6/30/20 Farewell

We bid farewell to the 2018-2020 Biennium - it has been unique to say the least!
 
Our biennium theme, “Empowering Change”, aptly expresses the uniqueness of this term and the work accomplished.  We empowered change by reducing our number of districts and realigned district boundaries for better balance.  We chartered two new clubs - SI/West Sonoma County and SI/Oakmont Wine Country. At our 2019 Founder Region Conference we were honored to have our Soroptimist International President Mariet Verhoef-Cohen and SIA Federation President Elizabeth Di Geronimo, as visitors and presenters.  When the Coronavirus pandemic struck in 2020, our world changed drastically and we had to empower change to comply with social distancing and canceled our in-person conference.  We converted our plans for the 2020 conference and accomplished all of our business and awards via a Virtual Conference. We also accomplished our Leadership Training in June with narrated presentations and a live Zoom video conference event including breakout sessions.
 
Founder Region Fellowship President Pam and her team looked at new ways of raising funds and educated us on the importance of financial strategies to ensure the longevity of this life-changing program.  We gave $100,000.00 in Fellowship grants to 10 deserving women in 2019 and $70,000.00 in Fellowship grants in 2020.
 
Let’s remember what we accomplished together and how we came together virtually when social distance requirements demanded we stay apart.  We worked together to find new ways to stay connected, and new ways to support the women and girls we strive to help – and we are reminded that they need us now more than ever.
 
I will cherish the memories and the friendships I have made – especially those who served with me on the Region Board.  I appreciate the faith and support you’ve provided to our leadership teams and myself throughout this biennium.  Leading Soroptimist International of the Americas - Founder Region has been the honor and privilege of my volunteer life.
 
As we bid a fond farewell to one biennium, and we transition to the new biennium we look forward to a fresh start as Governor Kris and her team help us “Dream Big for the Future”.

Your friend and servant-leader,
 
Governor Sylvia
“Empowering Change”