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Soroptimist
International of Glendale Gives out the following awards each
year.
Making a
Difference for Women Award
Violet Richardson Award
Women’s Opportunity Award
Making a
Difference for Women Award
The Soroptimist Making a Difference for
Women Award honors women who, through their professional or
personal efforts, are making extraordinary differences in the
lives of women or girls. Honorees are women who have worked to
improve the lives of other women or girls. Their work has had a
significant impact, and also inspires and encourages other
women. To apply or nominate someone for this award, contact
Jill Lewis at
JLewis@glendale.edu
2007
Making a Difference for Women Awardee - Dr. Kathie Mathis
This year, Soroptimist International of
Glendale recognizes Dr. Kathie Mathis, the
Director of Domestic Violence Programs for the Glendale YWCA.
Dr. Mathis, who has her doctorate in Psychology, has worked in
this field for over 20 years. She is a nationally certified
psychologist who provides training programs in the areas of
domestic violence, drug and alcohol addictions, sex addictions
and counseling for sex offenders. Dr. Mathis is also an
international public speaker, teacher, trainer and advocate to
promote legislation and safety measures for abused children and
women at the state and national levels. As a published author
and court appointed special advocate, Dr. Mathis takes her
message across the nation to a variety of community groups. In
addition, she hosts a cable television program focused on
domestic violence issues. Dr. Mathis is a caring and
compassionate individual committed to helping women and
children in need.
Violet
Richardson Award
The Violet Richardson Award
recognizes girls between the ages of 14 and 17
whose volunteer activities make the community a better place.
It is not an academic scholarship. The award is named in honor
of the president of the first Soroptimist club, Violet
Richardson, a woman of action, whose indomitable spirit and
sense of personal responsibility were demonstrated by her
lifelong commitment to volunteering in her community.
Annually, Soroptimist
International of Glendale gives a financial award to a high
school girl who makes a commitment to volunteering, as well as a
financial award to the charity with which she volunteers. To
apply for this award, contact Liz Mirzaian at
mirzaiep@ah.org
2007 Violet Richardson Awardee - Jennifer Morishita
Jennifer Morishita volunteers at Centenary
United Methodist Church in downtown Los Angeles. She prepares
sack lunches for the homeless, gathers school supplies for
homeless children, helps cook turkey dinners for Thanksgiving
and wraps donated presents at Christmas to help the homeless
participate in the holidays. Jennifer is also a Girl Scout, and
for her Gold Award project she created comfort kits for foster
children to safely store their treasured possessions as they
move from home to home. Jennifer’s volunteer activities through
the church and Girl Scouts have brightened the lives of homeless
adults and homeless and displaced children.
Women’s Opportunity Award
The Women’s Opportunity Award is a cash
grant awarded to a deserving single mother who is seeking to
improve her economic status by gaining additional skills,
training or education. To apply
for this award, contact Liz Mirzaian at
mirzaiep@ah.org
2007 Women’s Opportunity Awardee – Maria Martinez
Four years ago, Maria protected her three
children and herself by leaving an abusive marriage. Maria had
no money and could not speak English, but she persevered and
started a new life with her sons. In four years, she has become
a US citizen, gained fluency in English, finished high school,
and is continuing to pursue her education in order to reach her
dream of becoming a bilingual pre-school teacher.
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