Soroptimist promotes education for women, girls

For The Madera Tribune

Soroptimist International of Madera board for the 2024-25 year. From left, Kathleen Lopes, parliamentarian, Megan Hergenroether, director and outgoing president; Janet Manos, treasurer; Celeste Voyles, asst. treasurer; Sharon Gutierrez, secretary; Julie Kutz, co-vice president; Teya Esquivel, co-vice president; Cheryl Backstone, co-president, and Joan Massetti, co-president.

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Soroptimist International of Madera celebrated its 80th anniversary this year, chartered in May 1944, and is a part of an international women’s organization that serves the world by helping women and girls achieve their dreams. 

Soroptimist began in 1921 in Oakland, California, and now reaches globally to 120 countries, through five federations. The Madera club is in the federation known as Soroptimist International of the Americas.

Their Mission Statement is, “A global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.”