Several Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova and Gold River club members celebrated the organization’s 15-year anniversary on Sept. 7.

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova and Gold River (SIRCGR) marked a milestone as it celebrated 15 years of dedicated community service at the Mills Arts & Culture Center.

The event, held from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sept. 7, was a tribute to the organization’s achievements and its impact on local women and girls.

Attendees celebrated the organization’s journey with an afternoon featuring guest speakers, opportunities to meet members, partner and past award recipients, as well as to enjoy appetizers, cake and a chance to win raffle prizes.

Soroptimist International’s mission is to improve the lives of women and girls through programs that lead to social and economic empowerment. The organization, part of a global network, provides women with access to education and training to help them achieve economic independence. Since its inception, Soroptimist has worked to support women and girls, addressing issues such as domestic violence, trafficking and gender inequality.

Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova and Gold River Vice-President Sheryl Longsworth and President Christina Ma stand alongside members of Kiwanis Club.

“We have grown to be a vital community partner to so many and are incredibly proud of where we are today,” said Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova and Gold River Vice-President Sheryl Longsworth. “Since our inception, we have changed and improved the lives of over 4,500 local women and girls.”

Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova and Gold River President Christina Ma echoed Longsworth’s sentiments.

“We are going to be doing good things for our community for a long time,” Ma said.

The event also highlighted the success stories of past award recipients.

Sarah Hayroyan, a recipient of the 2014 Dan Skoglund Memorial Award, shared her journey of pursuing a degree in marine science. This award is given to help women who pursue an education to enter a traditionally male-dominated career.

“I always knew I wanted to study marine science, which meant relocating and facing significant financial burdens,” Hayroyan said. “The support I received, including this award, was crucial in alleviating some of those financial challenges. Because of that support, I was able to pursue my bachelor’s degree in marine science, complete my master’s and now work at the Monterey Aquarium. None of this would have been possible without the people and organizations that supported me.”

Cake was served at the event following a heartfelt "Happy Birthday" to celebrate the organization's anniversary.

Scarlet Arnold, the 2018 Live Your Dream Award winner, recounted her experience of overcoming adversity while earning her degree in social work at Sacramento State University.

“I had left an abusive marriage with my 3-year-old daughter. It was one of those situations where you suddenly realize, ‘How did I get here?’ I found the courage to leave and decided to return to school,” Arnold said. “The support I received was incredibly validating and helped build the confidence I needed. I was able to earn my bachelor’s and master’s degrees and just received my clinical license.” 

Stacey Beeler, the 2022 Live Your Dream Award winner, shared her heartfelt story of perseverance under challenging circumstances.

“Soroptimist came on my radar while I was attending Folsom Lake College,” Beeler said. “Although from the outside it looked like I had everything, internally I was struggling with domestic violence. Thanks to the support from Soroptimist, I came out stronger than I ever thought possible. With the support I received, I finished my degree in criminal justice, started my master’s and now work at the Department of Justice. I have made it through the tough times with the help of organizations like Soroptimist.”

Bee Lopez from the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce presented Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova and Gold River with a certificate of congratulations, acknowledging the organization’s significant impact on the community.

“Your organization has made an extraordinary impact on the lives of women and girls through scholarships, workshops, and conferences. The Soroptimist embodies grace, love, and passion,” Lopez said.

Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova and Gold River Vice-President Sheryl Longsworth and President Christina Ma stand alongside members of Kiwanis Club.

Ken Cooley, a former Rancho Cordova City Council member, praised the organization’s focus on empowering women.

“It’s fantastic that organizations like this exist, focused on empowering women and making them feel secure to meet life’s challenges,” Cooley said.

Lynn Lavapie, a student liaison for Folsom Cordova Unified School District, thanked Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova and Gold River for its support of families experiencing homelessness.

“Your generosity has made a significant impact to the families experiencing homelessness. With your help, we can change the mindset to I can do this, I will succeed, I can change my life and break the cycle of homelessness,” Lavapie said.

The celebration also included a recognition to Soroptimist’s charter sponsor, Soroptimist International of Citrus Heights, and the ongoing evolution of the organization’s projects to meet the changing needs of the community.

As the organization looks to the future, it remains committed to its mission of empowering women and girls.

“The evolution of our projects has been amazing,” Longsworth said. “We try to keep up with the evolving needs of our community and schools.”

Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova and Gold River has engaged with a variety of organizations and groups. They have collaborated with youth groups such as Girl Scout troops, the Miss Rancho Cordova Pageant, and both the Cordova High Key Club and Interact Club. Their partnerships extend to the Sacramento Family Justice Center, the Folsom Cordova USD Adolescent Parent Program, Women Escaping a Violent Environment, and Mather VA Hospital. They have volunteered for Project 680, Rancho Cordova Food Locker, Rancho Cordova Police Activities, the Cordova Community Council and the Rancho Cordova Chamber of Commerce.