Donor Spotlight: Lee Ann Cochran
Lee Ann Cochran has been a Soroptimist for more than 11 years. After nine years of membership in SI/Columbus and Franklin County, she helped to charter SI/Cleveland in 2019. Lee Ann served as SIA’s Fundraising Council Chair from 2018-2020.
What inspires you most about the work of Soroptimist?
I am most inspired by being part of a global organization with 100 years of history working together for the same cause of helping women and girls. When we are given so much in life, I believe it is important to pay it forward. Volunteering with Soroptimist makes me a better person. It helps me to grow and evolve.
I am also inspired by the women and leaders I’ve had the opportunity to meet in my 11 years of being a member. I actually joined the Laurel Society within the first couple of years of being a Soroptimist. What motivated my giving was hearing Helen Bailey speak at a Region Conference. She was so inspirational and passionate about our mission and articulated how she drove direct change by consistently giving to our mission. I knew I could do that, too.
And, of course, I have been deeply inspired by meeting and hearing from Live Your Dream Award recipients. They make me proud and excited to be a Soroptimist every day. These women are our future.
Can you share one particular highlight from your volunteer experience?
I would say being selected to be the SIA rep at the Unesco conference in Saudi Arabia was incredible. I was able to meet with other young leaders in each federation. The experience opened my eyes to the impact Soroptimist has at the UN level and on a global scale.
I also found being Chair of the Fundraising Council was very rewarding. It was hard work but important because we were raising critical funds needed to fulfill our vision and mission.
What inspired you to give to the Dream Big Campaign?
I wholeheartedly believe in the 2021-2031 Big Goal. I truly believe the world will be a better place because Soroptimists chose to invest in the futures of a half million women and girls. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of that?
You know, I don’t have millions to give, but I am doing my part. If everyone gives a little, it all adds up. We can reach our goal if we all work together.
If you would like to be featured in an upcoming donor spotlight, please reach out to Erica Cheslock at erica@soroptimist.org.