Donor Spotlight: Chihiro Kon
Chihiro Kon is from Hokkaido, Japan. She has been a member of SI Hakodate for 32 years. She is currently the 2021-2022 SIA Fundraising Council Chair and has also served as the governor for Japan’s Kita Region from 2018 to 2020.
How did you first become involved with Soroptimist?
I joined Soroptimist after Kyoko, my tea ceremony teacher, introduced me to the organization. When Kyoko invited me to join, I was fascinated by the philanthropic spirit and internationality of this organization. She was my mentor, a dear friend, and a member of Soroptimist for many years. It is because of her that I am talking to you today and owe much of my personal growth to both her and our many Soroptimist sisters.
What inspires you most about the work of Soroptimist?
Soroptimist is special. Just as the founding sisters of Soroptomist experienced hardship and social injustice 100 years ago, we too, even now, still face the same issues. And, we must persevere through natural disasters and a health pandemic.
However, we have the historical strength given to us by the founding sisters 100 years ago. We also have compassion. And we will walk hand in hand, as one, toward the future.
We are resilient.
And no matter the circumstance, we respect and support each other.
What inspired you to give to the Dream Big Campaign?
I am very excited about our 100-year anniversary and the “Dream Big Campaign.” Every girl and woman has incredible power and limitless potential. We know that there are many underprivileged girls and women waiting for our support. Through access to education and training, they can become economically empowered. Let’s build a brighter future for their families and communities around the world.
Let’s fulfill the Soroptimist Mission and make an impact on the world.
Our future is in our hands.
If you would like to be featured in an upcoming donor spotlight, please reach out to Erica Cheslock at erica@soroptimist.org.