A global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment

Soroptimist is an international volunteer organization for business and professional women who work to improve the lives of women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world. Soroptimist means “Best for Women” and that is what the organization strives to be – women at their best helping other women do their best.

Meeting place: Merced Elks Lodge located at 1910 M St, Merced (or via Zoom. Contact us to Attend!)

When: 1st and 2nd Thursday of the month 12:10 pm

 

Soroptimist International of Merced was chartered on October 2, 1937. The local newspaper description of the initial event reflected the small-town atmosphere of this community which then claimed 9400 residents.  “…a brilliant ceremony following a banquet at Hotel Tioga. Masses of flowers and greenery, together with the colorful gowns of the women, made a charming setting for the affair.” Mrs. Florence Zenter stepped forward to begin a long succession of Soroptimist Presidents.

There were twenty-one founding members; women representing professions from banking, nursing, corsets, burial, jewelry, groceries, cosmetics, music, clothing, insurance, confectionary, automotive, floriculture, and more.

On June 23, 2023, Teri Kleinen & Janet Appling-Kasper became the 85th President of SI Merced at dinner at the Table 59. This is the first co-presidency for SI Merced.  Janet and Teri’s board included women from the same sort of variety of professions: women in real estate, food industry, accounting, business, insurance, property management, social work, agriculture, banking, and advocacy.

Soroptimist of Merced is part of a worldwide organization – Soroptimist International which has about 1300 clubs in 21 countries and territories. Ther are five federations. We belong to Soroptimist International of the Americas. Our club has 52 members.

While the wording of the Soroptimist mission has changed over the years, the heart of the organization has always been to focus on women and girls.

Our Mission:

Soroptimist of a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic achievement.

Our Vision: 

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

Our Core Values:

Gender Equality, empowerment, Education, Diversity, and Fellowship

We invite your interest in membership or to learn more about our mission of the organization by contacting us

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Join us May 19, 2023 for our Hors D’Oeurves Festival!  Contact us for more information.