An Organization for Women | Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc. | Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc.

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 over 25,000 members and supporters in countries across North America, Latin America and the Pacific Rim. We are one of five federations that make up Soroptimist International, which has clubs in more than 120 countries throughout the world.

Women and girls have the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential and live their dreams.

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment, especially those facing significant obstacles.

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 over 1,000 clubs in countries across North America, Latin America and the Pacific Rim 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.

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc.
1709 Spruce Street
Philadelphia, PA 19103
1-215-893-9000
siahq@soroptimist.org

Soroptimist International of the Americas, Inc
PO Box 95000 – 2553
Philadelphia, PA 19195-0001

Get to Know Us

Learn more about who we are and what we do.

Watch More Videos

Our Impact

Our years of experience working with women and girls has taught us that education is the key to unlocking economic empowerment of the world’s women and girls. When women and girls are educated, they have opportunity, choice and power to make healthy decisions for themselves and their families.

Read about our impact

Our Recognition

Soroptimist is proud to be recognized with a Platinum Participation level by the Guidestar Exchange, symbolizing our deep commitment to nonprofit transparency, accountability, and ethics. Visit our Guidestar profile for more details.

In 2017, our Live Your Dream Awards and Dream It, Be It programs received 'The Power of A Awards' from the American Society of Association Executives, recognizing their outstanding innovation, efficacy, and positive impact.

Find Ways to Support Our Work

Our Board

Our international Board of Directors includes members from the countries in which we operate, across North America, Latin America and the Pacific Rim.

Ginger Cole

President

Los Angeles, CA, USA
Read bio

Sue Riney

President-Elect

Oak Harbor, WA, USA
Read bio

Michelle Strawser

Secretary/Treasurer

Wesley Chapel, FL, USA

Read bio

Gabrielle “Billie” Calizo-Quimpo

Aklan, Philippines

Gail Dekreon

San Francisco, CA, USA

Peggy Gentile-VanMeter

Cumberland County, NJ, USA

Susan Gilbey

Westminster, CA, USA

Rejane Heyse Ribas

Rio Negro, Brazil

Melanie Kenny

Saskatoon, Canada

Maria Odette Nassif do Vol

Ciudad del Este, Paraguay

Tamiko Sasaki

Ehime Saijo, Japan

Hyo-chul Shin

Seoul, South Korea

Mei-Hong Tsai

Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

Mayumi Tsuji

Mie, Japan

Madoka Ushio

Hokkaido Asahikawa, Japan

Our Staff

Our staff is made up of professionals dedicated to the Soroptimist mission. We work in collaboration with our Board, leaders, members, and supporters to help women and girls live their dreams.