Soroptimist was formed in 1921 in Oakland, California, at a time when women were not permitted to join service organizations. Our name, loosely translated from the Latin, means best for women. Today, we have about 160,000 members and supporters in 21 countries and territories. We are one of four federations that make up Soroptimist International (www.soroptimist.org), which has clubs in more than 120 countries throughout the world.  Our organization's collective goal is particularly concerned with providing women and girls access to education, as this is the most effective path to self-determination and empowerment.