 1996.  Terry was inducted by Past International Director Daniel Reilly today at the Crystal Sky Banquets here in McCook.

  

District 1A - Mother District of Lionism today celebrated their new Governor’s Installation and Cabinet Awards.  Governor Dave Hansen thanked Cabinet Members those who walked an extra mile in helping this district to reach his goals for current Lionistic year. 

 

Terry being installed as the Governor of District 1A, Terry and her husband Dr. Austin Prabhu became the First ’Couple Governors’ from this prestigious district of Lionism in the world. 

 

Lionism started in Chicago in the year 1917 and in 2017 Chicago will be celebrating it’s centennial celebration and 100th International Convention at McCormik Place, in the heart of Chicago.

 

In her acceptance speech, Terry spread out her goals for the year - recognize, encourage, mentor and support the huge contribution made by District 1A - Mother District of Lionism’s female members including young adults.  Currently about 23% of District membership is of women.  She would like to raise that number.  She want to welcome and induct female and young adults into District 1A clubs and it will be like injecting District with fresh ideas and new energy.  Of course she said that this will not take anything away from current male counterparts that have carried this district many years but she will encourage women to seek and serve in leadership roles and working side by side with male members which will be beneficial for the District.

 

Terry D’Souza and Dr. Austin Prabhu

Ernie Lapid, Terry D’Souza, Dave Hansen and Ralph Zarada

Dr. Austin Prabhu, Terry D’Souza and Daniel O’Reilly

Terry D’Souza and Dr. Austin Prabhu

Terry D’Souza, Dr. Austin Prabhu & Dave Hansen

Some Kala Sampath Members with Terry

 

Entertainer Princess Santos singing

Terry want to encourage and support many new and some not so new Region and Zone Chairpersons to visit their clubs as often as they can.  Encourage presidents to invite these first line leaders to invoke their help, build an atmosphere of mutual respect and appreciation for each other.

 

She reminded club leaders to notify when the issue is small, may be a band-aid or a tourniquet is sufficient; but if you wait until the issue gets bigger and hospice is called, then reverting the situation sometimes becomes impossible. 

 

Terry created a 10 member Governor’s Advisory Board consists of Cabinet Secretary, Cabinet Treasurer, Global Leadership Team, Global Membership Team, 4 Past District Governors and finance committee chair to monitor, administer, communicate, encourage, mentor and support her goals for the coming year.

 

During this event First Vice District Governor Ralph Zarada, Second Vice District Governor Ernie Lapid, Lions  of Illinois Foundation Trustee Frank Kirar, District 1A VOICES, a 501-C3 humanitarian association, (Volunteery Organizations Involved in Charitable Expression of Service) newly elected Directors - Dave Hansen, Dennis McMillan and Jeff White were also installed.

 

Incoming Governor Terry D’Souza and Immediate Past District Governor Dr. Austin Prabhu gave a Lion Frame as a gift to Governor Dave Hansen and also $760 collection from Cabinet Members.

 

Jerry Mascanguay and Princess Santos entertained the crowd with their singing talent.  Dr. Austin Prabhu emceed the program and this event was organized by chairperson Gail Anton.