10 Things About Carol Ann Donahue & Soroptimist International Clubs of North San Diego and Poway

“I would like to be remembered as someone who used whatever talent she had to do her work to the very best of her ability.” – Ruth Bader Ginsburg

As a child, Carol Ann Donahue had to flee her home with her mom and sisters, because of abuse. When Carol Ann learned about the work of Soroptimist International Clubs of North San Diego and Poway, she wondered what her life would have been like if options like this had been available to her mom. Carol Ann got involved with Soroptimist International Clubs of North San Diego and Poway so that she could be a part of providing solace for the brave mothers who choose this path.

#1 I grew up in San Diego.

#2 I’ve wanted to go to Ireland my entire life and the desire to go to Cork became stronger when I found out that 49% of my DNA is from there.

#3 My brother loved his Padres jersey from the 1970’s until his last breath at the age of 24. I wear it every time I go to a Padres game.

#4 If I had a New Year’s resolution, it would be to stop using curse words but I fail miserably every year and stopped making it a goal about 3 years ago.

#5 In my 10th grade Psychology class, I learned from my teacher, Josie Rhodes, that abuse is not the norm and it wasn’t my fault.

#6 I have a British Labrador retriever named Quinn and she has me wrapped around her paw!

#7 Soroptimist helped Melanie when she fled a violent relationship with her three children after her husband had beaten her and burned her car to the ground with all their belongings. She arrived in San Diego with no support structure, job, car or belongings. Soroptimist provided her a furnished apartment in a neighborhood with good schools, fully equipped with household items, food and clothing. We paired Melanie with a mentor, she got a part time job and began pursuing her business degree online. Today, Melanie and her family are living independently and safely.

#8 We always have a need for motivated women who want to get involved locally and join in our programs and mission of Empowering Women and Girls.

#9 Our event, “Hats and Heels” will feature a keynote presentation by Summer Stephan, San Diego District Attorney and performances by the fabulous 5th Dimension.

#10 Along with our sister Poway Club, we currently finance 5 apartments. “Hats and Heels” will fund this housing as well as continuing education for women who are head of household, support for victims of human trafficking and an education program for middle school girls.

Soroptimist International Clubs of North San Diego and Poway
“Hats and Heels”
April 24, 2022
11:30 am – 3:30 pm
Fairmont Grand Del Mar
www.sihatsandheels.org