The Ninth Annual Accolades and celebration of the Sixty-Fifth Anniversary of Soroptimist International of Glendale from the left: Accolades Chair Elizabeth Mirzaian; Margo Bottcher, president of Soroptimist; and Lynne Raggio,  Sixty-Fifth Anniversary Chair.

Margo Bottcher, president of Soroptimist International of Glendale welcomed members and friends to their Ninth Annual Accolades, “A Salute to Women” recognizing three outstanding individuals for their accomplishments. Bottcher thanked: Accolades Chair
Elizabeth Mirzaian; Making a Difference Chair, Paula Devine; and Lynne Raggio,  Sixty-Fifth Anniversary Chair.

Among those honored at this event were, Karla Kerlin, the chair of Glendale Commission on the Status of Women and longtime Los Angeles County deputy district attorney, with its Making a Difference for Women Award. Kerlin was also recognized for her role on the board of several Glendale-area nonprofit organizations

Holly N. Stevens received the Violet Richardson Award for high-school-aged women dedicated to community service. Stevens a student at Crescenta Valley High School established the Virgil Middle School Builders Club, a student service organization located in Los Angeles. The club enables students to build high standards of personal and community behavior and pride through service.

Receiving the club’s Women Opportunity Award was Tujunga resident Laura Butler, a single mother who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in sociology. The award strives to help women who are heads of households achieve career goals. Currently attending Los Angeles Pierce College Laura plans to transfer to Cal State Northridge to pursue her BA in Sociology and ultimately a Doctorate of Psychology.

Soroptimist International of Glendale was also celebrating their Sixty-Fifth Anniversary, founded in 1921, an organization for business and professional women who provide volunteer service to their communities. Soroptimist boasts almost 100,000 members in 120 countries and territories contributing time and financial support to community-based and international projects.