The Rotary Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor has officially welcomed Renee Borah as its new president for the 2025-2026 year. Borah, a St. Joseph resident and owner of Affinity Salon downtown, succeeds Jen Cole.
Announcing the new president, the Rotary Club shared appreciation for outgoing president Cole’s work and contributions. Leaders add that Borah, a mother of four, has expressed her commitment to continuing Rotary’s legacy of community giving and strengthening the club’s impact.
“This year ahead, I plan to grow our club’s presence in the community through hands-on projects and fresh ideas,” said Borah.
One of those ideas, Borah said, is growing Rotary’s membership and community involvement through offering members and potential new members added flexibility in how they participate.
“One of the most exciting steps we’re taking right now is creating a new companion club, which is kind of new to Rotary. It offers a more flexible way for people to get involved. They can serve when they can and how they’re able to.”
Borah hopes to launch the new companion club membership opportunity this fall. Borah said the idea came up through Rotary meetings and events focused on trying to grow Rotary, especially among people who have limited availability.
“They’re a full member of our club still. It’s just a little side part to our club that they can do their own thing.”
Asked what Borah would like to see for Rotary overall in the coming year, she’s looking forward to more service projects.
“I’m hoping to bring more local projects for our club to get more involved with on a local basis… and just be out there and be more visible than we have been in the past.”
Prior to her presidency, Borah chaired the Annual Rotary Track Meet at St. Joseph High School, the largest high school track meet in Michigan. Community members might also see her assisting with St. Joseph Lighthouse tours this summer.
The Rotary Club of St. Joseph-Benton Harbor meets at 12:00 PM on Mondays at the Campus for Creative Aging, located at 2920 Lakeview Ave, St. Joseph. Rotary is a global organization of business and professional leaders dedicated to humanitarian service, ethical standards, and fostering goodwill and peace.
