A global women’s organization whose members volunteer to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Founded in 1921, Soroptimist International of the Americas is an international organization for business and professional women who provide volunteer service to their communities. About 45,000 Soroptimists in 20 countries and territories contribute time and financial support to community-based and international projects benefiting women and girls. Soroptimist International of the Americas is part of Soroptimist International, which comprises almost 95,000 members in about 120 countries.The name, Soroptimist, means 'best for women,' and that's what the organization strives to achieve. Soroptimists are women at their best working to help other women to be their best.Soroptimist members belong to local clubs, which determine the focus of service to their communities. Club projects range from renovating domestic violence shelters, to providing mammograms to low-income women, to sponsoring self-esteem workshops for teenage girls. In addition, Soroptimists participate in organization-wide programs that include the Women's Opportunity Awards, Soroptimist Club Grants for Women and Girls, the Soroptimist Workplace Campaign to End Domestic Violence, the Making a Difference for Women Award and the Violet Richardson Award. All projects seek to make life better for women and girls, in local communities and throughout the world.