Soroptimist International President Mariet Verhoef-Cohen: “It gives me great pleasure to announce Sharon Fisher, as the new SI President Elect. Sharon will bring a wealth of experience to Soroptimist International and I am looking forward to working together with her.  Commencing her duties on our new SI Board from 1 January 2018, Sharon is sure to be a wonderful addition to the team. Sharon has had ample functions in our organisation, not least as Chair of the SI President’s Appeal, Educate to lead: Nepal and as Assistant International Director of Advocacy, 2015-2017.

We will ask Sharon to get involved right from the start, so that she can fulfil her role as President Elect for the full two years, taking her through until the end of December 2019. Sharon will assume the office of SI President, 1 January 2020 and serve in that position until 31 December 2021. I wish Sharon the very best of luck and am convinced she will be an excellent SI President for all of us”.

Introducing your SI President Elect, Sharon Fisher.

“Greetings to my fellow Soroptimists and friends; It is my honour to serve Soroptimist International as we complete 100 years of global service.  I have had many teachers during my Soroptimist journey, and for the next two years I look forward to supporting and learning from SI President Mariet, “the water woman”.

The value of any social movement is having everyone moving in the same direction toward common goals. The stories we can tell about our collective impact across the globe will find us in the company of many who are inspired to learn and support our mission.  We can be the messenger that brings the complex global issues into focus and aligns them with the programme work of our Federations and clubs.

The place I call home is British Columbia, Canada, outside Vancouver, where I am an active member of SI of the Langleys in Western Canada Region. My Soroptimist service has included club, region and Federation leadership.  I have served on the Soroptimist International board and most recently held the position of Assistant Director of Advocacy where I chaired the President’s Appeal, Educate to Lead: Nepal. We are still reporting on projects underway in Nepal that have been achieved through the generous donations of clubs around the world. I can promise the impact these projects are having on the women and girls in Nepal is life changing.

I have attended the United Nations CSW numerous times and have gained an understanding of the role of Soroptimist International. I do love sharing the experience with those attending for the first time as navigating the UN can be a real challenge.

In the twilight years of my career, I am serving a not for profit association bringing education, awareness and prevention of adult abuse, neglect and self-neglect to communities throughout the province. I am the Director of Administrative Services. Prior to this, my career was primarily around publicly traded companies with positions including principal, director, capital formation, business planning and investor. I hold a designation as a Certified Public Accountant.

My two sons live close to me and I have two grandsons to spoil. I have a passion for salmon fishing and spend time at Whistler with the family and hope to continue skiing. Of course most of my free time is reserved for Soroptimist service.

We all share the dream for Soroptimist’s to be a voice for gender equality and human rights as we transform the lives of women and girls. Without a new generation of advocates, the new forces threatening to curtail the rights of women and girls will prevail. When we empower women and girls we realise a better future for all. I believe we are stronger together. Working in harmony at all levels will strengthen clubs, Federations and Soroptimist International to meet the challenges we face.

The world is changing and change creates opportunities for the issues we are passionate about. I am excited to engage in the possibilities”.