Seven SITD members attended the 50
th Annual SNR (Sierra Nevada Region) Conference at the Atlantis on June 5-7, 2026: Marcy Alstott, Susan Horst, Nancy Davis, Lil Schaller, Jeannie Burrows (voting delegate), Kathleen Raber & Lynn Bodfish (voting delegate). Of the 6 Districts that comprise the Sierra Nevada Region, there were 36 of 45 clubs present, 105 voting members registered and total 216 conference attendees.
This was truly a special & celebratory year as
SNR celebrated its 50th Anniversary! The theme was “Honoring the Past” which reflects where we have been, “Celebrating the Future” which boldly moves us into the future and lots of gold/black! The 2.5 day conference delivered inspiration, recognition, education, connection and many FUN moments!. There were many key takeaways. Foremost was recognition of service: SIA Federation leaders/board members, former regional governors, long time members, memorials for Soroptimists who have passed away 2025-26, sponsors. In the rewards category, District 5 performed well:
Star Awards:
Website - First Place - SI Tahoe Sierra
EBlast/Newsletter - First Place - SI Tahoe Sierra
Public Awareness - Second Place - SI Tahoe Sierra
Overall - Third Place - SI Tahoe Sierra
Celebrating Success Awards:
Program - Third Place - SI Truckee Meadows
Fundraiser - Second Place - SI Truckee Meadows
There was consistent messaging throughout the various programs “every women in this room is a leader and leadership is influence” and support for how we all invest in dreams, serve women and girls facing obstacles and increase their access to education, opportunity and economic empowerment.
The conference agenda included keynote speakers from SIA Federation President Sue Riney & CEO/Executive Director Michelle Burnett and many addresses from outgoing Governor Stacy (Jensen) & incoming Governor Elect Kathy (Dunbar) to include rewards for innovative public awareness, membership, fundraising, website, newsletter, social media, etc.
This conference also serves as a celebration for the outgoing Sierra Nevada Region Board, voting in the new Board and their installation. Our own
Susan Horst was celebrated in her final days as our District 5 Director and we welcomed our new District 5 Director, Shenea Strader from SI Sierra Reno.
Most inspirational was the Live Your Dream Awards segment. SNR as a region awarded 129 Live Your Dream awards in 2025-26, totaling $238,650. There were 5 of 6 District
Live your Dream Award winners present including SI Truckee Donner’s Natalie Diaz who won District 5. Each recipient was recognized with $3-5k SNR regional cash rewards. SNR awarded regional winner Cloreesa Borrego $5K that was followed by an additional SIA Federation $10K award. Each District
Live Your Dream award winner spoke. Their stories were heartwarming and mesmerizing with many tears of joy. Each Club also created their own DREAM pillows which were raffled off to support SNR’s regional
Live Your Dream fund.
