The biennial Women of Achievement Awards celebrate the incredible women in our community who inspire, challenge and break barriers every day. This year the Women of Achievement will be honored at the club’s 70th Anniversary Gala. Read on for information about our 2026 honorees plus photos from our amazing 2024 Women of Achievement Awards event.
2026 Women of Achievement Honorees
2026 Women of Achievement Honorees
- Natalie Crew — Past City Treasurer, AFS Coordinator at RVHS, and past two-term Soroptimist President — dedicated to youth, education, and civic service.
- Lorelyn Hechtman — Rio Vista Food Pantry leader and current Food Coordinator — a champion for families in need.
- MaryEllen Lamothe — Co-founder of RioVision, Planning Commissioner, Spirit of Solano Award recipient, and Past Soroptimist President — shaping community planning and vision.
- Tami Mitchell — Founder of the Rio Vista Farmer’s Market, Downtown Association President, and 2025 RV Chamber Volunteer Award recipient — driving community revitalization.
- Andrea Cross-Pearson — Owner of Ben’s Friends, Downtown Association Board Member, and 2025 Spirit of Solano Award recipient — advocating for local business and connection.
Celebrating Women of Achievement: A Triumphant 2024 Event
The May 19, 2024 Women of Achievement Awards was a spectacular success, epitomizing the spirit of excellence and community empowerment. Held by Soroptimist International of Rio Vista at the picturesque Delta Diamond Farms, the event served as a beacon of inspiration and a testament to the extraordinary contributions of women to our society.
We would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the distinguished honorees: Margaret Anderson, Andrea Brimmer, Jeannie McCormack, Stacia Olson, Maureen Reis, Gwendolyn Sampson, Amy Schmidt, and Kathy Wright. These remarkable women have not only made significant strides in their respective fields but have also left an indelible mark on our society. Their achievements inspire, challenge, and break barriers, serving as a beacon of hope and motivation for all.
Special thanks to our keynote speaker, Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson, for an inspiring keynote. Assemblywoman Wilson captivated the audience with her powerful message, emphasizing the importance of community engagement, resilience, and innovation. Her speech highlighted everyone’s pivotal role in driving positive change and encouraged everyone to take actionable steps toward making a difference in their respective spheres.In pursuing a more equitable and vibrant community, it is crucial to pause, reflect, and celebrate the phenomenal women who pave the way forward. Their leadership and dedication are the bedrock of progress and innovation and serve as role models for future generations.
Attendee Katherine Dragicevic eloquently captured the essence of the event, saying, “Today I had the pleasure of attending Soroptimist International of Rio Vista’s First Annual Women of Achievement Awards luncheon at the gorgeous Delta Diamond Farms. Many of the recipients of these awards are friends that I greatly admire. These women get things done while supporting and uplifting others in their communities. They most definitely make the world a better place through their contributions.”
The ceremony was a tapestry of heartwarming stories, evoking laughter, tears, and a profound sense of community pride. As we listened to the honorees’ narratives and accomplishments, we were reminded of the incredible potential that resides within our community. Their stories are our stories, their triumphs are our triumphs, and their challenges are our challenges. We are united in our shared purpose of creating a more equitable and vibrant community.
Katherine continued, “The ceremony was full of great stories that made people laugh and even to tears. The women, their stories, and their accomplishments were all inspirational and uplifting. We live in an incredible community—cheers to the ladies of Rio Vista Soroptimist for putting on a flawless event. Not a single detail was overlooked. It was a fabulous afternoon.”
Indeed, the Women of Achievement Awards was more than just an event; it was a celebration of the relentless spirit and unyielding dedication of women who make our community a better place. We are deeply grateful to those who attended and gave support and presence, which made this celebration even more meaningful. Here’s to the continued success of these extraordinary women and to many more future celebration moments.