from the Soroptimist Club
The Women’s City Club in Pasadena provided a very elegant setting for Soroptimist International of Altadena-Pasadena’s fourth annual “Live Your Dream” luncheon. This event – the organization’s signature project -- honored three local women, and was held on April 24.
The first honoree was Jackie Knowles, the recipient of the Ruby Award for Women Helping Women. This award honors women who have worked to improve the lives of women and girls through their professional or volunteer efforts. Jackie provided the necessary leadership and perseverance to open The Women’s Room, a safe place for homeless and at-risk women to rest, have a meal, and access services and support. Jackie currently serves as facilitator and manager of The Women’s Room.
When accepting the award, Jackie stated that what started out to be a daytime refuge for just a few women has now grown to 20 – 30 homeless attendees a day. “It could happen to you or I,” she acknowledged.
The second honoree was Elizabeth Claire Lambert, winner of the Violet Richardson Award. This award is named after the president of the first Soroptimist club, and is given to young women who make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. Elizabeth recognized the need for a safe haven for students at Eliot Middle School in Altadena to meet with counselors. As her Girl Scout Gold Award project, Elizabeth transformed an empty room into a decorated and furnished space with furniture, student art, and office space for the counselor.
Elizabeth, who plans to pursue psychology specializing in adolescents, thanked the Soroptimists, the personnel at Eliot Middle School, and her parents, who were also in attendance.
One highlight of the event came about when Vanessa Manjarrez, the 2012 Violet Richardson Award winner, made an appearance. Since she was named last year’s VRA winner, she became the 2013 Tournament of Roses Queen, and recounted some of her experiences during the year thus far.
And finally, the Women’s Opportunity Award was given to Philandria M. Brown. This award is given to women who are overcoming personal difficulties and to help them improve their economic status in order to enter or re-enter the workplace. After a period of homelessness, Philandria once received support and counseling at Elizabeth House, a shelter for pregnant and homeless women. She and her family have since moved to affordable housing. Philandria, a single mother and sole provider for her three children, is a full-time student at Pasadena City College.
She plans to transfer to CSU Northridge to continue her studies, with a goal of becoming a business consultant and helping small businesses through marketing promotions. She says, “Life has put many obstacles in my way, but through faith and perseverance, I have been able to overcome them.”
In addition to the Soroptimist awards, the winners received commendations from Senator Carol Liu, in addition to several other local government offices. Soroptimist member Hazel Salomon-Jimmy donated handbags to each of the women. All in all -- a very uplifting, inspiring occasion.
For more information on Soroptimists, visit www.soroptimist.org.
