Soroptimist is an International volunteer organization for business and
professional women working on projects that improve the lives of women and girls
in local communities and throughout the world. Our name "Soroptimist" is a
coined Latin word which means "best for women."
Founded in 1921,
Soroptimist has approximately 95,000 members in 120 countries and territories.
Soroptimist members belong to local clubs which determine community focus
projects and programs in addition to supporting organization-wide programs, all
of which benefit women and girls.
Our signature service project is the
Soroptimist "Women's Opportunity Award". Since its inception in 1972, this program has
distributed almost $20 million in cash grants to thousands of women worldwide
who are seeking to improve their economic situation through additional training
and education.
In 2007 Soroptimist
International of the Americas launched a Soroptimist "Stop Trafficking" Campaign to raise awareness of the problem existing worldwide.
Soroptimist members also support the many other programs that are
organization-wide, including The Soroptimist Workplace Campaign to End Domestic Violence, Soroptimist Violet Richardson Award, Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women and Girls, and the Soroptimist Disaster Refief Fund.
For more information on what Soroptimist International of Hanford does for our mission, please visit the "Community Service Projects" pages of our website.
2010-2011 Club Board
Linda Silveira
President
My theme song is “Tonight's Gonna be a Good Night"
I was born in Tulare, just celebrated my 40th class reunion. I've been married to Anthony for 38 years and have 3 sons and 1 daughter, 3 of which are married and one is engaged. I have 5 lovely grandchildren, Blaine (12), Olivia (8), Kelly (8), Maximus (5), and Zoe (3). I am a hair stylist and manicurist at Irwin Street Salon, I sell Mary Kay, and make “Va Vie’s” Pillow Case dresses. I love to make women look and feel better about themselves. My goal for the coming year is to start a “S” Club at Sierra Pacific High school and increase our membership and retain them. I have been in Soroptimist for 4 years and served the positions of Delegate, Board Secretary, Vice President and now President. I served as the Festival of trees Chairwoman for 2 years.
Sherill Calhoun
1st Vice President
"Because I have been given much, I too must give".
I was Born and raised in Hanford, CA. I joined Soroptimist reluctantly because my life was already so busy; however, I have come to love the women and the work we do for our community. My goal for the year is to actively seek opportunities to enrich the lives of other women in our community.
Deborah Stemwedel
2nd Vice President
Peggy Montgomery
Treasurer
"Just do the right thing in all you do and you can't go wrong."
I have lived in Hanford since I was 6 years old. My father worked at the Lemoore Naval Base as an air traffic controller. I am currently the Director of the Kings County Human Services Agency and have worked for the county for over 25 years. I joined the Soroptimist because of the desire to help promote women in the world and this club really does so much helping women. I currently am the treasure on the SI Board and realize from this the money that is raised really go towards other women who sometimes just need a little help in life.
Sharlene Bogan
Business Treasurer
I have lived in Hanford all my life and have been involved in a number of civic organizations over the years. Â I joined Soroptimist two years ago after a long career in the finance industry where I traveled a great deal. I wanted an opportunity to meet new women in the area that have a passion for helping others, as I do. I'm excited about the 2010-2011 year. The women in SI Hanford do great things, and I'm certain this year will be better than ever.
Brandi Owens
Business Secretary
“Only a life lived for others is a life worthwhile." Albert Einstein
I am from Hanford, graduated Hanford High East in 2001. Joined Soroptimist because I was looking to be more consistently involved in the community. Helping others is what I do best, and to be surrounded by a group of great ladies that share that same interest is so uplifting. My goal for the year is to really stay focused and active in all of the projects and to dedicate my time to help were needed.
Sue Buwalda
Board Secretary
"The truest greatness lies in being kind..The truest wisdom is a happy mind."
Born in Hanford, grew up in Idaho. returned to Laton, Calif. finished school there married John Buwalda 45 years!! 2 children 7 grandchildren retired KCOE board secretary. Looking forward to a busy year assisting President Linda attaining the goal of Soroptimists to help women and girls in our community and around the world.
Director 2010-2012/Immediate Past President
"Your Attitude reflects your past, Describes your present and Predicts your future." Author unknown
Born and raised in Hanford California. I joined Soroptimist after becoming a “empty nester” in 2005. Our children kept me busy with sports, school and extra circular activities that when they left for college I found myself with extra time on my hands. I was selective in where I would give of my time and was impressed with Soroptimists organization, its mission and the hands on projects we are involved with and support financially.
Angelica Vargas
Parliamentarian
"Every Adversity, every failure & every heartache carries with it the seed of an equivalent or a greater benefit" Napoleon Hill.
I was raised in Santa Maria, Ca - I moved to Hanford in 2004 from the Bay Area following my a career opportunity in the funeral industry. What attracted me to Soroptimist was the reaching out to the community in various ways & means. This year I've been asked to take the position of Parliamentarian. I will do my best to keep things in line for President Linda
