Candidates for SIA 2020-2021 President-elect - Jane Carol Azevedo - imgix
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Candidates for SIA
2020-2021 President-elect
Jane Carol Azevedo Ohran Choe Margo Hartman
Kazuko Morita Stephanie Smith
Resume for SIA President‐elect 2020‐2021 Name: JANE CAROL SALLES BRAUNER AZEVEDO, married, two children, two grandchildren, 70 years old, living in Brasília – DF, Brazil. Member, SI of BRASILIA in BRASILIA Region BRAZIL SOROPTIMIST EXPERIENCE (Include significant Club, Region, Federation and International service with dates): 2004 – joined the Brasília SI Club as a member. Attended meetings and gave talks on Environment and Sustainable Development at several meetings organized by the Club; 2006/2008 – served on the SI Brasília Board as an Environment Coordinator; 2008/2010 – served on the SI Brasília Board as President-Elect for 2010/2012; 2010 – General Coordinator for the 14th National Soroptimist Convention held in Brasília, rated by 98% of participants as an excellent event; 2010/2012 – served as President of SI Brasília. Project highlights include Actions against Sexual Abuse and Domestic Violence. First place nationwide in recruiting new members. Created and set up the Belo Horizonte Soroptimist Club; 2012/2014 – served on the SI/BSB Board as a Member of the Fiscal Committee; 2012/2014 – Interclub Coordinator for Goiânia and Distrito Federal, Brazil Region, Brazil Region Board; 2014 – Governor-Elect for Brazil Region; 2016/2018 – Governor or Brazil Region. 2018/2020 – Board Director Participation in National Soroptimist Conventions: 2009 – Santos – São Paulo 2010 – Brasília – Distrito Federal 2011 - Presidente Prudente – São Paulo 2012 – Curitiba - Paraná 2013 – Goiania - Goiás 2014 – Guarapuava – Paraná 2015 – Santos – São Paulo 2016 – Canoas – Rio Grande do Sul 2017 – Brasília – Distrito Federal - 2018 – Santa Catarina – Rio do Sul 2019 - Minas Gerais – Araguari – SIA Official Visitor Participation in International Soroptimist Conventions/meetings: 2015 – Round Table in Los Angeles – USA 2016 – Orlando Convention - Florida 2017 – Round Table in Toronto – Canada 2018 – Tokyo Convention - Japan 2018/2010 – Biannual SIA Board meetings EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: 1968/1972 – Degree in Languages – Portuguese/English – Specializing in Portuguese Literature – Catholic University of Pelotas – RS 1982/1984 – Graduate Degree in Public Administration – Fundação Getulio Vargas/Brasília 1995/1996 – Business Management for the Third Sector – Federal University of Bahia 1996/1997 – Specialist in Environmental Management – Federal University of Brasília; 1987/1988 – ADESG – Alumni Association of Escola Superior de Guerra BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: Planning, management, administration and assessment at several government agencies in the capacity of General Coordinator, Director and Assistant, including the following: Brazilian National Mint ( 1973 to 1976); National Committee for Research and Development (1976 to 1980), Federal Service for Data Processing – SERPRO (1980 a 1997), National School for Public Administration – ENAP ( 1981 to 1984), Ministry of Finance (1984 to
1990), Ministry of Education ( 1990 a 1992), Department of Planning under the President’s Office ( 1992) ,Ministry of
Infrastructure ( 1993), Ministry of Transportation and Telecommunications ( 1994 to 1995) Communications
Department of the President’s Office (1995 to 2001), CENSIPAM Management Center ( SIPAM – System for the
Protection of the Amazon) - , President’s Office (2002); Executive Office for the Congressional Group for Healthcare,
Federal House of Representatives, National Congress (2003 to 2011) .
OFFICES/BOARD SERVICE/MEMBERSHIPS IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS:
BOARDS AND COMMITTEES:
President of the Radiobrás Fiscal Committee – Office of the President (1996 to 1999); Member of the Advisory
Committee – TV Educativa Roquette Pinto – TVE, Office of the President (1997 to 2017); Member of the National
Committee for the Environment – CONAMA (1996 to 2001); Member of the Federal District’s Education Committee
(1992 to 1993); Member of the Local Lago Sul/DF Planning Committee (2004 to 2006); Member of Environmental
Preservation Committee for the Paranoá Dam (2004 to 2006); Mayor of QI 17, Lago Sul/DF (2004 to 2006); President
of the EBAP Alumni Association/Fundação Getúlio Vargas (1988 to 1995); Member of the Advisory Board of Ação Social
do Planalto – ASP (2014 – present); Technical Director of the Federal District Soroptimist Association – ASDF (2016 to
2018).
HONORS/RECOGNITIONS:
2012 SPOTLIGHT AWARD FOR WOMEN – Award given by Academia Brasiliense de Letras
Please answer the following questions in your statement.
What is there specifically in your background, training, education, experience and interests which qualify you to
serve as SIA President?
‐ In my professional life I’ve always held leadership positions at organizations where I’ve worked, especially
in terms strategy and tactics – always working on organizational, management and planning fronts.
‐ I am very familiar with Soroptimist International’s work policy, its Mission and programs.
‐ I want to help and apply the knowledge I have acquired to help women and girls who are economically
dependent.
‐ I like to interact with people; I communicate easily; I am a good listener and I am able to analyze facts
without emotion or pressure.
‐ I like challenges and
‐ I am very interested in SERVING.
How would you use your background and experience to help SIA achieve our 2021‐2031 Big Goal of investing in the
dreams of half a million women and girls through access to education as directed by our Strategic Plan?
Considering that SIA has an excellent administrative team, I understand that the Federation President should be an
integrating, motivational, and exemplary force so all Regions and Clubs can effectively participate to achieve the
Great Goal of 2021/2031. Since the term starts early in that period, it is crucial to set performance indicators that
are very realistic and well defined in order to track progress toward our Great Goal.
My professional experience and familiarity with the work conducted by Soroptimists joins theory and practice. This
makes it easy for me to work as an actual SIA Ambassador worldwide, showing how important it is for women and
girls to have access to education, and the fundamental contribution that each member, club, and region make
toward our common goal.
What special qualities would you bring to the office of President?
‐ Leadership; good sense; listening skills; teaching and learning;
‐ Determination in spreading the word about goals and expanding SIA’s footprint as an organization of
professional women that aims to help women and girls have access to education and training so they can
become economically independent
‐ I seek justice and balance in my actions;
‐ THE WILL TO HELP AND SERVE.
`
Resume for SIA President‐elect 2020‐2021
Name: OHRAN CHOE
Member, SI of Daegu Club in Korea Region
SOROPTIMIST EXPERIENCE (Include significant Club, Region, Federation and International service with dates):
1995-Present: Member, SI Daegu Club
2004-2006: President, SI Daegu Club
2012-2014: Governor-Elect, SIA Korea Region
2014-2016: Governor, SIA Korea Region
2017-2018: Member, SIA Fundraising Council
2018-Present: SIA Inner Circle Member (Pear), Laurel Society
2018-Present: Member, SIA Board of Directors
Attended: SIA Conventions in Hawaii (2012), Vancouver (2014), Orland (2016), Yokohama (2018); GRT of SIA:
Philadelphia (2013), Vancouver (2014), Los Angeles (2015); SI World Conference: Istanbul (2015), Kuala Lumpur
(2019); SIA Fundraising Council: Philadelphia (2017, 2018); SIA Board meeting: Yokohama (2018), Philadelphia
(2018, 2019)
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
1970-1974: B.S. in Biology, College of Education, Gyeongbuk National University
BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
1974-1978: Biology teacher, Daegu Jungwha Girls Jr. High School
1997-Present: Chief Administrative Officer, Hyosung Hospital
2013-Present: President, Hyosung Postpartum Care Center
OFFICES/BOARD SERVICE/MEMBERSHIPS IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS:
1967-1969: Troop Member, Girl Scouts of Korea
1981-Present: Adult Scout Leader, Girl Scouts of Korea
2002-2010: President, Girl Scouts of Korea, Gyeongbuk Provincial Council
2014-2018: National Vice President, Girl Scouts of Korea
2001-Present: Chairperson/Member, Special Committee for Women’s Volunteer Council, Korea Red Cross
2012-2013: Member, Presidential Committee for Social Integration, the Republic of Korea
2012-2016: President, Gyeongbuk National University Woman’s Alumni Association
2009-2013: President, Daegu Girls Sr. High School Alumni Association
2017-Present: Chairperson, Daegu Girls Sr. High School Scholarship Foundation Board of Directors
HONORS/RECOGNITIONS:
● Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service on the Fundraising Council, SIA (2018)
● Alumnus of the Year, Gyeongbuk National University (2017), Daegu Girls’ High School (2017)
● Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service as Governor, SIA (2016)
● Shaping the Future Outstanding Award of SIA for Korea Region (2015)
● Medal of Highest Honor, Girl Scouts of Korea (2013)
● Outstanding Fundraising Regional Chair Award, SIA (2011), Outstanding Membership Regional Chair Award, SIA
(2010)
● Medal of Honor, President of Korea Red Cross (2010)`
● Award Certificate, President of the Republic of Korea (2010)
● Award Certificate, Minister of the Interior of the Republic of Korea (2009)
● Award Certificate, Minister of Gender Equality and Family of the Republic of Korea (2007)
● Award Certificate, Minister of Health and Welfare (2004)
● Award Certificate, Chairperson of Presidential Special Committee for Women (1998)
CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT
Please answer the following questions in your statement.
What is there specifically in your background, training, education, experience and interests which qualify you to serve
as SIA President?
Korean society has experienced a dramatic change economically, politically and socially during the last 70 years. For
example, National GNP changed from $30 in 1950 to $30,000 in 2019. I was able to observe such changes in Korea since
I was born during the Korean War. As I witnessed the miserable lives of many war orphans and homeless people during
my childhood and adolescent years, I was determined to be a social worker to help the under-privileged people, especially
women and girls. To pursue my career, I joined Girl Scouts during high school and became a life-long member of Girl
Scouts. As a teacher at a local high school, I helped students from poor families. However, there was a limit of what I
could do for them. To educate those students, I volunteered for over 40 years as an adult Girl Scout leader and eventually
served as Korea national vice-president. Under my leadership, donations from the members were doubled so that we
could help more women and girls in need. As an operation manager in a healthcare facility, I have been implementing
quality management with agility in mind. Under my management, an obstetric clinic with one doctor and seven supporting
personnel has expanded to the current hospital of over 350 employees with 38 specialists, one of the most successful
hospitals in Korea specializing in healthcare for women and children.
With my background and experience as an educator, leader and manager, I believe I know what women and girls need
most. Around us, there are always many women and girls who need help and I am ready to help them any time and at any
place by fulfilling my life-long dream. My background and experience would be a big contributing factor for the success of
SIA as well as my presidency at SIA.
How would you use your background and experience to help SIA achieve our 2021‐2031 Big Goal of investing in the
dreams of half a million women and girls through access to education as directed by our Strategic Plan?
The key factors for the success of our Big Goal would be the successful fundraising effort and expansion of our
membership around the world. I demonstrated both factors when I was Governor of Korea Region. When I was elected
Governor, not much operational funds were left at the Korean Region. To solve this problem, my first priority was to focus
our efforts on raising the funds with the expansion of our membership. As a result, the numbers of the club increased from
28 to 39 with the increase of 350 memberships, and we were able to raise 700,000 dollars in a short period by
establishing Weolgyesoo Society, similar to SIA Laurel Society. In addition, during my tenure as a SIA member of
fundraising council, SIA was able to raise a record amount of funds so that SIA could help more women and girls around
the world. For the fundraising effort for the Big Goal of SIA, I pledged $100, 000 by setting an example.
I believe I have demonstrated my ability at Korea Region as Governor. My background and experience as an educator
and leader as well as a successful manager also would help to achieve our Big Goal of Investing in the dream of Half a
Million Women and Girls.
What special qualities would you bring to the office of President?
My leadership experience as Vice-President of Korea Girl Scouts, the successful management career as a chief hospital
administrator and as the Governor of SIA Korea would qualify for the Office of President. To bring participation, efficiency
and effectiveness at all the organizations where I was the leader or the top manager, I implemented the management by
wandering around and fostered innovative ideas. I will do the same if I get the honor to serve as President of SIA. During
my tenure as President-Elect and President, I will visit all SIA regions to hear their ideas, to collect information and to
resolve problems for the accomplishment of SIA’s mission to transform the lives and status of women and girls through
education, empowerment and enabling opportunity. I believe all members and officials at SIA should work together to
expand membership, to develop innovative programs, to advocate public awareness and for fund raising efforts. To
expand our membership, especially among young women, I will develop innovative programs which will attract their
interest and participation. I will develop a dream project for underprivileged women and girls so that SIA can complete its
Big Goal well ahead of its final date.
Finally, I will do my best for the success of Seoul SIA convention by promoting goodwill among the SIA members and
letting them enjoy Korea’s wonderful culture.Resume for SIA President‐elect 2020‐2021 Name: Margo Hartman Member, SI of Scotts Bluff County in Rocky Mountain Region SOROPTIMIST EXPERIENCE (Include significant Club, Region, Federation and International service with dates): Club: A member since 1990. I have served on many and varied club committees (currently membership) and most of the offices of my club, serving as President twice. Facilitated my club restructuring in 2009 and focused on implementing programs focusing on women and girls through my second term as President. Rocky Mountain Region: Served on region committees since the mid 1990’s and chaired several committees. Governor from 2000-2002. One of the two-person RMR Club Solutions Team from 2010 – present. Have regularly attended Fall District meetings and Region Conferences. SIA Federation: SIA Director 2018-2020; attended SIA Conventions in Cincinnati OH, Anaheim CA, New York NY, Honolulu HI, San Diego CA, Calgary Canada, Orlando FL and Yokohama Japan; Train the Trainer Sessions- 1999, 2001. Program Council training in Calgary–2004. Member SIA Program Council: 2004-2006 International: Silent Observer, SI Board meeting in Denver CO, August 2005. EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND: BS in Vocational Education from the University of Nebraska – Lincoln, Nebraska Alban Institute Training on Strategic Planning in Congregations, San Diego CA Participated in workshops and trainings on issues including Communication, Supervision, Effective Leadership, Delegation, Human Resources topics, Grant Writing, HIPAA, Intergenerational Leadership, Employment Law, Workplace Safety and Financial Management. Other general education opportunities have included topics such as Stress Management, Workplace Wellness, Organizational skills, health insurance and 401K planning. CAPWN Management Training Program; 4-D Leadership Training and Strategic Planning–Integrated Work BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE: CEO of Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska (CAPWN), Gering Nebraska, a non -profit health and human services organization, including a community health center, youth shelter, and child development center - responsible for all aspects of operating a non-profit agency with an annual budget of over $11 million and serving over 8,000 people in western Nebraska; April 2016 through present Interim Executive Director, Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska - responsible for all aspects of operating a non-profit; responsible for the restructure of the agency; June 2014 – April 2016 Deputy Director of Panhandle Community Services/Community Action Partnership of Western Nebraska. Responsibilities included oversight of Human Resources, IT and maintenance of properties, staff training, HIPAA Privacy officer, assisted with Board of Directors, from 1999-2014 Interim Executive Director of Panhandle Community Services - All duties associated with the operation of the agency between Executive Directors; June 2002 – January 2003 Co-owner, Oregon Trail Travel, a full-service Travel Agency, including planning, organizing and escorting trips and group tours; 1989-2003 Employed at Panhandle Community Services in various positions including Home Based Head Start Trainer, program director, contract teaching, resource development and Director of Program Operations, 1981-1999 Secondary Vocational Education Teacher (grades 7-12) and sponsor for various clubs Page in the Nebraska Unicameral (State governing body) as a college student OFFICES/BOARD SERVICE/MEMBERSHIPS IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS: I have been involved in many organizations and boards including: Panhandle Business and Professional Women [BPW] (including a term as President); Scottsbluff Public Schools Foundation, Riverside Zoological Society,
Leadership Scotts Bluff (LSB) and LSB Board; various Church leadership positions including the governing board, leadership in groups for my children as they were young; Soroptimist member since 1990, Vision 2020 Task Force and Committee Chair (devoted to community planning). HONORS/RECOGNITIONS: Chair of special committees in the leadership of my church; SI Scotts Bluff County, Women Helping Women Award in 2000; first woman President of Leadership Scotts Bluff; Spirit of Soroptimist Award for my club. CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT Please answer the following questions in your statement. What is there specifically in your background, training, education, experience and interests which qualify you to serve as SIA President? I joined my Soroptimist Club because of my interest in the International aspects of Soroptimists and the programs. I am very supportive of the Dream programs, Live Your Dream and the Dream It Be It program. Having worked successfully with youth and women in need, watching them become empowered to set and reach goals, has been encouraging and inspiring as I work to achieve the SIA mission. My employment experiences have provided many years of opportunity to work with a Board of Directors, preparing for meetings, presenting information to others and communicating the outcomes of decisions to staff and to the public. The agency where I have been employed, and which I now lead, provides programming, services and support to people in vulnerable situations, many of them women, to help remove barriers to access to healthcare, housing, food security, and meeting basic needs. This experience and knowledge provide a unique and valuable vantage point for advancing the mission of Soroptimist. I have an appreciation for the diversity of cultures, talents and skills. I have experience working with individuals from various cultures as CEO of a community human service agency. Having escorted tour groups and other trips to various parts of the world, I have been able to experience cultures other than my own, first-hand. In 2014, I accepted the opportunity to lead a team through a challenging, critical situation where we had to either develop a plan to succeed and keep an organization operational or close it. Many tough conversations and decisions needed to be made and implemented concerning financial viability and stability, staffing, and re- defining the mission of the organization. The organization has survived and has grown. I have had the responsibility of facilitating group discussion to reach consensus in my work life, in my church work, my volunteer work and in Soroptimist, both at my club and region level. I have especially enjoyed and appreciated being a member of the SIA Board as we promote the Soroptimist mission, support the Dream programs, and work to increase our collective impact. How would you use your background and experience to help SIA achieve our 2021‐2031 Big Goal of investing in the dreams of half a million women and girls through access to education as directed by our Strategic Plan? As an active supporter of the Dream Programs, I will continue to use my leadership experience to listen, facilitate conversations, encourage innovative thinking, set goals, implement steps to achieve those goals and outcomes. I will provide encouragement and support to help build partnerships to further the advancement of women and girls by participating in the programs identified in the Strategic Plan. Acknowledging and celebrating accomplishments with members provides encouragement, enthusiasm and excitement to continue working to reach our goal of investing in the dreams of half a million women and girls through access to education. What special qualities would you bring to the office of President? I love Soroptimist! I am inspired by the women I have met who are Soroptimists, Live Your Dream recipients, and Dream It Be It participants. This motivates me to work harder supporting the Soroptimist mission. I accept people for who they are and help them to build on their strengths. I am a servant leader, which means I believe in empowering people, leading change and developing a shared vision with the team. I am inspired by people. My leadership style includes being collaborative, coaching, taking into consideration the thoughts and ideas of others, being positive, building from the perspective of strengths and listening.
Resume for SIA President-elect 2020-2021
Name: Kazuko Morita
Member: SI of Kyoto in Japan Chuo Region
SOROPTIMIST EXPERIENCE (Include significant Club, Region, Federation and International service with dates):
1985 Joined SI of Kyoto as a new member
Club: 2014 SI Kyoto Club President, 2005 and 2013 Club Vice President, 2000 Club Secretary.
Region: 1990 Committee assistant member of SIA President Election at the SIA Biennial Convention in Kyoto.
• Since 1998, served as the Committee Chairperson of the IGU, Program Service, Public Awareness,
Award and Establishment of Region Website.
• SIA Renaissance Campaign’s Region Chair for Program for two terms and one term for Public
Awareness.
• SIA Program Council Chair, Award Region Chair and Program Service Chair till 2014
Trafficking・ AIDS ・Domestic Violence Campaign (TAD) I created this campaign as Program Chair
in order to make it easier for club to work on as one unit activities for Women and Girls.
• 2016- 2018 Region Board Member as the District Director.
• During my commitment as a Regional chair, I have also served as a member of nine Region Youth
Forums, held every two years. The Youth Forum’s main purpose is to support Dream program for
more than 600 girls all together from high schools.
• 1999, Founder Region invited six Japan Chuo and Minami Region Youth Forum winners as official
exchange students, and I served as chauffeur for them to Founder Region with Minami IGU Chair.
Federation:
2019-2020 SIA Board Secretary/Treasurer
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
1966 Graduate from Kyoto Pharmaceutical University, Bachelor of Pharmacy
1966 National Pharmacist License Acquisition Registered No:102080
1970-1972 Completed from evening course of English Language Institute in University of Michigan, USA.
Obtained Vocational English license to practice.
1974-1983 Seiji Iwata Simultaneous Interpreter’s course.
1975 Acquisition of Certification for simultaneous Interpreters in YMCA Japan.
BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
1966-1968 Associate Assistant of Pharmacology Department of Osaka Pharmaceutical University.
1969-1970 & 1975-1980 Practice as a Pharmacist at the Hospital.
1968-2018 Director of Real Estate Rental Business Company of Masuda LLC Ltd.
1985-1990 Secretary and Treasurer for Japan German Culture Institute in Kyoto.
2006-2014 Teaching Lecturer of Pharmaceutical & Scientific English at the Kyoto Pharmaceutical
University.
OFFICES/BOARD SERVICE/MEMBERSHIPS IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS:
2005-Present Board of Trustee Member and Board Member of Kyoto Pharmaceutical University.
2011-Present Vice President of Kyoto Pharmaceutical University Alumni Association.
2014-present Member of Supporting Congress for Working Women in Gender Equality Bureau Cabinet Office
Kyoto Prefecture, as an executive from SI of Kyoto.
HONORS/RECOGNITIONS:
Governor’s Prize received in respectively terms as follow
1998-2000 2000-2002 2002-2004 2004-2006 2006-2008 2008-2010CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT
Please answer the following questions in your statement.
What is there specifically in your background, training, education and interests which qualify you to serve as
SIA President?
I have been serving as a chairman for Region Committees and Region Board for 20 years except 2 years during
my club Presidency. Taking a leading role as a chair, I became really involved and contributed to our
Soroptimist mission and volunteer works. When I was serving as a chair in each Committee, I tried to find
committee member’s specific abilities and characteristics in order to work as one team. I even tried to
enhance their capacity and work with others in an organization smoothly, happily and fruitfully. I learned how
to use my leadership ability to summarize their ideas and opinions. I knew that a key ingredient for good
functioning committees was to get consensus from every colleague. My experiences as a District Director had
a strong impact on me. While I was supposed to lead them to the proper direction, I gained from them also,
especially respecting their enthusiastic devotion to service. This brainstorming and working together added to
my own improvement and learning. I tried to spend as much as time talking to members about their local and
global activities. Through these conversations, I learned so much- what they wanted us to be and what kind of
resources they needed from Region and SIA Headquarters. My efforts to reach mutual understanding among
members, Board and HQ staff, has given me a great deal of understanding about the qualities that are needed
to be a President Elect. It would be a great honor for me if I could use my leadership to serve as SIA President
Elect.
How would you use your background and experience to help SIA achieve our 2021-2031 Big Goal of investing
in the dreams of half a million women and girls through access to education as directed by our Strategic Plan?
I learned from my experiences as a lecturer of University’s female students that in spite of their eligibility and
competence in their capacities, sometimes it was desperately difficult for them to promote their abilities, or
empower them because of many kinds of heavy obstacles in front of them just because they were women.
I have talked to many women over the years and supported them financially and mentally when they were
confronting “high fences”. Therefore, our SIA dream of investing in the dreams of half a million women and
girls through access to education becomes my personal dream.
As I read our 100 years history over and over from the foundation of our organization, and continue to be
impressed by that basic mission had been always kept. I completely agree to support our mission to ensure
human and women’s rights and equality. It would be awesome and an honor if I could be a part of achieving
our 2021-2031 Big Goal of investing in the dreams of half a million Women and Girls through access to
education.
It is the perfect time from various perspectives to devote myself to this memorable occasion.
Presently I am serving as a SIA Secretary /Treasurer, I would furthermore like to achieve our 2021-2031 Big
Goal from a variety of dimensions. Through my work as a SIA Secretary/Treasurer, I thoroughly respect our
members and staffs for their tireless effort to have brought our organization up to such a highly qualified status.
What special qualities would you bring to the office of President?
While living in USA for 3 years, I learned the importance of communication with people of different cultures,
different languages and different backgrounds of nationalities.
In order to achieve our mission effectively, I will exert myself to bridge or shrink the gaps among members, in
Clubs, Regions, Board and SIA Headquarters and make SIA “work as one”. We will do this by enhancing
mutual understanding, trust and collaboration toward pursuing our Big Goal, by means of thorough
communication among every member of SIA.
I have attended the SIA Biennial Convention more than eleven times as a club delegate. I was motivated to take
a leadership position by watching many matured leaders globally and learned from their example and
commitment.
In 2003, I was honored to be invited to the Relax & Pause Session by SIA President Nancy Walker, President-
elect Takiko Hayaishi and Past Presidents. The power of brainstorming had a big impact on me. Since then I
realized this method is particularly useful for recruiting and retaining members in order to expand our
organization.
I will commit myself to achieve our mission with the spirit of “One for All, All for One” with mutual
understanding and loving each other as SIA President-elect.Resume for SIA President‐elect 2020‐2021
Name: Stephanie L Smith
Member of SI of Oak Harbor in the Northwestern Region
SOROPTIMIST EXPERIENCE (Include significant Club, Region, Federation and International service with dates):
Joined SI Oak Harbor in July 1994. Active member for over 25 years.
Club President from 1999‐2000. Served as Vice President, Treasurer and Chair of all major club
committees.
Northwestern Region Governor (2016‐2018); Governor Elect (2014‐2016); District 1 Director
(2012‐2014); Region Professional Development Coordinator (2009‐to present); Region Site
Coordinator (2018‐2020, 2002‐2003); Region Finance Chair (2002‐2004); Region Venture
Advisor (1998‐2000)
SIA Service: Governor’s Round Table Lead Facilitator/Designer 2018‐2020. Created and
provided training to incoming and current governors on behalf of SIA on topics related to
leadership, coaching and communication. Venture Clubs of the Americas Advisor from 2000‐
2002.
Presented numerous workshops and seminars at District/Region meetings on topics such as:
volunteer engagement/motivation; group problem solving/consensus decision making;
managing change; generations and recruitment; communication skills; conflict resolution;
leadership skills; diversity and inclusion; member experience/anti‐bullying and more.
I have facilitated region board leadership training, club retreats and previously presented at the
Western Canada Region Conference and Leadership Retreat; 2015 South Central Region
Conference and the 2014 SIA Convention. I will be presenting at the 2020 Central East Coast
Region and Sierra Nevada Region conferences.
I am a proud member of the Laurel Legacy and Laurel Society at the Diplomat level and have
gifted four Laurel Society Attaché memberships to other Soroptimists.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND:
AA Degree in Education from Centralia College
Certified to facilitate and/or coach: Situational Leadership/Situational Self‐Leadership (Ken
Blanchard); Extraordinary Leader (Zenger Folkman);Acumen Workstyles (Human Synergestics);
Flawless Consulting (Designed Learning); Coaching and Feedback in the Moment (Cylient);
Inclusion Skills Measurement (Human Facets)
Certified Clifton StrengthsFinder Master Trainer and Performance Coach (Gallup)
BUSINESS/PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE:
30 year veteran of Wells Fargo Bank as a Vice President, Senior Learning and Development
Consultant
I facilitate leadership and professional development programs; serve as a leadership coach for
mid to senior level leaders throughout the company; work with business teams to enhance
their effectiveness and participate in projects that shape and enhance the company’s learning
and professional development strategy. I serve as a Master Trainer for Wells Fargo in the areas of Gallup StrengthsFinder and Diversity
and Inclusion (both domestically and internationally).
Developer and creator of leadership learning solutions (courses and workshops) for both Wells
Fargo and my outside consulting.
I consult and lead team building and leadership experiences for non‐profits and governmental
agencies. These include topics regarding team effectiveness, collaboration and workplace
culture to name a few.
OFFICES/BOARD SERVICE/MEMBERSHIPS IN OTHER ORGANIZATIONS:
Board Member at Large for the Whidbey Playhouse Community Theater since 2018. They are a
501(c)3 non‐profit.
HONORS/RECOGNITIONS:
Numerous Outstanding Service Excellence Awards with Wells Fargo, including three national
recognition awards for the work I do within leadership and professional development and
diversity and inclusion.
Linda Klinger Outstanding Soroptimist Award, given by the Northwestern Region’s Venture
Clubs, in 1999.
CANDIDATE’S STATEMENT:
As a Soroptimist and a woman, I am passionate about our vision, mission, clubs, members and the
work we are doing to increase our collective impact for the women and girls we serve. My view on
leadership and membership is that it is a privilege to serve at any level. Every single member adds
value to our organization and together we are working diligently to invest in the dreams of a half a
million women and girls. This is an audacious goal and I know we are all up to the challenge! To reach
and even surpass this goal we, as members, need to be willing to make adjustments in how we serve in
order to remain relevant. This will help us attract members, charter new clubs, increase our visibility
AND impact MORE women and girls, including our own members.
My professional background as a leadership facilitator and coach, along with my twenty‐five plus years
of Soroptimist experience has provided me with the unique ability and opportunity to make emotional
connections with our members and clubs. In my capacity as a learning and development senior
consultant I am immersed in change management and transformational work that starts with changing
culture and attitudes. This work includes coaching and consulting on solutions to help teams succeed. I
have leveraged my talents and skills in this area within my own region, with all of the region’s
Governors and will bring this to the President Elect and President roles. The work I do in the area of
diversity, inclusion and equity is critical for our Soroptimist organization. We are strong because we are
diverse. We can be more inclusive by honoring all of the differences that each member, club and
region brings to the organization. This is where we have the greatest opportunity for success and
success means investing in the dreams of a half a million women and girls.
My favorite leadership quote is– “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more
and become more, you are a leader.” by John Quincy Adams. We are ALL leaders and we are stronger
when we work together in envisioning our next 100 years. I believe that my positive attitude, ability to
develop and nurture relationships, strong Soroptimist knowledge, coaching, consulting, and leadership
skills, along with my sense of humor makes me an outstanding candidate for President Elect and
ultimately President.You can also read
