June 20, 2019 - Oakhurst, CA. – Soroptimist International of The Sierras had their Women Awards Luncheon on April 4, 2019 in Oakhurst at Oakhurst Grill. 
(Pictured): Joelle Leder-Rule/Women of Distinction, Christy Smith/Women of Distinction, Club President Michele Shockley, and Live Your Dream Recipients Kelsi Stieler, Kelli McCarty and Caitlin Hail

Soroptimist awarded $3,300. to three recipients for the 2018-2019 'Live Your Dream College Scholarships for Women' Awards.  The awards come from Soroptimist fundraiser programs that are held throughout the year such as our upcoming Chili Cook Off event on November 9, 2019 at the Oakhurst Community Center.  This year the awards went to Kelsi Stieler, Caitlyn Hail and Kelli McCarty.  The awards are given to women who are striving to obtain skills and education to improve her employment status and standard of living for herself and her family.  Each award is $1,000. Plus, a $100 fuel card.  

Kelsi Stieler graduated in May 2019, Summa Cum Laude from Fresno State with her Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies and she was also a four-year Smittcamp Family Honors College Member.  Ms. Stieler stated, “Soroptimist is a great organization that helped give me the ability to focus on my education and prepare myself for life after school.” Caitlyn Hail and Kelli McCarty are currently attending Oakhurst Community College Center and Ms. Hail is studying psychology and Ms. McCarty is studying nursing.
(Pictured): Live Your Dream Scholarships - Kelsi Stieler, Kelli McCarty, Caitlin Hail and Live Your Dream Chair Joelle Leder-Rule

The 2019 'Women of Distinction' Awards were awarded to Christy Smith with Custom Designs Construction and Interiors, Inc. and Joelle Leder-Rule with Joelle Leder Photography.  

Christy Smith was a past Soroptimist member and also involved with the YHS S-Club.  Currently, she is the president elect of Rotary Club of Oakhurst Sierra as well as a community volunteer for many events such as Elegant Auction, Christmas Tree Auction and Golden Chain Theatre.

Joelle Leder-Rule is a current Soroptimist International of The Sierras member, immediate past president and current president elect as well as public awareness chair for the Soroptimist Sierra Pacific Region which covers 33 clubs from Central California Coast, Valley to Mountains. She is also involved in many community activities such Board Member on Oakhurst Community Center and Chair of the Rotary Santa program which provides food and toys for at least 35 families which include about 100 children each Holiday.
(Pictured): Women of Distinction Awards - Joelle Leder-Rule, Women Awards Chair Peggy Davis, Christy Smith

The 2019 'Women Helping Women' Award was awarded to Jolinda Thomas with Cornerstone Counseling on June 6 as she was unable to attend our luncheon in April.  Mrs. Thomas has always been there with a bright smile for so many in our community as she gives back so much to her clients going above and beyond for each of them. 

Mrs. Thomas stated “Our desire at Cornerstone Family Counseling is to create a safe and welcoming place for people to heal. We are a group of clinicians who have experienced being the client as well as the clinician and have passion for helping people become unstuck.”
(Pictured): 2019 Women Helping Women Committee Chair, Peggy Davis with recipient Jolinda Thomas and her husband, Greg and son Wesley. 

Applications for the 2019-2020 Live Your Dream College Scholarships will be open on Thursday, August 1, 2019 and this year, you may apply online if you meet the criteria. Information may be found here soroptimistofthesierras.wordpress.com and choose Soroptimist International of The Sierras local club.

Soroptimist is an International volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
Founded in 1921, Soroptimist International has approximately 80,000 members in 132 countries and territories.  Soroptimist members belong to local clubs which determine community focus projects and programs in addition to supporting organization-wide programs, all of which benefit women and girls.

Interested in becoming a new member? Join us! Give Back. Volunteer. Be a part of your community.  Our meetings are 1st and 3rd Thursdays each month at Oakhurst Grill Restaurant. Contact Club Past President Joelle Leder-Rule at JoelleLeder@gmail.com for more information.

Source: Soroptimist International of The Sierras

Photo credit: Joelle Leder Photography