Immediate Past President of Soroptimist International of Europe and Chair of the SI Leadership Development Committee (LDC), Ulla Madsen, introduces the first in a series of video interviews with SI Directors, Officers and UN Representatives, with the aim of increasing awareness of the work of SI and the SI leadership opportunities available.

Today, Soroptimist International is made up of a membership of over 75,000 volunteers spanning 133 countries and territories. This membership, diverse in both cultural experience and working backgrounds, is united in a commitment to helping women and girls achieve their individual and collective potential, and have an equal voice in communities worldwide.

The LDC was set up as a form of inter-federation training, in response to the need to ensure SI succession planning. In addition to this, its aim is to increase understanding of the SI leadership positions available to members and to provide on-going orientation, whilst supporting and delivering knowledge and skills development opportunities on a range of topics, such as Cultural Intelligence, Advocacy, Communications and Conflict Resolution.

Ulla Madsen says: “We hope that this series of short videos with SI Directors and Officers, will attract future leaders and be beneficial in inspiring and motivating the Soroptimist International membership to join us at Federation or Soroptimist International level”.

Videos: In the first in a series of videos, the LDC heard from Soroptimist International President, Yvonne Simpson (left) and Soroptimist International President-Elect Mariet Verhoef-Cohen (right).

SI President Yvonne was asked to recount a memorable occasion during her time as SI President, and SI President-Elect Mariet, to give advice to Soroptimists looking to move into leadership roles within the organisation.