About Us
Women at their best, working to help other women to be their best
Soroptimist was formed in 1921 in Oakland, California, at a time when women were not permitted to join service organizations. Our name, loosely translated from the Latin, means best for women. Today, we have about 120,000 members and supporters in 21 countries and territories. We are one of four federations that make up Soroptimist International, which has clubs in more than 120 countries throughout the world.
Our Vision
Women and girls have the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential and live their dreams.
Our Mission
Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
Our Core Values
Gender Equality
Women and girls live free from discrimination
Empowerment
Women and girls are free to act in their own best interest
Education
Women and girls deserve to lead full and productive lives through access to education
Diversity & Fellowship
Women from varied backgrounds and perspectives work together to improve the lives of women and girls.
Our Clubs and Members
Soroptimist International of the Americas has about 1,300 clubs in 21 countries and territories who work to economically empower women and girls. Soroptimist clubs receive assistance in their volunteer efforts by participating locally in programs developed and sponsored by the Soroptimist organization.
Contact Us
Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc.
1709 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Get to Know Us
Watch our organizational videos and learn more about who we are and what we do.
Our Board
Our international Board of Directors includes members from throughout the 21 countries and territories in which we operate.
Dawn Marie Lemonds
President
Tustin, CA, USA
Elizabeth Di Geronimo
President-Elect
Caracas, Venezuela
Kathy King
Secretary/Treasurer
Klamath Falls, OR, USA
Julieta Armendariz de Lopez
San Diego, CA, USA
Bonnie Domonchuk
Cambridge, Ontario, Canada
Nobuko Fujii
Ehime-ken, Japan
Minda Garcia
Mandaluyong City, Philippines
Karen Cromer Johnson
Eagan, MN, USA
Heidi McNamar
Westbrook, CT, USA
Sherry Pearson
Los Banos, CA, USA
Michiko Shoji
Ebina, Japan
Mariza Schuster Bueno
Rio Negro, Paraná, Brazil
Toshiko Ryomoto
Osaka, Japan
Tina Wei-Kang Pan
Taipei, Taiwan
Our Senior Staff
Our staff, located in our headquarters office in Philadelphia, PA, is made up of professionals dedicated to the Soroptimist mission. We work in collaboration with our Board, leaders, and members to help women and girls live their dreams.
Elizabeth M. Lucas, CAE, MBA
Executive Director & CEO
Sue Murray
Chief Operating & Financial Officer
Lori Blair
Senior Director of Programs
Darlene Friedman
Senior Director of Marketing Communications
Iesha Brown
Senior Director of Membership and Leadership Development
Lisa Mangiafico
Senior Director of Information Services
Nancy Montvydas, CFRE
Senior Director of Development
We work to empower women every day.
At Soroptimist, we are all about empowering women and girls. But what does that really mean?
Learn More
Our Partners
Special thanks to our current and past partners for believing in us and the women and girls we help.
Unlock the potential of women and girls
People like YOU are helping women and girls around the world achieve their goals. Donate now and help them live their dreams.