By Annalyn Jusay
Global volunteer organization Soroptimist International of the Americas (SIA) is growing in the Philippines. It was certainly a happy occasion when 38 officers and members were inducted into the SI family under their new club name Soroptimist International of Manila Gems, with businesswoman Maricris Lim as their Charter President.
Soroptimist International Founder Manila, led by its President Wilma Girlie Thian, sponsored the chartering of SI Manila Gems. The initiative is in line with the Soroptimist organization's global campaign to entice more distinguished women to join its ranks.
"With more leaders in our fold, the organization will be able to push forward with its advocacy to help disadvantaged women in society, to empower them to live their dreams through proper education and training," noted Minda Garcia, past SIA Federation Director and past Governor, SIA-Pacific Rim.
Garcia added that Soroptimist International promotes gender equality, diversity and fellowship. Its two signature programs are "Love Your Dream" where it is now sending deserving scholars to school and "Dream It, Be It" which is a form of career support for females.
Aside from Lim, the new club's officers include Suzanne Sta. Maria as President-Elect and former actress, now OFW party list Representative Marissa Del Mar-Magsino as vice-president.
Top SIAPR personalities who led the induction rites of new members and the installation of charter officers were : Governor Virginia "Gigie" Peñalosa, Region Membership Chair Farah Acierto, Federation Director Mitzi Piad, Governor-Elect Marivic Paras, SIFM Past President Amparo Araullo, SIFM Past President Cora Manimbo and SIFM President-Elect Marylou Claudio. The milestone event was held at the Manila House Private Members Club in BGC last Jan. 14.