Meet Our 2011-12 Board

President, Sydney Thompson contact

As President for the 2011-2012 club year, I look forward to a busy, rewarding term. Our goal as a club and – at the higher level of our Sierra Nevada Region and the Federation – is to improve the lives of women and children in our community and around the world!

When I first learned of Soroptimist as a real estate broker in Petaluma, I was inspired by the dedication I saw in the women who belonged to the local club – they were committed to such a worthwhile cause. I was pleased to join an organization that was giving back to our community, as well as globally.

Having moved to Chico eight years ago, I was excited to join the Chico Soroptimist Club. It’s a chance to work with amazing women who I wouldn’t have met without Soroptimist – to enjoy the friendships that have evolved – to feel the joy of giving a helping hand to deserving people. Being a Soroptimist truly means being the best for women – being the best friend, working on the best service projects, reaping the best rewards from helping others. Having a global presence is awe inspiring. We actually change the lives of women and children around the world!

My professional background consists mostly of real estate sales and rental property management. I retired as a Century 21 real estate broker in 2003 and moved to Chico to help my daughter and son-in-law by taking care of my three grandchildren while they are at work. I also have three grandchildren in Ireland and look forward to my yearly visits with them.

President-elect, Jill Cooper contact

Soroptimist is a unique organization for women and children all over the world. I joined because of my deep desire to help other women on a deeper level than merely providing the next meal or a change of clothing. As a Soroptimist, I have the opportunity to help women change their lives by creating healthier and safer choices as they decide what they want to do. We empower women to live to their fullest potential.

I joined Soroptimist Downtown Redding and now am a member of the Chico club, which is closer to my home. It has given me the opportunity to meet other women in my community who share the same goals.

I am the Marketing and Business Development Representative of Cleanrite-Buildrite and have been in marketing for 15 years, after full-time motherhood. I am blessed to reach a place in life where I am able to help those who are earnestly trying to help themselves via Soroptimist.

Vice President, Jackie Travis contact

A friend invited me to attend a Soroptimist luncheon in 2008. I was inspired by the diverse group of women and the array of community service projects they funded and coordinated. I had been searching for a way to give back to the community and this organization gave me the perfect opportunity.

I have nearly 20 years of county government administrative experience, and I retired as the Yuba County Public Health Director. I subsequently provided consulting and grant-writing services to various non-profit organizations. I officially retired in 2009 and enjoy spending my “free time” traveling, reading, working out, and spending quality time with my husband, our two adult children, and four grandchildren.

Recording Secretary, Bev Rozendaal contact

I joined Soroptimist International of Chico in January 1990. There were approximately 40 members at that time. I have seen the club grow to a 100+ members over the 21years I’ve been a member. I am a Past President from 2001-02 and have served on almost all committees and Board positions over the years. I thoroughly enjoy participating in such an active, enthusiastic organization with such dynamic women.

I have recently retired and am loving it! Prior to retirement, I was Office Manager at my husband’s accounting firm, James W. Rozendaal, CPA, Inc. We have two daughters and sons-in-law and five grandchildren. I love to read & enjoy photography.

Corresponding Secretary, Roseann Bradley contact

A friend invited me to join Soroptimist. Although I was not very familiar with Soroptimist and what it stood for, it did not take long to learn. I could see why my friend was so excited about the group. It is a great cross-section of dynamic women with talents and knowledge that know no bounds. I am always amazed, yet never surprised, by the capabilities of these women. I have been a member for 10 years and feel very fortunate to be a part of this group.

I have a degree in Child Development from CSU-Chico. I had worked in banking for nearly twenty-five years, then made a career change to Real Estate about eleven years ago. My husband and I moved back to Chico in 1978. In 1990 we moved to Durham and raised our three children. They are grown now, so I am able to share more of my time, and being part of Soroptimist is very fulfilling. It is a good feeling to give back to the community and beyond.

Treasurer, Joan Stoner contact

I joined SI Chico in 1997 after being invited by Susan Evers-McCauley, which is ironic because my sister, Jane Alt, is a past president. I have served on the SI Chico Board as both a Treasurer and as SI Chico President in 2005-2006. Having lived in Chico most of my life and attended Chico schools, it is great to have a fun way to give back to the community. I have two children, Thomas and Sara, and enjoy running, yoga, karate and reading.

Treasurer-elect, Linda Lotspeich contact

I have been a member of Soroptimist International of Chico since February 1989 and have truly loved being a part of the organization and working with so many dynamic & energetic women. It’s been very satisfying to be able to help women and children locally and globally.

Since joining, I’ve held all offices, from SI/Chico President in 1995-1996, to being both Treasurer-Elect and Treasurer for several years. I had originally said I never wanted to hold those offices, since I work as Office Manager for our accounting corporation, Lotspeich & Company, with my husband. It seemed a bit too much like work to be SI/Chico Treasurer. But, I’ve actually liked it and found it a great way to learn about so many different aspects about Soroptimist on the local, regional and even international level.

Director, Linda Dye contact

Soroptimist International of Chico (SI Chico) is a large club with a long and distinguished history in our community. As Soroptimists, our focus has always been on service – Committed to improving the lives of women and children in our community, our country, and around the world. Through service projects we strive to raise money to continue to donate money and time to the community and around the world.

Director/Delegate, Cindy Reed-Vogel contact

Alternate Delegate, Karen Sinell contact

I joined Soroptimist in 2004 after moving to Chico from the Bay Area. It has been one of the greatest experiences of my life. There is nothing quite the same as being able to give back to those who are less fortunate than oneself – both in community and around the globe. Soroptimist is a place where outstanding women weave their talents together to make a difference. As a result, we have fun and develop lifelong friendships.

After moving to Chico, I returned to school to receive my Masters in Education. Currently I am locating a publisher for my book, “Frescoes by the Bay” (www.kannenstudios.com). I have a passion for art, photography, travel, different cultures and the innocence of dogs and children.

Alternate Delegate, Gayle Alward contact

Parliamentarian, Carolyn Dusenbury contact

I have lived in Chico since 1989 and joined SI/Chico in 1993. I had been in an “S” Club member in high school, so Soroptimism was somewhat familiar to me even if it was a l-o-n-g time ago. I was looking for a good place to pay my “civic rent” to the community.

Community Service and the sense of working together in a relatively drama-free environment is what I love about being a Soroptimist. I have recently retired as the University Librarian in the Meriam Library at CSU, Chico. Off and on, this is my eighth stint as Parliamentarian. I am also co-archivist (with Julie Clarke) of the written history of the club. Our club records have been donated to Special Collections at the Meriam Library at Chico State; one of the most complete archives of the contributions of women to our community. I love to read (occupational hazard), garden and don’t get me started on my twin Shis Tzu’s – Archie and Buster.