STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. \u2014 Soroptimist International of Staten Island will hold its Ruby Awards Luncheon on Sunday, March 15, at the Historic Old Bermuda Inn at noon.<\/p>\n
The event celebrates the organization\u2019s nearly 71 years of service to women and girls on Staten Island. The name Soroptimist means \u201cbest for women,\u201d according to Angie DePompo-Seff.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor nearly 71 years, our Staten Island organization has stood as a beacon of empowerment, dedicated to improving the lives of women and girls,\u201d DePompo-Seff said.<\/p>\n
The organization runs several programs supporting women and girls. The Live Your Dream Award provides scholarships to female heads of households to pursue higher education. <\/p>\n
The Dream It Be It program exposes high school girls to various career opportunities. The organization also provides financial support to community organizations through annual awards.<\/p>\n
\u201cEducation is the most powerful tool with which we can equip women,\u201d said Tina Bilcher-Murphy, president of the Staten Island organization. \u201cHelping women on their journey through higher education opens doors to independence, economic freedom and to a future where she can no longer be defined by struggle and victimization but by her strength and skills and potential.\u201d<\/p>\n