Donor Spotlight: Gloria Hill
Gloria Hill has been a Soroptimist for 30 years. She is a member of SI/Palm Springs, CA, where she lives and has owned a tax and accounting practice since 1996. In addition to serving as her club’s Live Your Dream Awards Chair, Gloria was Golden West Region’s Governor from 2010-2012 and Treasurer from 2004-2008. She is proud to now serve SIA as a Dream Big Campaign Ambassador.
How did you first become involved with Soroptimist?
Through a business contact, I was invited to my first Soroptimist meeting. The women at that meeting made me feel so welcome and important that I felt compelled to join that very day. That was the best decision of my life. It didn't take long to realize how important the work Soroptimist was doing to help women and girls and it has become my passion to continue those efforts. I was divorced and a single mother of two sons at the age of 21 and although I had some help from my family, I was determined to make my own way. Sometimes that meant holding down three jobs at the same time. Because I was unable to finish my college education, I realize just how important it is to encourage other women to continue their educational goals. It has been 30 years since I joined and I love being a part of this organization.
What inspires you most about the work of Soroptimist?
There are so many things that inspire me about being a Soroptimist. I am inspired every time I go to a meeting or a conference and hear about the work that we are doing in clubs around the world. I am inspired by the stories of the women that have persevered through difficult times to achieve their goals. And, I am truly inspired by the mentoring that I have received from all the wonderful Soroptimist leaders that I have met.
Being a Soroptimist member is so much fun!
Can you share one particular highlight from your volunteer experience?
I was asked to give a speech about the history of Soroptimist at a workshop and after the meeting was over a woman came up to me and told me how inspiring my speech was and that she was so thankful that she had joined Soroptimist. That experience made me realize that you never know who you are going to touch with information about our organization. It's like planting seeds that grow into beautiful flowers.
What inspired you to give to the Dream Big Campaign?
Soroptimist has taught me to be a better leader and as a result of my Soroptimist experience, I felt encouraged to start my own business in 1996. I owe any success that I have achieved to my Soroptimist mentors. Now it is my time to pay it forward and help other women live their dreams.
What's your wish for the future of Soroptimist?
My wish for Soroptimist is that the women of the future will value the work that we have been doing for over 100 years and continue to make it a priority in their lives.
If you would like to be featured in an upcoming donor spotlight, please reach out to Erica Cheslock at erica@soroptimist.org.