News & Media

The information in Soroptimist’s News and Media section is offered to members of the media interested in learning more about the organization and its work to improve the lives of women and girls.

For more information or assistance, please contact Senior Director of Membership/Marketing Darlene Friedman at darlene@soroptimist.org; Communications Director/Editor Jessica Puterbaugh at jessica@soroptimist.org; or Public Relations Manager Kamali Brooks at kamali@soroptimist.org.

Media Kit:

• News Releases
• Soroptimist White Papers
• Living Their Dreams brochure
• Soroptimist Annual Report
• VIDEO: Soroptimist 2012: Helping Women and Girls to Live Their Dreams
• Best for Women Magazine

2012-2013 Soroptimist Leadership

Raquel Arreola Ruiz, President
President Raquel Arreola Ruiz is a member of the La Mesa, Mexico, Soroptimist club and the accountant and co-owner of a gas station. A member since 1984, she has served Soroptimist in various capacities including club president, vice president and treasurer; Mexico-Centroamérica Region governor; federation secretary treasurer; growth and development chair and as a member of the Program Council and Latin American Extension Taskforce. She began her one-year term as president on September 1, 2012. As the president, Ruiz oversees the strategic planning and program development for the organization.

Cheri Fleming, President-elect
Cheri Fleming of Valencia, California, began her one-year term as president-elect on September 1, 2012. As president-elect, she assists the president with overseeing the strategic planning and program development for the organization. Fleming is a member of SI/Greater Santa Clarita Valley, California, USA, and is a dealer principal for Valencia Acura. A Soroptimist since 1999, Fleming has held several leadership positions, including club president and auction chair; and Camino Real Region governor and district director. In addition to her Soroptimist involvement, she serves as the director of the American Cancer Society unit council, Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Health Foundation, and the Child and Family Center Foundation.

Angela Bunting, Secretary/Treasurer
Angela Bunting of British Colombia, Canada, began her one-year term as secretary/treasurer on September 1, 2012. In this role, she prepares minutes for board meetings and conventions, as well as oversees Soroptimist's funds and financial accounts. A community health nurse with Fraser Health Authority, Bunting is a member of SI/Tri Cities, British Columbia, Canada. A member since 1989, her past leadership positions include club president, vice president and director, and Western Canada Region governor. In addition to her Soroptimist activities, Bunting is a member of the Canadian Nurses Association and committee member of the Crossroads Inlet Hospice Society.

Elizabeth M. Lucas, CAE, MBA, CEO and Executive Director
Liz Lucas was hired as the executive director of Soroptimist International of the Americas in 2011. She comes to Soroptimist with a diverse professional background, including 15 years with the American Massage Therapy Association and the Massage Therapy Foundation, where she began her tenure as director of marketing and communications, but served the last nine years as executive director. In this position, she guided the strategic development of both organizations, which include 56,000 practitioners, 450 educational institutions, and 51 chapters. As Soroptimist's executive director, Lucas oversees the overall operation and services provided to members and women around the world. She is active in professional and civic organizations, including the American Society of Association Executives, the Association Forum of Chicagoland, Landmark College, and the Guild of St. Mary.