Women At Their Best,
Working To Help Other Women To Be Their Best
Soroptimist International Manhattan Beach Name Change to Soroptimist International of South Bay
Big News! Soroptimist International Manhattan Beach is Now Soroptimist International of South Bay!
We’re thrilled to share our new name—Soroptimist International of South Bay—a fresh update that reflects who we’ve become: a bold, inclusive, and growing community of volunteers empowering women and girls all across the South Bay, from Santa Monica to Long Beach!
Founded in Manhattan Beach back in 1953, we’ve expanded our reach over the decades—supporting women and girls in Redondo, Torrance, El Segundo, Gardena, Hawthorne, Palos Verdes, and beyond. This new name celebrates our roots while embracing the full scope of the work we love doing.
“We’re still the same passionate team—just with a name that better fits our impact,” says President Karen Masini.
What We Do:
Live Your Dream Awards: Direct financial support to women pursuing education and rebuilding their lives.
Dream It, Be It: Career guidance and mentoring for teen girls.
Community Impact: We roll up our sleeves to fight period poverty, raise mental health awareness, support women facing breast cancer, and aid survivors of human trafficking.
We’re so excited about this next chapter—and we’d love for you to be part of it!
Karen Masini, President 2025-2026
Our Roots
Soroptimist International of South Bay: A Legacy of Empowerment
Soroptimist International has a rich history dating back to 1921, when it was founded in Oakland, California—during a time when women faced major barriers to participating in service organizations. The name "Soroptimist" comes from the Latin words soror (sister) and optima (best), meaning “best for women.”
Here in the South Bay, Soroptimist International of South Bay (formerly Soroptimist International of Manhattan Beach) has been proudly serving the community for over 70 years. We’ve worked tirelessly to uplift and empower women and girls from Santa Monica to Long Beach and everywhere in between.
As part of the Soroptimist International of the Americas federation, SISB is one of many clubs in a network of more than 25,000 members and supporters across North America, Latin America, and the Pacific Rim.
Our federation is one of five that make up the global Soroptimist International network, which spans more than 120 countries around the world. This global reach gives us the collective strength to make a real impact—locally and internationally—as we work to advance the rights, opportunities, and well-being of women and girls everywhere.
As we carry this mission forward, Soroptimist International of South Bay remains dedicated to building a world where every woman and girl can thrive, reach her full potential, and shape a brighter future for herself and her community.
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