February 5, 2019 - Soroptimist International of The Sierras local service club had their 4th Annual ‘Dream It – Be It’ Career Girls Conference on January 19, 2019 at the Oakhurst Community Center. This year we had over 50 girls register from 8th to 12th grade high school girls who registered for this all-day free conference.
“The positive response to this year’s Dream It, Be It program far surpassed our expectations. We had both an increase in community support and a record number of girls registering to attend, right up to the day of the event. And for several girls, this was their second or third time attending. Every year the event gets bigger and better and we are already making plans to make next year’s event even better!” says Michele Shockley, Chair for Soroptimist “Dream It Be It” Event.
Given out to each girl in attendance was a group photo in a frame and goodie bag and a chance to win prizes, activities including yoga and dream boards were created, fun games and of course, inspirational speakers who shared their life stories and what paths they took to reach their chosen careers.
“I feel privileged to be a part of this program which impacts the lives of so many young women in our community who have participated in this free conference for area girls. This event gave them opportunities to ask questions, build confidence, and make new friends and mentors for a lifetime. One of our speakers, Michele Dodd, MSW, received a Live Your Dream college grant and went back to school. Ms. Dodd is a now a social worker in our local area and thanks the Soroptimist organization for the confidence that we “believed in her” says Past President Joelle Leder-Rule.
Speakers and topics included: Discovering Your Dreams by Club President and Event Chair, Michele Shockley Exploring Careers – Foster Farms Manager, Melissa “Mo” Grimes Creating Achievable Goals – Manager, Heather Aleshire and Cal Fire, Jaime Williams Rising Above Obstacles – Kaiser Permanente, Dr. Nicole Hill Turning Failure into Success – Clinical Social Worker, Michele Dodd MSW Taking Care of Yourself- Esthetician, Rachel Miller Financial Responsibility – Central Valley Community Bank Manager, Shelle Abbott Yoga Activity with Lisa Wobler-Hering
Soroptimist International of The Sierras would like to thank the support of these community sponsors – Pizza Factory – Corporate Office in Oakhurst, Ameriprise Financial – Nemeth & Petrushkin and Greenwood Heating and Air. Event Prizes and Gift Bag Items were donated by Kaiser Permanente, Oakhurst Giftworks, Foster Farms, Joelle Leder Photography, Ameriprise Finanical – Nemeth & Petrushkin, Oakhurst Grocery Outlet, Central Valley Community Bank and Soroptimist Members.
Special Thanks to our event photographer: Joelle Leder Photography and event videographer: Emotion Video. Pizza served at lunch at the event is provided by Pizza Factory in Oakhurst. Also attending the conference was a representative from Soroptimist Clovis, Mariposa and Merced Club to observe so they may have an event in their area soon.
Past Videos from the event may be found by visiting Soroptimist International of The Sierras Club’s YouTube Channel or by visiting - soroptimistofthesierras.wordpress.com.
Soroptimist International of The Sierras is a local service club and part of Soroptimist International of the Americas (Soroptimist.org). Soroptimist improves the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Soroptimist, a 501(c)(3) organization that relies on charitable donations to support its two major programs including “Dream It Be It Career Girls Conference” and “Live Your Dream College Grants” for women.
For more information about Soroptimist International of The Sierras, contact Club President Joelle Leder Rule at JoelleLeder@gmail.com or visit their Facebook page. Volunteer and get involved in your community and join us as our monthly meetings are 1st and 3rd Thursdays at Oakhurst Grill Restaurant at 12:00 Noon to 1:00 P.M.
Source & photo credit: Club Past President and Region Public Awareness Chair - Joelle Leder-Rule
