SIA Convention Recap

I have just returned from the Soroptimist International of the Americas 48th Biennial Convention in Bellevue, Washington. I was impressed by so many things and learned so much. It would take many pages to tell you everything. So, I will try to hit some highlights.

It began when I arrived at the Bellevue Hyatt. My first task was to find my room. The people at the front desk pointed me to a ramp and told me to go down the ramp and to the elevators. I couldn’t find the elevators and was standing in the middle of the hallway looking confused. Then, I saw several friendly looking ladies approaching. Turns out they were Soroptimists who greeted me warmly and pointed me in the right direction. Off to a good start.

Founder Region was very well represented at the Convention. We had approximately 70 members there.  I don’t know if I saw all of you, but it was great as always connecting with you.

At the Governor’s Orientation, I met Governor’s from all over the United States, Japan, and Korea.  I was seeing an even bigger picture than before. Opening General Session was very moving with the presentation of flags from each country in SIA. I saw what a big part of SIA Founder Region is. We are a big piece of the SIA puzzle.

That our hard work pays off was also brought home to me. In 2023-2024, there was $3,000,000.00 awarded to 2269 Live Your Dream recipients. More than 25,000 girls were reached by Dream It Be it during 2023-2024 through over 350 club projects. Real progress is being made toward achieving the Big Goal of reaching 500,000 women and girls by 2031 with increased access to education and economic empowerment.

There are many substantive things I learned that I will share in the coming months, but one I want to share now.  Make sure that your club president and treasurer’s email addresses are on file with SIA. The new member portal really is going to be a reality.

I am so glad I attended this Convention. Make your plans now for the 49th Biennial Convention in Inchon, South Korea July 22-25, 2026. Include the mandatory convention fees in your club budgets as that date approaches and we can have a great turn showing from our Region.

See you soon. (District Meetings are coming.)
Governor Elise

Past Governors Kris, Pam, Vicki, Amelia & Sylvia along with current Governor Elise at the SIA Convention. 

Past Governors of Founder Region, including SIA President Bobbi Enderlin at the SIA Convention.