2000-2002 Founder Region, Governor Carol Rose

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Soroptimist International of El Pinablo
2003-2005 SI/A Federation Director Theme: "Soroptimists Soar into the New Century" 

Region Board   Governor-elect: Mary Ann Redden   Secretary:  Amelia Benko   Treasurer:  Cathy Mitchell   Directors District 1:  Chrisann Nicholson     District 2:  Doris Webster     District 3:  Lee Ray McDoniels     District 4: Kay Barrett Ritter     District 5: Sue Finch     District 6: Julie Kamanawa-Kala 

Clubs Chartered   SI Fremont     SI Central Solano County   
Region Conferences   2001 -  San Ramon     Clubs in region:  66           Registration: 417     2002 -  Kona, HI - Keauhou Beach Resort     Clubs in region:  66       Registration: 332  


  • The biennium started with a Leadership retreat at Sonoma State College.  It was the first time we used evaluations  to let us know how we did and it gave us new direction for the next year.
  • Walker Ranch was chosen for the next Leadership retreat, a very rustic and pastoral place.
  • The Public Relations committee was re-established and Founderlink, the online newsletter was instituted.
  • The honoring of the Women of Distinction was changed from Sunday to a Friday afternoon luncheon and we started Conference Friday mornings.
  • At our 2002 Federation convention in San Diego, Japan Chuo Region and Founder Region signed papers to become Friendship Links.
  • During this biennium, we were invited to attend the Youth Forum in Minami Region, Japan.  The Board decided on who to send to Japan.  There was an essay contest among our S-Club members and three were chosen.  Two girls from Sacred Hearts Academy in Waikiki and one From Liberty High School in Antioch. Off we went to Japan.
  • Six S-clubs were chartered and one was re-formed.
I can't express how wonderful it was to be your Governor.  I visited every club and was always met with warmth, friendliness and love from every member.  It is an experience that will never be taken from me.


2002-2004 Founder Region Governor,  Mary Ann Redden 

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Soroptimist International of Antioch Theme: "Achieve Growth By Sharing" Region Board  
Governor-elect: Cathy Mitchell   
Secretary:  Sue Finch   
Treasurer:  Joyce Strand   
Directors District 1:  Chrisann Nicholson     
District 2:  Terry Comiskey     
District 3:  Carol Stein     
District 4: Linda Simon     
District 5: Elaine Reed     
District 6: Julie Kamanawa-Kala 

Clubs Chartered   American Canyon         

Region Conferences   2003 -  Concord Hilton, Concord     Clubs in region:  67           Registration: 470     2004 -  Hilton Guam Resort & Spa, Guam     Clubs in region:  67       Registration: 216   There were many special events during the biennium. The chartering of a new club, American Canyon was very exciting; over 100 members from the Region were in attendance. A bus trip to the Redwood Memorial Grove was arranged. There were some difficulties such as the bus driver did not know how to get to the Redwood Memorial Grove; the bus did not go over what felt like 40 miles per hour. However, it was a worthwhile trip in that over 100 members experienced the Redwood Memorial Service.

At the 2003 Conference, guest speaker Michael Pritchard, kept the membership in stitches with his humorous presentation about his experiences as a teacher and working with handicapped people. His lively wit included phrases such as "If life was logical men would ride side saddle" and some people have NCAA, "No Clue At All" 

The Recruitment/Retention/Extension/Soroptimist Orientation and Leadership Training Fund was established. Founder Region Fellowship gave a reception for members who are Fellows, to meet the awardees one on one.

The 2004 Conference was very exciting. It was held in Tamuning, Guam. Forty seven clubs were represented at Conference and heard presentations from the Honorable Felix P. Camacho, Governor of Guam; Senator Tina Rose Muna Barnes, a Congressional Record from the 108th House of Representatives; Official visitor, Takiko Hayaish, President Soroptimist International of the Americas; and a workshop conducted by Leigh Wintz, Executive Director SIA. Linda Manor, Director of the Fund Development Council shared information on funding Soroptimist programs.

There is so much more that happened during the biennium, but not enough space to put it all down. Being Governor of Founder Region was and is a life changing experience. I cherish the friendships and memories made. Thank you for the opportunity to serve.


2004-2006 Founder Region Governor,  Cathy Mitchell

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Soroptimist International of Cloverdale
2007-2009 SI/A Federation Director 
Theme: "Together We Can" 
Region Board   
Governor-elect: Sue Finch   
Secretary:  Linda Sue Hansen   
Treasurer:  Joyce Strand   
Directors District 1:  April Rovero District 2:  Norene Lowry  District 3:  Terry Baldwin  District 4: Penny Solem     District 5: Debbie Thompson     District 6: Jane Murakami 

Clubs Chartered   Windsor     24/680   
Region Conferences
   2005 -  San Ramon -     Clubs in region:              Registration:       2006 -  Concord - Concord Hilton     Clubs in region:  65       Registration: 185   
        First Governor and so far only Governor to be installed in Guam.  It is a memory that I will cherish forever.  The warmth, friendship, and love that we  received from the members of the two clubs will never be forgotten.
        Soroptimist International of the Americans introduced the Renaissance Campaign.  Clubs were asked to focus on Program, Public Awareness, Membership and Fundraising.  SIA funded the Women’s Opportunity Awards based on the number of clubs in each region.  As a result, SIA awarded $20,000 to the six district winners of our Women’s Opportunity Awards.
         Founder Region accepted the challenge of the Renaissance Campaign and 100% of the clubs participated in the Women’s Opportunity Awards in both years of the biennium.  
        Deborah Santana, wife of Carlos Santana, was guest speaker at the twenty-ninth region conference held May 6, 7, 8 2005.  She read excerpts from her book “Space Between the Stars” and spoke on how important it was to be a volunteer.  After she spoke, she signed books that she had available for sale.  So many of our members lined up in the foyer to purchase her book that the afternoon session was closed and the election results were moved to the evening session. 
         Kathryn Xian, the Non-Executive Director of “Safe Zone Foundation” and “Girl Fest Bay Area”, was the region winner of the “ Making A Difference for Women Award” and went on to win the Federation award.
         Two clubs were chartered:  Soroptimist International of 24-680 and Soroptimist International of Windsor.
          Thank you for the honor that you bestowed on me by electing me your Governor for the 2004-2006 biennium.  I will cherish the memories and the friendships that I have made for the rest of my life.  I will continue to fight for the women and children who have no voices and I know that “Together We Can” improve the lives of women and girls in our local communities and throughout the world.Cathy Mitchell


2006-2008 Founder Region Governor,  Sue Finch 

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Soroptimist International of Eel River Valley
Theme: "Creating Magic Through Soroptimist Service" 

Region Board   Governor-elect: Amelia Benko   Secretary:  Linda Sue Hansen   Treasurer:  Debbie Thompson   Directors District 1:  Barbara L. Lanier     District 2:  Dona Gaddis-Wolf     District 3:  Bobbi Enderlin     District 4: Helen A. Sager     District 5: Bonnie Vukonich     District 6: Judy Lee 

Clubs Chartered             
Region Conferences
   2008 -  San Ramon -     Clubs in region:              Registration:       2007 -  San Ramon -     Clubs in region: 
  Registration:     more to come - revisit this page later 


2008-2010 Founder Region Governor, Amelia Benko

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Soroptimist International Theme: "Making A Difference Matters"

 Region Board   Governor-elect: Linda Sue Hansen   Secretary:  Dona Gaddis Wolf   Treasurer:  Debbie Thompson   Directors District 1:  Charlene Stamps     District 2:  Gloria Soderbery     District 3:  Bobbi Enderlin     District 4: Sandra Frazer     District 5: Ada Kornmeyer     District 6: Sylvia Crafton           
Region Conferences   2009 -San Ramon Marriott - San Ramon, CA ; Clubs in Region     57, Attendance  -500; 2010 -Ihilani Resort & Spa – Ko Olina, Honolulu, Hawaii, Clubs in Region- 57, Attendance- 282

  I have thanked you for the privilege of serving as Governor of this Region, but it must be said again that the value you placed on your own membership was my inspiration.  I asked for 110%, your response was immeasurable. The successes of my biennium were a true reflection of the commitment and dedication of the membership of this Region. You can all be proud of two years of:
100% of clubs participating in the Womens Opportunity Award, honoring at least 114 women, we know it was many more.  
100% of members donating to Founder Pennies
95% of clubs participating in the Violet Richardson Award
50% of clubs submitting Ruby Award applications
More than $120,000 raised to benefit the SIA Program Development Fund through the Club Campaign & Laurel Society
Founder Region Fellowship, recognizing fifteen women with grants totaling $140,000.
Awareness, advocacy and action regarding our international programs against sexual trafficking and exploitation and the hundreds of volunteer hours performed and the tens of thousands of dollars raised to benefit your local communities.
Amelia Benko