Board of Directors

DSC_6072Governor Tana Elizondo

I have been a Soroptimist Member since 2005 and my home club is SI Hanford. I have served on different capacities of the board and a variety of committees. I was asked to consider running for office of District Director in 2012 which led me to the role of Governor. I can’t say any one role has been better over another, they all have been significant for me. I believe deeply in our Mission, an education is a powerful component and leads to many opportunities, not just for a single woman but for her family and her community. The impact is like the “Ripple effect of the Butterfly.”  Everything we do matters!

Attach10679_20160730_102517-1Governor-Elect Gail Dekreon

Greetings from your Sierra Pacific Region Governor-Elect! Thank you so much for electing me. I am honored by your faith and trust in my abilities to serve as your Governor-Elect.

I work as a Superior Court Judge in San Francisco. I was born in Germany to U.S. Citizen parents, raised in Alaska, came to California to go to law school and never left. I come from a large family; I have four brothers and three sisters. I do not have children, but I do have two large dogs, 4 birds, 18 nieces and nephews, 8 grand nephews, 1 grand niece and 4 more “grands” on the way (2 boys and 2 girls), as well as 1 great grand niece and 1 great grand nephew.

I became a Soroptimist in 2003 when I was inducted into the San Francisco club. I am a “doer”, give me a task and I will see that it gets done well and on time. I am passionate about our Soroptimist Mission and I am passionate about working with and for women and girls. I will channel that passion into creative ideas and hard work to assist our Region in meeting the needs of all of our clubs as we work to improve the lives of women and girls.

I am also the Program Pillar for the 2016-2018 Biennium, so I look forward to working with all of our clubs as we strive to take part in our Soroptimist Dream Projects.

Charlie HeadshotTreasurer Charlie Rodgers

Hello and thank you for allowing me to serve the Sierra Pacific Region as Treasurer as we begin the new Biennium. I joined Soroptimist International of Modesto in 1997 and have served on that board for at least 10 of those years (6 of those as Treasurer). I also served as the last Treasurer of the Sierra Pacific Soroptimist Foundation which dissolved in 2006. I was drawn to Soroptimist for a variety of reasons and I stay because of our mission of improving the lives of women and girls.

I was born and raised in the central valley, but went out of state for college and spent two and half years in Pullman, Washington. My husband Pete and I were married in 1982 over winter break of our junior year at Washington State University. Family brought us back to the valley and we put down roots (in the form of Almond and Walnut trees on the family farm) that have kept us here. Our children actually grew up in Soroptimist. Daughter Jordan was 10 and son Jack was 6 the year I joined and they have put in their own hours helping in club projects. They have both moved back to area (only a mile and half from the farm) and Jordan brought along our son-in- law Aaron!

UntitledSecretary Laura Cross

Hello Soroptimist clubs in the Sierra Pacific Region!  After serving as District 1 Director, I am continuing my passion for helping clubs turn obstacles into opportunities.

As a commissioner on the Santa Cruz County Women’s Commission I am able to connect with other leaders in the community and as a result was able to help develop a partnership to bring Dream It, Be It to the Central Coast.  Four clubs including Capitola By-the-Sea, Carmel Bay, Salinas and Watsonville participate each year and reach approximately 75 girls at the Girls Inc. summer camp.

I love that Soroptimist International has consultative status with the United Nations’ Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), which oversees U.N. activities and policies promoting human rights.

Untitled2.pngDistrict I Director Jan King

It’s an honor to serve as your District 1 Director. Calling myself a “late bloomer,” I became a Soroptimist in 2008, after retiring from a 30-year career at a local community college.  Our Watsonville club’s sizable scholarship and awards program and support of the local women’s shelter and CASA House have provided me with a wonderful opportunity to give back to my community and beyond.  I’ve served as club Secretary, Vice President and President, served as 2014-16 Region Chair for the “Live Your Dream” awards program, and look forward to working with District 1 clubs as we strengthen our collective impact and identify ways to enhance our member experience.

13516281_1184656384901379_4251618782489097125_n.jpgDistrict II Director Yolanda Rivera

Thank you for electing me as your new District II Director.  I joined SI Modesto in October of 2000 and just celebrated my 15th year as a new Club-Life member.  I have held all positions on our club board and was ready to take the challenge as your District Director.  I am anxious to meet everyone in my district so we can forge new relationships and learn more how we can work together as one.

I have been married to my husband Cesar for 12 years and between the two of us we have 4 children, 8 grandchildren and I have a great granddaughter on the way!! I am so exited!  We have put a lot of effort in our home to make it beautiful and comfortable, a project that never ends.  We like to travel a little, time permitting.  As some of you know I do card stamping with past Governor Pat Jones, it is our addiction!! I love to crochet and sew also.

I am looking forward to expanding my knowledge of Soroptimist programs and am dedicated to our mission: Improving the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Here’s to a successful next two years!

Untitled1District III Director Janet Manos

Hello, I am so honored and grateful to be serving as the District III Director for this biennium. I have been a Soroptimist since March of 2001.  I’ve held several offices and worked on many committees within my club.  I’ve been married to Mike for 38 years and have two grown children, son Bobby(Lindsey) and daughter Jennifer(Jon) and three grandchildren, Julian, Jenner, & Reese, and one granddaughter expected to arrive in January, 2017.

I love our focus on women and girls around the globe and also love the interaction and camaraderie with our club members as well as getting to know and meeting new people within our region and beyond. I am looking forward to this new venture and I am excited about supporting all of the clubs and celebrating their successes in carrying out our mission.

Parliamentarian Debbie JensenIMG_0266

It is my pleasure to serve as Parliamentarian for the region board.  I’ve had years of practice, and even took a class in high school!

I joined Soroptimist in 1993 because I liked what they did to make a difference in my community. I am a member of SI San Luis Obispo, and will serve as vice-president this year.

I love meeting Soroptimists in local clubs and all over the world. Attending the Soroptimist International convention in Istanbul as your region governor was a highlight of my membership in this organization.