July 8, 2025 — The Rotary Club of Edina recently presented Sayali Amarapurkar with its 2025 Chrysanne Manoles Women In Leadership Award.Reflecting society in 1905, the Rotary organization was limited to male members and remained so officially until 1989, when the Council on Legislation, Rotary’s parliament, voted to eliminate the male-only provision, opening up membership to qualified women across the world. However, the forward-thinking Rotary Club of Edina welcomed its first female member, Chrysanne Manoles, a year earlier in 1988. Manoles continues to be active in Rotary. Read more for further details about Amarapurkar and the organizations she serves.
In Manoles’ honor and to celebrate the work of women in the community, the Rotary Club of Edina established an annual women’s leadership award in 2008. Previous winners include Ann Byrne, Kim Foote, Lexi Reed Holtum, Kris Marshall, Feroza Mehta, Laura Hope Melton, Lauren Morse-Wendt, Betsey Nimmo, Diane Osborne, Kathy Rendleman, Dr. Terrie Rose, Ann Swenson, Katey Taylor, Donna Tilsner, Ruth Valgemae, Dr. Laurel Wills and Melody Zhou.
Unanimously selected for the award by Manoles and a committee of female leaders of the Rotary Club, Amarapurkar is a visionary leader and community-engaged scholar with over 20 years of experience in family social science, mental health advocacy and nonprofit leadership. As the Community Engagement & Research Director at SEWA-AIFW, she champions health and wellness for South Asian families in Minnesota. Her leadership as Executive Director of AshaUSA (2019-2025) and as South Asian Cultural Liaison at Edina Public Schools (2018-Present) has transformed community outreach and cultural education.
She has led impactful initiatives such as “Mental Health Matters,” and Project SAFE, addressing stigma and promoting mental health awareness. Her work with the Edina Police Multicultural Advisory Committee and the Anti-Racism Collective of Edina reflects her dedication to equity and inclusion.
For winning the 2025 Chrysanne Manoles Women in Leadership Award, Amarapurkar received flowers, a plaque and a Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club of Edina.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the Rotary Club of Edina’s Women in Leadership Award. To be recognized by a group whose motto is ‘Service Above Self’ is incredibly meaningful to me—because that principle has guided so much of my work and purpose,” Amarapurkar said.
“I’m deeply honored to receive the Rotary Club of Edina’s Women in Leadership Award. To be recognized by a group whose motto is ‘Service Above Self’ is incredibly meaningful to me—because that principle has guided so much of my work and purpose,” Amarapurkar said.
“This award is not just a personal honor; it’s a reflection of the community that has shaped me, supported me, and believed in the power of collaboration and compassion. I share this recognition with the many partners, colleagues, and community members who stand beside me in service each day.
“Thank you to the Rotary Club of Edina for this generous acknowledgment, and thank you for continuing to uplift women who lead with empathy, equity and a commitment to lasting impact.”
For more information about the Chrysanne Manoles Women In Leadership Award, contact club Past President Jennifer Bennerotte, 612-201-3467 or jbennerotte@EdinaRotary.org.