President Ann’s Address
I am looking forward to a year of friendship, charity activities, fun and all working together for the benefit of not only women, girls, community but also for ourselves which we sometimes forget is just as important.
I truly believe you get out of life what you put into it and to that end, I will put all my efforts into being the President the Club wants, an ambassador, a leader and a person who is approachable, whatever the issue.
My chosen charity is The Womens Organisation, and I believe their Mission statement celebrates many Soroptimist ideals:
Our mission is to support women to achieve their full potential; to encourage, enable and facilitate their active involvement in business, employment, learning and community life. We seek to achieve this by harnessing the economic power of women and communities, promoting social inclusion, changing perceptions and influencing policy. We’re proud to deliver a broad range of services to women from diverse communities, inspiring them to become more economically active and personally fulfilled. Our areas of support include: personal development, education and business support.
In 2013, after a long and happy, successful career in banking and wealth management, I took the offer of redundancy and decided to start my own travel business. I joined the Women’s Organisation in St James Street, Liverpool, because they help and support local women starting businesses by offering courses, assistance with business plans, funding, marketing and many other aspects of starting a new business.
This organisation was invaluable as it meant I had opportunity to meet likeminded women starting out on their own, some of whom, like me, were making life changing careers. I was happily able to fund my courses, attend seminars, meet for coffee, take time off, however some women did not have this luxury. This is why I have chosen to fundraise for women who have very limited means. After discussion with Maggie O’Carroll, CEO of the Women’s Organisation, it was agreed that the money will be used to assist women thinking of starting their own businesses, to cover travel costs for attending courses, childcare if needed whilst they attend these courses, meal costs if needed, also to purchase that cup of coffee in order to meet and chat with like-minded women, which is so important when making life changing decisions.
I would like this year to be not only about our charities and our very important programme action work but also about ourselves and our own wellbeing, particularly following a few very difficult years for many. I warmly welcome members and women thinking of joining us, to attend the fundraising, social events and speakers I have planned, along with the support and guidance of members of the club to whom I thank in preparation of these activities.
I look forward to being President in our club’s 97th year.
President Ann Mercer 26th April 2023