A few good women
Soroptimist offer opportunity for women to help women

By Elizabeth Hardin-Burrola
Staff writer

Latrissa Overman has been voted the Soroptimist of the Year by her fellow volunteers. Overman is also president of the organization. "It's really neat to be able to help out other women in the community, " she said. [Photo by Brian Leddy/Independent]

GALLUP — Latrissa Overman is looking for a few good women.

Overman, who is beginning her second term as president of Soroptimist of Gallup, is encouraging more local women to join the international organization. The nonprofit organization works in communities around the world to improve conditions for women and girls.

In Gallup, the organization has sponsored a “Mind, Body, Spirit Day” for women, provided free well-woman examinations in cooperation with Western New Mexico Medical Group, donated funds to help support the American Cancer Society’s “Look Good, Feel Better Program” for women undergoing cancer treatment, donated holiday meals to needy families, and participated in domestic violence awareness events. One upcoming project for this year is to help raise funds to install artificial turf at a Battered Family Services facility.

“We do a lot for the community with such a small group of women,” explained Overman, who said the club currently has 17 members. Any professional woman — actively working in the workforce or retired — is welcome to join, she said. Overman is particularly looking to increase membership among younger women.

A single parent raising a teenage daughter, Overman works as an accounting manager for Thunderbird Jewelry. She joined Soroptimist in 2004 and said she enjoys the opportunity to socialize with other women and appreciates the support she receives from them. She said involvement in the club also offers members the chance to take a break from the stress of everyday work and home responsibilities.

“It’s a very enriching experience to meet these women of all ages and backgrounds,” she explained. “The women just enjoy being with other women, plus it’s fulfilling to know you’re helping other women in the community.”

The Soroptimist Club of Gallup meets twice a month for luncheon meetings and occasionally holds evening meetings or social events. A few times a year the organization sponsors a fund raiser to support its charitable work, but Overman said most club members don’t spend more than four or five hours per month at club sponsored meetings or events.

According to Overman, the Gallup Soroptimist organization was recently recognized for being one of the top three fundraising clubs in a region that features 60 Soroptimist groups.

In addition to Overman, other officers of the local Soroptimist organization include Prissy Schanefelt, vice president; Fran Palochak, recording secretary; Neta Tuggle, correspondence secretary; Sherry Cooke, treasurer; Margaret Bolf, director; and Ida Jean Mangum, director.

Women interested in joining the Gallup Soroptimist Club are invited to attend the noontime luncheon meeting that is held the fourth Thursday of each month at Pee Wee’s Kitchen, 1644 S. Second St.

Information: Latrissa, (505) 870-3078 or Gwenda, (505) 863-1995.