President Yinka’s message

I am privileged to take on the office of Regional President and I am looking forward to making it a very successful year. I am delighted to have received so many good wishes and lovely cards from my Soroptimist sisters for which I thank you.

My first hurdle was safely negotiated with my incoming president’s address at the AGM on 15th October even though Johanna could not get the chain over my head!

Then it was off to an inspiring and uplifting conference with some superb speakers. Listening to the work Soroptimists are doing around the world makes me very proud to be a Soroptimist. Have a look at the website to see new Federation President Maureen’s
first letter to clubs. During her speech after being installed as president at conference she showed us a short film of how geese fly in formation and if one drops out another 2 drop out as well so that one is not alone. Also how they take it in turns to lead the formation. This so aptly describes how we should operate as Soroptimists and what I would like for my year as regional
president.

Together we are stronger

As powerful business & professional women we have the capability to make a difference in the world individually. As a group workingtogether, helping and supporting each other the sky is the limit.

We are not a homogenous group but different with different skill sets & abilities and we joined for different reasons. It is important to recognise this, but that we can all work together to achieve our goals. We need to work together to achieve our vision of a world where women and girls together achieve their individual and collective potential, realise aspirations and have an equal voice in creating strong, peaceful communities worldwide.

I aim to retain and magnify the fun we have as Soroptimists and we got off to a good start at the regional party where the “has beens” (those previous regional presidents) kindly agreed to be the backdrop in my photo!

I want us to get to know each other and utilise our strengths and make people feel welcome and appreciated. Working in partnership has always been advocated and leads to a bigger impact so as a result this is what I am aiming for during my year.

In friendship

President Yinka Soetan