Midwestern Region - Soroptimist

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Welcome Message from the Midwestern Region Governor_______________________________3
Letter from Conference Chairs_______________________________________________________________4
Welcome Letter from Dearborn, MI Mayor________________________________________________5
Midwestern Region Board Directory________________________________________________________6
Conference Fact Sheet______________________________________________________________________7-8
Hotel Information Sheet_______________________________________________________________________9
Draft Conference Agenda_______________________________________________________________10-12
Conference Menu_________________________________________________________________________13-14
Standing Rules________________________________________________________________________________15
Miss Representation Flyer _____________________________________________________________16-17
Miss Representation Guest Panel Bio’s________________________________________________18-22
Federation Visitor Bio___________________________________________________________________23-24
Elaine Clark, Saturday Motivational speaker____________________________________________25
Workshop Description and Schedule_________________________________________________26-27
Saturday Evening Flyer______________________________________________________________________28
Project Matching ____________________________________________________________________________29
Midwestern Region Award Information___________________________________________________30
Bag Lady Sales________________________________________________________________________________31
Emerging Leaders Questionnaire & Application____________________________________32-33
2

Dear Members of Midwestern Region,
I hope you are as excited as I am about our 106 th Conference! The members of SI
Trenton and SI Wyandotte-Southgate-Taylor have been working very hard to
make this conference memorable. I hope you have the opportunity to visit the
Henry Ford Museum and other interesting sites in the Dearborn area.
The region board planned excellent workshops and incorporated learning
opportunities throughout the weekend to strengthen our biennium focus of
education. It is our goal that you will find this conference meaningful, rewarding,
and most importantly, fun.
Friday evening we are proud to host a screening of the film Miss Representation
followed by a panel discussion of outstanding women. The film is sure to be
thought provoking so be sure to have your questions ready for the panel. On
Saturday plan to be inspired and energized with keynote speaker Elaine Clark. A
professional pianist, she incorporates music and humor to de-stress and motivate.
We hope you find all the workshops and presenters engaging and inspiring.
Please also welcome our Federation visitor Karen Haughey from Chino California.
Take a moment and introduce yourself and extend a warm Midwestern welcome.
Our treasured Michigan Soroptimist members are going to teach us all about how
to Tie One On, whether it is an apron or a good time. I heard both are in store
for a fun filled Saturday evening with Women Who Rock and a themed apron
auction.
In Soroptimist service,
Governor Missie
3

Greetings from the Trenton Area and Wyandotte/Southgate/Taylor
Soroptimists !
They say it “takes a village” to accomplish some things in life-the collaboration of two clubs
brings you here today to the historic town of Dearborn, Michigan, birthplace to Henry
Ford, the Model T….and host to the 106 th Midwestern Spring Conference!
The “Ties That Bind” theme this year invokes a historic feeling as well, as we reflect on and
celebrate the historic value and generational influence of a simple, yet multi-dimensional
piece of the past-the apron. As you pass through the halls of The Dearborn Inn, you will
experience glimpses of the past-the aprons from our club member’s mothers,
grandmothers, aunts and even our own personal collections will tell their stories!
Our Friday evening will begin with the viewing of the Sundance Film Festival awardwinning
filmstrip, “Miss Representation”, followed by a panel discussion. This muchanticipated
event is open to the public and we look forward to welcoming our guests to
experience this thought-provoking and timely presentation. Saturday brings us a diverse
array of workshops, presentations……and then we turn the tables a bit that evening as we
“Tie One On”! Loosen the apron strings and summon your inner rock maven…..prizes
awarded to the best-decked Madonna, Janis Joplin, Pink…..bring on the “Women Who
Rock”!!
Our thanks to all of the members of our clubs who worked together to made this
conference possible. We are so pleased to once again bring our Midwestern Region to the
Dearborn area, and we hope you have arrived early and stay a bit longer to take in all of
the sights and embrace the rich, diverse cultural history of this city. Check your goodie bags
for information on the “can’t miss” activities that abound!
Our club’s have anticipated this time together and hope that the “Ties that Bind” our
region together remain so, well after this conference has ended and for generations to
come!
In Soroptimist Spirit and Service,
Sandina Polgar and Susan Renaud
2013 Conference Chairs
4

Midwestern Region Board
2012-2014
Governor
Governor-Elect
Missie Austin- SI Kenton/Hardin County
Vicky Hicks – SI Columbus & Franklin Co.
513 N Detroit Street 134 Royalty Dr.
Kenton, Ohio 43326 Pataskala, Ohio 43062
Hm: 419-675-2057 Bs: 419-772-2061 Hm: 740-927-9670 Bs: 614-716-6794
Cell: 419-673-7374 Cell: 614-519-6408 Fax: 866-705-9688
missieaustin@gmail.com Vickylou56@gmail.com vlhicks@aep.com
Secretary
Treasurer
Angela DuBois- SI NESFC
Kathi Stiefel- SI Monroe County
10485 Penniman Drive March 20 th – October 25 th
Chardon, Ohio 44024
2975 Lakeview D.B.
Hm: 440-286-8833 Monroe, Michigan 48162
Cell: 440-488-2109
October 26 th – March 19 th
jdubois1@windstream.net
19250 N. Tamiami Trail, Lot M3
North Ft. Myers Fl 33909
District I Director Hm: 734-289-2824
Mary Chapman-SI Illiana
Cell:734-693-9345
16905 Langley kathilzb@att.net
South Holland, Illinois 60473
Hm708-333-4156
District III Director
Cell: 708-269-8120
Vivian Walczesky- SI Monroe County
mjchapman@wowway.com mchapman@whd147.org 15015 Woodpine Drive
Monroe, MI 48161
District I Secretary Hm: 734-243-3143 Bs: 734-242-4977
Kris Armstrong-SI Bloomington/Normal Cell: 734-497-3478
607 W. Hamilton Road vivianwal@sbcglobal.net vivianwalczesky@yahoo.com
Bloomington, Illinois 61704
Hm: 309-829-4927 Bs: 309-445-3465
District III Secretary
Cell: 309-530-5989
Sue Renaud-SI WST
krisquin@msn.com kris.armstrong.sji8@statefarm.com 893 Vinewood
Wyandotte, Michigan 48192
District II Director Cell: 734-775-3540
Bev Bahr – SI Kenton/Hardin County
Susan.renaud@yahoo.com
7870 US Highway 68
Kenton, Ohio 43326
District IV Director
Hm: 419-675-2463
Helen Bailey – SI Mt. Vernon & Knox Co.
Cell: 419-673-5915
189 Ridgewood Blvd.
bevpersonnel@myway.com bahr68@thewavz.com Mansfield, Ohio 44907
Hm: 419-756-3099 Fax: 419-756-3099 (call first)
District II Secretary Cell: 419-689-6164
Judy Tannehill –SI Tipp City & Upper Miami Valley Helen965@embarqmail.com
13103 Coddington Rd
Saint Paris, Ohio 43072
District IV Secretary
Hm: 937-663-5359
Alexandra Nicholis Coon – SI Canton/Stark Co.
Cell: 937-418-4350
2166 Mohler Dr. NW
jtannehill@tanneco.com North Canton, Ohio 44720
jtannehill@unitynationalbk.com Cell: 330-524-7113 Bs: 330-833-4061
Fax: 330-833-2925
ancoon@massillonmuseum.org
6

106 th Midwestern Region
Conference Fact Sheet
Conference Co-Chairs:
Sandina Polgar & Sue Renaud
SI Trenton & SI Wyandotte- Southgate
Taylor
Hotel Information: Reservation Deadline: March 22, 2013
Conference Attire:
Forms To Be Completed:
Friday Evening and Saturday Business
Meeting - Business Casual
Saturday Night – Rock & Roll attire
Sunday – Traveling or club attire
Business Casual – means dressing
professionally, looking relaxed, yet neat and
pulled together. (No jeans or flip flops)
DEADLINE FOR ALL FORMS IS
SATURDAY, MARCH 30TH
Conference Registration &
Workshop Registration
Governor’s Club Award
Form
Outstanding Soroptimist
Nominee Form
Linda Alpers
6976 Abbeyfield Dr.
New Albany, Ohio 43054
Governor Missie Austin
513 N. Detroit St.
Kenton, Ohio 43326
Secretary, Angie DuBois
10485 Penniman Dr.
Chardon, Ohio 44024
7

CONFERENCE FACT SHEET CONTINUED
Conference Forms
All Conference forms will be mailed directly to the club e-mail address or can be located on
the Midwestern Region website if a replacement is needed - www.simwr.org. If you have
trouble downloading any of the forms or do not have access to a computer, call or e-mail
Region Secretary Angie DuBois, 440-286-8833 or jdubois1@windstream.net
Basket Raffle
In keeping with a Conference tradition, each club is asked to create for display and raffle, a
basket of items which has no less than $25 value. All baskets must be accompanied by the
following information:
• Name or Theme of the basket.
• Club Name clearly marked on the basket.
• An itemized list of the basket’s contents. (To display beside the basket.)
The club baskets will be displayed from SATURDAY MORNING through SUNDAY MORNING
- at the time of the big raffle. Each club is responsible for keeping their respective basket
securely stored until Saturday morning. Just bring your basket with you to breakfast on
Saturday and Hostesses will be available to assist you.
Remember, all baskets will be judged on content, theme, beauty, and originality.
8

HOTEL INFORMATION
Conference attendees must make reservations directly with the hotel:
The Dearborn Inn
20301 Oakwood Blvd.
Dearborn, Michigan 48124
Ph: 313-271-2700
Use the group block code of: SPTSPTA
Reservations can also be made online at:
www.dearborninnmarriott.com
RESERVATION DEADLINE: MARCH 22, 2013
ROOM RATES
$119 per night plus taxes and surcharges
ROOM PAYMENT OPTIONS
Rooms may be paid for in one of two ways:
As a club (club check or club credit card)
Individually (credit card)
To avoid sales taxes on room rate:
Book rooms with club check or credit card
Bring Club 501(c)3 Form
Bring completed attached Sales Tax exempt form
9

Midwestern Region
Soroptimist International of the Americas
106 th Conference
April 26-28, 2013
DRAFT AGENDA
Thursday, April 25, 2013
3:00 p.m. Midwestern Region Board Meeting
Friday, April 26, 2013
Noon - 5:00 p.m.
Registration Open
5:00 - 6:30 p.m. Dinner Buffet
7:00 p.m. Miss Representation
9:30 p.m. First Time Attendees Social
Saturday, April 27, 2013
7:00 – 8:30 a.m. Continental Breakfast
7:00- 8:30 a.m. Registration Open
8:00 a.m. Club Photos
8:30 - 10:00 a.m. BUSINESS MEETING
Call to Order
Advance of Colors
Pledge of Allegiance
Introduction of Region Officers
Introduction of Former Governors
Inspiration
Welcome
Official Greeting
10

8:30 – 10:00 a.m. Credentials Report
Parliamentary Comments
Adoption of Standing Rules
Adoption of Agenda
Approval of 105 th
Conference Minutes
Correspondence
First Time Attendees
Appointment of Pages, Tellers
and Timekeeper
Audit Committee Report
Treasurer’s Report
Professional Development
Announcements
Adjournment
Break & Club Photos
10:00 a.m. SIA Federation Visitor Presentation
10:45 a.m. Workshops
o SOLT – Soroptimist Orientation Leadership Training
o 12 Ways Women Throw Away Their Power
o Commission on the Status of Women CSW57
11:50 a.m. Break
12:00 - 1:50 p.m. Awards Luncheon
2:00 p.m. Reconvene Business Meeting
Keynote Speaker – Elaine Clark
Region Membership Report
Professional Development
Announcements
3:20 - 3:45 p.m. Voting, Break and Club Photos
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3:45 - 4:45 p.m. Workshops
o SOLT – Soroptimist Orientation Leadership Training
o How to Solicit Donations and Potential Donors
o Your Professional Image
5:30 - 6:30 p.m. Social Hour, Cash Bar
6:30 p.m. Awards Dinner
8:30 p.m. Women that Rock
Sunday, April 28, 2013
7:30 a.m. Ecumenical Service
7:30 - 8:30 a.m. Breakfast
7:30 – 8:30 a.m. President’s Breakfast
9:00 a.m. BUSINESS MEETING
Call to Order
Inspiration
Celebration of Life
Governor’s Speech
Public Awareness
Invitation District Meetings
Invitation to Spring Conference 2014
Basket Raffle
Soroptimist Pledge
Adjourn
Post Midwestern Region Board Meeting immediately after adjournment.
(Please note pictures will be taken during Spring Conference and may be posted on the Midwestern Region
website. If you would prefer your photo not be used, please contact webmaster Jamie Grieser,
simwrwebmaster@gmail.com.)
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CONFERENCE MENU
FRIDAY EVENING
See flyer on following page
SATURDAY MORNING
Assorted pastry, fresh seasonal fruit, juice, coffee & teas
SATURDAY LUNCH
Spinach salad with maple
½ Roast Beef Deli Sandwich with Soup du Jour
NY Style Cheesecake
Vegetarian Option: Grilled Portobello Sandwich
SATURDAY DINNER
Dearborn Inn Salad with Balsamic Vinaigrette
Chicken Coq Au Vin, Long Grain & Wild Rice Pilaf
Green Beans & Herb Roasted Tomato
Carrot Cake
Vegetarian Option: vegetarian Quinoa with Seasonal Vegetables
SUNDAY MORNING
Chilled Orange, Tomato and Grapefruit Juices
Seasonal Sliced Fresh Fruit with Berries, Individual Fruit Yogurts,
Selection of Dry Cereals, Granola and Milk, Fluffy Scrambled Eggs, Seasoned Breakfast
Potatoes, Country Breakfast Sausage, Crisp Bacon Strips, Freshly Baked Homemade
Danish and Muffins, Fruit Preserves and Butter, Starbucks Coffees and Tazo Teas
(Menu may be subject to Change )
13

STANDING RULES FOR REGION CONFERENCE
1. All voting delegates should be seated together, by district and by club, at the
front of the room. Delegates must be seated promptly at the beginning of each
business session.
2. The official program, as adopted, shall be the order of the day; changes may be
made only by a majority vote of the conference body.
3. After addressing the chair and being recognized, each delegate shall clearly state
her name and club name, always using the microphone provided.
4. Debate shall be limited to six minutes on each debatable question.
5. During a discussion, a voting member may speak twice upon a subject and only
for two minutes.
6. Both delegates and non-voting members shall be allowed the privilege of the
floor, but precedence shall be accorded to delegates at all times.
7. No conference discussion may be released for publicity unless first approved by the
Governor.
8. All motions must be submitted in writing to the secretary at the time they are
made.
9. Reports shall be submitted in writing. The original typed report shall be handed
to the secretary following the verbal report.
10. A plurality vote (highest number of votes) shall elect a chairman of a committee
or a committee member.
11. A delegate may not leave the floor while voting is in progress.
CONFERENCE STANDING RULES ARE ADOPTED BY A 2/3 VOTE.
AFTER ADOPTION, CHANGES REQUIRE A MAJORITY VOTE.
15

Miss Representation first premiered in the documentary competition at the Sundance
Film Festival where it caught the eye of OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. It made its
television debut as part of the OWN documentary film club in October 2011, with over
1.3 million people tuning in to its multiple airings. Additional screenings with
corporations, non-profits, religious groups, government organizations and communities
are happening every day all over the world.
Written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Miss Representation exposes how
mainstream media contribute to the under-representation of women in positions of
power and influence in America. The film challenges the media's limited and often
disparaging portrayals of women and girls, which make it difficult for women to achieve
leadership positions and for the average woman to feel powerful herself.
Miss Representation includes stories from teenage girls and provocative interviews with
politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists and academics like Condoleezza Rice, Lisa
Ling, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, Rachel Maddow, Rosario Dawson, Jackson Katz, Jean
Kilbourne, and Gloria Steinem. The film offers startling facts and statistics that will
leave audiences shaken and armed with a new perspective. www.missrepresentation.org
“We are thrilled to have so many outreach opportunities for Miss Representation. This
film was made to be a change agent in our culture, to inspire both women and men to
recognize women's collective voice, leadership capacity and equal rights,” says Newsom.
In a society where media is the most persuasive force shaping cultural norms, the
collective message that our young women and men overwhelmingly receive is that a
16

woman’s value and power lie in her youth, beauty, and sexuality--and not in her
capacity as a leader. While women have made strides in leadership over the past few
decades, the U.S. is 90th in the world in terms of women in national legislatures,
women hold only 3 % of clout positions in mainstream media, and 65% of women and
girls have disordered eating.
Miss Representation was selected from the Sundance line-up to be part of the OWN
Documentary Film Club. “Through personal stories and provocative interviews, Jennifer
crystalizes the relevance of the media and its portrayal of women in today’s society,”
said Lisa Erspamer, Chief Creative Officer for OWN. In addition, ro*co films will
distribute Miss Representation to educational institutions (K-12 institutions, universities
and libraries) located in the United States and Canada.
The distribution of the film Miss Representation has been the catalyst for a social action
campaign led by MissRepresentation.org. The campaign seeks to empower women and
girls and provide them with new opportunities to realize their full potential.
MissRepresentation.org is igniting a cross-generational movement to shift the cultural
mindset of communities, interrupt and stop patterns of sexism, change the way women
and girls are represented in the media and ensure a tipping point that will lead to
gender parity in leadership throughout the United States. Join the campaign at
www.missrepresentation.org.
17

MISS REPRESENTATION
SPEAKER PANEL
BEVERLY HAMMERSTROM: is currently a Political Science adjunct professor at
Monroe County Community College. She has also served as an adjunct professor at
Washtenaw Community College and Sienna Heights University, where she taught a
Special Studies course on the History of First Ladies.
Prior to her “semi-retirement,” Hammerstrom served 26 years in Public Service:
12 years as Bedford Township Clerk, six years in the Michigan House of
Representatives and eight years in the Michigan Senate. She also served eight years as the Chair
of the Michigan Republican Party. During her tenure in the Michigan Legislature, Ms.
Hammerstrom continuously chaired health policy committees, and served as the Majority Whip
in the Michigan House and Majority Floor Leader in the Michigan Senate. While in the legislature
she was a member of Women in Government, a national membership association for women
state legislators, and served two years as chair of that association’s Board of Directors. Following
her retirement, Women in Government honored her by designating her as a member Emeritus of
the Board of Directors.
She is the Immediate Past President of Arc Michigan’s Board of Directors and was appointed by
Governor Snyder to the Executive Board of Directors of the Early Childhood Investment
Corporation. In December she completed two terms on the Board of Directors for Monroe
County’s Habitat for Humanity, including serving as the Board President during 2012. She
serves on the boards of the Michigan Kidney Foundation and the Municipal Clerk’s Education
Foundation.
Ms. Hammerstrom received her BA from Adrian College and her MPA from the University of
Toledo. She has two grown sons, three granddaughters and one great-grandson. She is an avid
reader and knitter and is currently writing a book about former First Lady Lucy Webb Hayes.
18

ISMAHAN MANA ALI: My name is Ismahan Mana Ali and I am 18 years old. I
graduated as Salutatorian Class of 2012 at Universal Academy. I was born in
Yemen and raised in Southwestern Detroit. I am the oldest of seven children. I help
raise them (my siblings) and teach them the importance of an education as well as
how to use that education to better our community. My dream was to get into U of M, get a
degree in Business Administration and make a difference. My major is Accounting. I am
currently the chair for Out Reach for the Muslim Student Association (MSA-UMD), a general
member of the Student Government, and an active volunteer within my community. Gandhi
once said, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.” This is what I live for and look forward
to accomplishing. Being a Muslim Arab American Woman, the struggles are always there. My
religion, my race, and my gender have caused me to go through many obstacles starting from
such a young age but have also made me stronger, better, wiser, and have given me the drive to
continue with this path to success. The media has never made it any easier but I believe that in
order to accomplish something great, you must go through the toughest experiences in order for
it to be worth recognition. All these difficult experiences that I have gone through and am still
struggling with have made me the person I am, the strong independent woman I have become
and I all I want to do is be a role model to other females who think their struggles are
unbearable. I want to remind them that without them there is no future and to never
underestimate their capabilities. Most importantly to never let anyone or the media define them
or place them under an image that doesn’t properly represent who they are.
DEBORAH J. SAUL, 60, is a 38-year veteran of the newspaper business
and has been the editor of The Monroe (MI) Evening News since 1997.
She was the first woman managing editor of the small daily as well as the
first woman to hold the editor’s chair. She also is vice president of the
paper’s parent company, The Monroe Publishing Co.
She started at the newspaper, which traces its beginning to 1825, as summer help on the copy
desk and rose through the ranks as a reporter and city editor before moving into a management
position.
Deborah also is the editor of the company’s quarterly glossy magazine, MONROE, which she
launched with Creative Director Jim Dombrowski.
She is a graduate of Michigan State University and she did post-graduate work at The University
of Toledo. In the 1984-85 academic year she was a fellow along with professional journalists
from around the country and overseas in the National Endowment for the Humanities
journalism program at the University of Michigan.
Deborah has a been a member of Soroptimist International of Monroe County since 2002.
19

JUDGE JENNIFER COLEMAN HESSON: was elected to serve on the 33rd
District Court bench in November, 2010, taking office on January 1, 2011. One year
later she was appointed Chief Judge Pro Tem and continues to serve in that capacity.
Before taking the bench, she was a courtroom attorney for nearly 15 years. She
developed her professional perspective by strategizing and presenting thousands of
criminal and civil cases in more than 50 of Michigan’s district, municipal, circuit,
probate and appellate courts; and in the federal U.S. District Courts. She further
honed her skills in conflict resolution as an arbitrator of circuit court civil law cases. She also served as
house counsel at the 33rd District Court.
Judge Jennifer Coleman Hesson is a life-long resident of the district. She graduated from Oscar A.
Carlson High School-Gibraltar. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan
Ann Arbor and her law degree from the University of Detroit Mercy School of Law. She is a former
trustee of the Gibraltar School District Board of Education and was inducted into the inaugural class
of the Carlson Hall of Fame, for her long time commitment and dedication to the community.
She is an active member of the Michigan District Judges Association, Wayne County District Judges
Association, State Bar of Michigan, Downriver Bar Association, Women Lawyers Association of
Michigan, Michigan Association for Justice, Soroptimist International, UofM Alumni Association,
Chapman Elementary PTO, Rockwood Historical Society, and St. Mary Parish in Rockwood.
Judge Jennifer Coleman Hesson serves as a team member on the 33 rd District Court’s Sobriety Court,
regularly conducts court sessions in the local schools, for the “Court to School” program, coaches the
Trenton High School Mock Trial Team, and facilitates and presents the Domestic Violence – “Healthy
Relationships - Expect Respect” program in area high schools.
Judge Jennifer Coleman Hesson is married and has four children.
CARRIE COON: is a Chicago-based actress working in theater, television and film.
She recently made her Broadway debut in Edward Albee's Who's Afraid of Virginia
Woolf? with the acclaimed Steppenwolf Theatre under the direction of Tony nominee
Pam MacKinnon. Other Steppenwolf productions include Tracy Lett's adaptation of
Chekhov's THREE SISTERS directed by Anna Shapiro, and Frank Galati's adaptation
of E.L.
Doctorow's THE MARCH. Chicago and regional theater credits include work the Goodman Theatre,
the Next Theatre, Remy Bumppo, Madison Repertory Theatre, Renaissance Theaterworks, American
Players Theatre and others. Carrie has an MFA in Acting from the University of Wisconsin-Madison
and is a proud member of both the Actors' Equity Association and the Screen Actors' Guild. A native
of Copley, OH, Carrie is currently pursuing work in New York City and LA.
20

SAMANTHA THACKER: is a senior at Edsel B. Ford High School in Dearborn,
Michigan. During school, she is involved in activities such as playing on the Girls
Varsity Tennis team and being a member of the Spanish National Honor Society,
Link Crew, Health Occupation Students of America, and the Student Leadership
Committee.
Outside of high school, she is a volunteer at Oakwood Hospital and Medical Center Dearborn and
a team leader for The American Cancer Society. At Oakwood, she has been working as a greeter
at the Welcome Center for a year and a half and helps visitors find patients and their way
around. Being a team leader for ACS, she raises hundreds of dollars a year with her team to
fund research for breast cancer. During her free time, she likes to play the piano in the comfort
of her home and go out to the Detroit Institute of Arts to draw in the galleries on the weekends.
To give a brief statement on Samantha’s background, she comes from a dominantly Hispanic
family. When her mother was in her mid-twenties, she ventured over from Mexico to learn the
English language and have a better life in the United States. Ever since Samantha was born, she
has been immersed in the culture and has learned from her family on how her heritage is
important.
Samantha’s plans for college are to major in Neuroscience at Michigan State University and to
follow the premed course to achieve the opportunity of getting into medical school. After medical
school, she plans to become a neonatologist and work with premature babies in the neonatal
intensive care unit.
SANDINA POLGAR: is the Chef/Owner of Dinner with the Mrs. Personal
Chef Service, answering the “what’s for dinner?” question for clients in the
Wayne, Monroe, and Oakland County areas since 2002. She is a graduate of
the United States Personal Chef Institute and takes continuing education
classes through the Culinary Institute of America. Sandina is the current
President of Soroptimist International of Trenton Area, a professional women’s organization
dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls in our surrounding communities and
worldwide. Sandina is also a member and scholarship recipient of Women Chefs and
Restaurateurs which promotes the continuing education and advancement of women in the
culinary and restaurant industry. In addition to her Personal Chef business, Sandina also
conducts area cooking classes, providing students with the opportunity to turn simple, local foods
into sensational dishes. She believes, after all, “eating is one thing…..to dine, quite another!”
Personal notes…..Sandina has been married to husband Mark for 31 years and reside in Trenton.
The proud mother of Jennifer, Ellen and Evan and 4 grandchildren.
21

MARY KAPP, MICHIGAN STATE TROOPER: Michigan State Police – 27 years
served in many capacities including patrol, investigations, surveillance, training
and supervision. Currently serves as a Section Commander in charge of the MSP
Gaming Section in Detroit. Served as the Monroe Post Commander for 7 ½
years.
Graduate of the FBI National Academy
Served as an MSP recruit school instructor teaching defensive tactics, cultural diversity,
sexual harassment and investment in excellence
Bachelor of Science degree in Sports Medicine from Central Michigan University
Involved in Habitat for Humanity since 2004
Community Foundation of Monroe County board member
Facilitator for the Monroe County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Monroe program
MARY J. CHAPMAN is an educator in the Illinois Public School System.
She has over 25 years of successful teaching experience and has been
distinguished as a well-qualified teacher. Her knowledge and expertise
includes organizing, structuring and managing resources of different
formats. Mary J Chapman is also an experienced Parent Educator
Facilitator. She facilitated the work of the School Community Council in implementing the Solid
Foundation model for parent engagement. Her responsibilities included coordinating the
activities, orienting faculty, facilitate training and supervising home visitation. She had the
privilege of being a presenter at the No Child Left Behind Statewide Conference; February 18,
2005 (Getting Results by Individualizing Instruction and Engaging Parents: A School’s
Perspective.) She presently serves as District I Director of the Midwestern Region of Soroptimist
International and is a member of SI-Illiana where she has also served as treasurer and Public
Relations Chair.
22

FEDERATION VISITOR
Karen Haughey, SIA Board of Directors 2012-2014
Karen is a native Southern Californian who lives with her husband Tom in Chino, California. They own
Haughey Insurance Agency in Chino, which has been around since 1980. They have two sons, Christopher,
32 and Patrick, 29, who also work at Haughey Insurance.
Karen graduated from Cal State Los Angeles with a Lifetime Teaching Credential and taught third grade in
San Dimas. She retired from full-time teaching to be a stay-at-home mom for her sons. During their
growing up years, she substituted in the Chino Valley Unified School District and worked as a noon
recreation program volunteer. She was a program teacher for Interstudy, a foreign education program for
students that visited the U.S. to learn about our culture and to improve their English. As part of the
program, Karen and Tom hosted Japanese students for four years and German students for two years.
Karen was very active in sports. She was captain of her women’s slo-pitch softball team for eight years,
president of the Chino Valley Tennis Club, captain of her traveling tennis team for seven years, and team
mom for her sons’ Little League teams.
Karen’s life as a Soroptimist began in 1992 when she joined Soroptimist International of the Chino Valley,
Inc., and she’s love every minute of it!
As a Soroptimist, Karen has and does serve as:
Soroptimist International of the Americas Board of Directors 2012-2014
Golden West Region - Governor 2008-2010, Governor-elect 2006-2008, Secretary 2004-2006,
Treasurer 2002-2004, Spring Conference Co-Chair 2002, Youth Forum Coordinator 2000-2002,
Public Relations Coordinator 1996-1998, Editor Region Nuggets 1996-1998, Spring Conference
Facility Coordinator 1995
Soroptimist International of the Chino Valley, Inc. - President 1995-1996, President-elect 1994-
1995, Vice President 1999-2000 & 2010-2011, Secretary 1993-1994, Treasurer 2011-2012
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FEDERATION VISITOR
Karen Haughey
As a Soroptimist, Karen has served on just about every committee and chaired every fundraiser for her
club. One of her best experiences was serving as the “S” Club advisor at one of the local high schools in
Chino for seven years.
Karen has served and is serving on many community organizations. She joined the Chino Community
Center Corporation’s Board of Directors in 1995. Along with her fundraising duties on this board, she
helped initiate the planning of the Chino Youth Museum, which is in operation today. In 1997, she joined
the Chino Valley Fire Foundation. As a member of its Education Committee, she helped to design the
“Sparky’s Safety House” and support the Risk Watch Program that was taught in the elementary schools in
the Chino Valley Unified School District. She served as president of the Foundation in 2001.
In 2002, Karen worked as the campaign office manager for Measure M, the bond measure which raised
$150 million to repair and renovate neighborhood schools in the Chino Valley Unified School District.
Karen has helped to chair other annual Community Service Events such as the Halloween Spooktacular and
Easter Fun Day. She has participated in the annual Principal for a Day program, the Focus on Youth event,
and served for two years on the city’s annual Holiday Parade Committee. She has campaigned for the
American Heart Association and for the American Cancer Society through the Relay for Life.
Karen had been a member of the board of directors of the Chino Valley YMCA since 2005. In 2010, she
served on the Chino-opoly committee, which was part of city’s Centennial celebration. And, for the past
two years, Karen has co-chaired the Chino Day at the LA County Fair, and co-chaired an annual Walk
Against Human Traffick.
In 1998, Karen received the Fred L. Burns Award from the Chino Valley Independent Fire District. The
award is bestowed upon an individual for significant contribution of service to the fire department and to
the fire and life safety of the community.
In 2004, Karen and her husband received the Outstanding Layman Service Award presented to them by
the City of Chino. Karen was a 2008 Herstory Honoree, an award presented to her by the San Bernardino
County Commission on the Status of Women in recognition of her years of outstanding and invaluable
volunteer service to the community. And in 2009, Karen received the City of Chino Woman of the Year
Award from California Senator Gloria McLeod and Assemblywoman Wilmer Carter.
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER SATURDAY
Elaine Clark
Motivational Speaker - Trainer - Coach
I do Keynote Speaking, Motivational Speaking. As a professional pianist by training, I always incorporate
music and humor and make the workshops FUN and upbeat. I do lots of interactive things so that people
are not merely listening to a lecture! They participate!
Whether I come to present a MOTIVATIONAL or INSPIRATIONAL talk to your group, I have learned dealing
with STRESS is key. People are tired, beat up and worn out. As the EMPLOYER - hear me - - - you MUST
get the most from your team - - - you have investing in them daily ($$$).
I have dedicated my life to serve as a Business Consultant, A Sales Trainer, A Motivational/Keynote
Speaker.
Let's face it, life is complex. Leverage me to break through barriers holding your team back.
My career in SALES allows me to understand more clearly the absolute need to train and educate. I walk
my talk! I have personally experienced how to "motivate" myself and keep momentum going. THE BODY
DOES FOLLOW THE MIND. What are you doing to help your team?
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Midwestern Region Spring Conference 2013
Workshop Schedule
Saturday, April 27, 2013
10:45 – 11:45 a.m.
WORKSHOP A-
SOLT
Presented by Pam Bradford
SI Fremont
WORKSHOP B-
12 Ways Women Throw
Away Their Power
Presented by LeeAann
Schwope
SI Columbus & Franklin Co.
SOROPTIMIST ORIENTATION LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Back to Basics – Learn how your club can shape the
future through collective impact.
The four instruments in your communication orchestra are
body language, voice, words, and image. Too often, women
unwittingly throw their power away by using ineffective body
language, girlish vocal mannerisms, weak words, and clothing
that sends the wrong message. Learn how to send clear and
compelling messages.
Learning Objectives:
Learn about the four instruments in your
communication orchestra
Learn how to properly use each instrument to
effectively reach your objectives and goals
Be inspired to make small changes that will make a big
difference in how you come across to others
WORKSHOP C-
Commission on the Status of
Women CSW57
Presented by Vivian
District III Director, Vivian Walczesky will share her experience
as a delegate for Soroptimist International at the Commission
on the Status of Women on March 2-9 th located at the United
Nations Headquarters in New York City. The theme of the
CSW is Elimination and prevention of all forms of violence
against women and girls.
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Midwestern Region Spring Conference 2013
Workshop Schedule
Saturday, April 27, 2013
3:45 – 4:45 p.m.
WORKSHOP D-
See Above Description
SOLT
SOROPTIMIST ORIENTATION LEADERSHIP TRAINING
Presented by Pam Bradford,
SI Fremont
WORKSHOP E-
How To Solicit Donations &
Potential Donors
Members of SI Canton/ & Stark County will share their
experiences with fundraising through grantwriting,
soliciting donations and approaching potential sponsors.
Presented by SI Canton &
Stark Co.
WORKSHOP F-
Your Professional Image
Presented by Kristy
Cameron, CABi Rep
Do you feel drab with your wardrobe? Are you dressed
correctly for event you are attending? Come learn from
the CABi rep how to pull off a professional image.
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Saturday
Night
Strike a pose in the
Photo Booth!
Enjoy the evening dancing to the Women
Rockers of the past several decades.
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SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL – PROJECT MATCHING
At Spring Conference, you will be presented with three (3) Project Matching programs that need
support to complete their projects to help women and girls. The Midwestern Region Board has
picked projects that pertain to Education, Health and Sustainability.
Here is a little information on all three projects.
1) Toilets for the Gamkalley 1 Kindergarten. This project seeks to build toilets in the Gamkalley
1 Kindergarten and sensitize the public to the necessary acquisition of healty and efficient
hygienic habits. This project was proposed by the SI Club Tenere Niamey, Niger.
2) Education, Training & Empowerment for Girls. This project aims to raise awareness of the
importance of girls’ education, inform rural girls about their social, economical, political and
cultural rights, and fight the discrimination they face in their day-to-day life. This project was
proposed by the SI Club of Nakuru, Kenya.
3) Truck Farming & Fruit Trees Plantation for Women in Tia. This project will develop truck
farming and a fruit tree plantation that will be managed by the Women’s group of the Tia
Village, in Mali, West Africa.
More information on each project will be posted at Spring Conference and each Conference
attendee will cast a vote for the project to support. The project with the most votes will be
supported by a percentage of the Raffle Basket Sales at Spring conference and the Midwestern
Region as a whole will make the donation.
In the past, our efforts toward Project Matching focused on the projects of SI Cochabamba. We
supported that effort with our Book and Jewelry Swap. You will also be able to make personal
donations to the winning project which will be added to the MWR donation, if you desire.
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MIDWESTERN REGION AWARD INFORMATION
Women’s Opportunity Award
o Federation provides the Region winner - $5,000
o
Federation provides the Region 2 nd , 3 rd , & 4 th place winners - $3,000 each
(Federation presents the 3 rd award because the Region maintains 100% club
participation.)
Violet Richardson Award
o Federation provides the Region Winner - $1,000 and $1,000 in her name to
the organization where she volunteers.
o The Midwestern Region provides $100 to each of the 4 district winners
Virginia Wagner Award
o $2,500 is awarded to the Region winner
o $500 is awarded to each District winner
Ruby Award
o
$500 is awarded to the Region winner
Spring Conference Awards Luncheon
The Midwestern Region will cover the cost of meals for the winners of the Region Ruby
Award winner, the Women’s Opportunity Award winners, the Violet Richardson Award
winners and The Virginia Wagner Award winners. Any guests accompanying the
winners is the responsibility of the sponsoring Club. Any travel, hotel or misc expenses
are the responsibility of the sponsoring club.
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Bag Lady Sales
Due to limited space there will not be sales tables at the
2013 Spring Conference at the Dearborn, Inn.
This should not stop you from selling your wares!
If you would like to bring items to sell, you may sell during
the conference out of your bag or set up shop in your
hotel room.
Be Creative
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Emerging Leaders – Midwestern Region
Questionnaire & Application
Dear Midwestern Region Members: The MWR Board is seeking applicants to be Emerging Leaders
in the Region and is offering a reduced registration ($75) and free room for the 2013 Spring
Conference in Dearborn, MI on April 26-28. We know that there are many leaders among the
members of MWR and that you have talents that can make our Region even better. We have
included a questionnaire for you to fill out that gives us a little more information about you and
what you do in both service to Soroptimist and your community.
Please take a few minutes to complete the questionnaire and submit to your respective District
Director.
District I – Mary Chapman – mjchapman@wowway.com,
District II – Bev Bahr – bevpersonnel@myway.com
District III – Vivian Walczesky – vivianwal@sbcglobal.net
District IV – Helen Bailey – helen965@embarqmail.com
One Emerging Leader will be picked from the applicants from each District. The Leaders will
room together at Conference (2 to a room) and will be given the opportunity to learn more
about each other, the Districts and how clubs work at projects, awards, fundraisers, etc.
We hope that you will consider this great opportunity to learn more about what it takes to
make the MWR work and how the Board functions to always continue to make things better for
all MWR members. Please don’t think that you have to be “nominated” for this event. If you have
the desire to be considered for this, please fill out the questionnaire.
The deadline is March 1, 2013 and you will be contacted in early April so you can make plans
to attend Spring Conference.
Thanks for your response. We hope to see a lot of applications for this great opportunity.
In service,
Missie & Vicky
Governor Missie Austin
Governor-elect Vicky Hicks
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EMERGING LEADERS – QUESTIONNAIRE
NAME ___________________________________________
CLUB ____________________________________________
CONTACT INFO: PHONE ___________________________Email _____________________________________________
Please write a few words for each question.
1. How many years have you been a Soroptimist?
2. What offices have you held in your Club?
3. How did you become a Soroptimist? What drew you to joining your club?
4. How many MWR Spring Conferences have you attended?
5. How many District Meetings have you attended?
6. What program or special focus would you like to see Midwestern Region start?
7. What special talents do you have that could benefit the MWR (ie accountant, public
relations, computer expert, tax preparation, newsletter editor, public speaking or any
other talent you have)?
8. Besides your Soroptimist commitments, what else do you do to help your community?
9. What leadership skills do you have that would benefit MWR?
10. How do you show leadership skills in your job (now or in the past)?
11. If asked to relate your special skills at a MWR break-out session, would you?
12. Please provide any other info you can provide that you think is pertinent that would
make you a great candidate for the “Emerging Leader” of your District?
33