The first Soroptimist club was formed
in 1921 in Oakland, California, by a group of women who were interested in
volunteer service but who were prohibited from joining all-male service organizations.
The name Soroptimist, a
coined term interpreted as "best for women", was chosen for the
new club. Other clubs quickly formed in North America, and in 1923 the first
club in Europe was established. The first clubs provided women business owners,
managers and professionals in different occupational areas the opportunity
to meet, and to work together in their communities. In 1928, the individual
Soroptimist clubs in North America banded together to create a federation of
Soroptimist clubs, now called Soroptimist International of the Americas.
The Soroptimist International of Maui Club was chartered on May 3, 1970. After more than 35 years, Soroptimist International of Maui continues to bring in new members and make a difference by supporting projects and programs that benefit women and girls in local communities and throughout the world.
Soroptimist International of Maui has been a family tradition for many years. The Club has seen great mother-daughter and mother-son teams: Angie Haramoto and Cherrie Akina, Yvonne Giordano and Traci Giordano Silva, Yukie Ng and Vince Ng, and Marsha Smith and Vicki Harvey.
Recently, the Club also had the pleasure of honoring its octogenarian members who have been, for many years, steadfast in their commitment to the Soroptimist Organization. Featured from left are: Kay Murayama, Lillian Takabayashi, Elsie Ota and Louise Smith.
To
be the voluntary service organization of
choice that is committed to improving the
lives of women and girls in local communities
and throughout the world.
The name Soroptimist means "best for women," and
that is exactly what the organization and
its members strive to achieve. As Soroptimists,
we share our time, talents and financial
resources to enrich our communities.
