About Us

Soroptimist International of Channel Islands is a volunteer club of women serving Ventura County. Since our charter in 2023, we’ve supported women and girls through the Live Your Dream education awards, care bags for domestic violence survivors, and our work with STOP Trafficking Ventura County. We’re part of the Camino Real Region of Soroptimist International of the Americas, and we were honored to receive the region’s Victory Award for the most member growth in 2024–2025.

Vision

Mission

Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment.

Women and girls have the resources and opportunities to reach their full potential and live their dreams.

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Image of the channel islands national park

Our Namesake ♥

Our Namesake ♥

Watch Us Grow

Pat Cruz-Mendoza

Member since

2024
For we walk by faith, not by sight
2nd Corinthians 5:7

LEADERSHIP

VP of Membership (current) Corresponding Secretary (past)

FAVORITE PART OF SOROPTIMIST

Pat loves working with women who are committed to helping other women succeed through education.

FUN FACT

Shelina Sayani

Member since

2025

Alone we can do so little, together we can do so much
Helen Keller

LEADERSHIP

2026–2027 Treasurer

FAVORITE PART OF SOROPTIMIST

The amazing women in our club.

FUN FACT

Shelina is a "Digital Nomad" in 15 countries
Charlotte Balzer-Gott

Member since

2024
Your life changes when you stop leaving yourself behind and start choosing you.

LEADERSHIP

FAVORITE PART OF SOROPTIMIST

I love being part of a giving community where women champion growth and success of other women... and Barbie Bingo!

FUN FACT

Charlotte has ridden an elephant and a camel and seen ostriches on a beach.
Danielle Sisk

Member since

2026
Teamwork is dreamwork

LEADERSHIP

Ventura Downtown Lions Club membership chair 2023–2026

FAVORITE PART OF SOROPTIMIST

Helping to lift up other women!

FUN FACT

She loves making yogurt!

Get in touch!

Chartering Party

Four smiling people stand close together with arms around each other, posing for a photo in an indoor setting.
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Region Secretary Carole Savala congratulates Pres Juliann Laufer

President Juliann and special guest SIA CEO Michelle Burnett

GEM Brooke & SI/Oxnard Member Debbie Gohlke with previous Soroptimists Amanda Pelch & Vicki Young sharing memories.

A Global Movement of Women Supporting Women

We invite you to explore the greater world of Soroptimist, a global influencer and supporter of Empowered women Empowering women.

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Soroptimist International

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Soroptimist International of the Americas

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Soroptimist International of Camino Real Region

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