Iverson named Soroptimists' Prism Award Winner

May 1, 2009

Victorville Daily Press
Suzanne Sproul, Staff Writer

For the 18th year in a row, the Soroptimist International of Montclair/Inland Valley has recognized outstanding community heroes.

Each year, the very active service organization hosts its Prism Award luncheon where women and organizations that serve women and children are honored for their caring and commitment.

This year was no exception with the top award, the Prism Award, going to Stacy Iverson. She has spent most of her professional career helping children.

Iverson has been the program manager for First 5 San Bernardino. In this role, she had the opportunity to touch the lives of thousands of children and families. She now serves as program manager for the San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools KidsNCare, which provides child care services.

Other honorees are Karen Jones, Woman of Distinction, executive director of PVW, formerly known as the Pomona Valley Workshop which serves people with disabilities; Corina Garay, Woman of Distinction, vice president of day programs for OPARC, which helps individuals with disabilities; Stacy L. Smith, Women Helping Women, chief executive officer of Inland Valley Recovery Services; Inland Empire United Way, Businesses Advancing the Status of Women.

Others were Pacific Lifeline, Businesses Advancing the Status of Women, a long-term transitional shelter in Upland for women and children in need; Pat Rees, President's Award, active with the Montclair Chamber of Commerce and the Montclair Kiwanis Club; Jessica Baker, Violet Richardson Award, Upland High School senior and a recipient of Girl Scouting's highest achievement, the coveted Gold Award; and Maria G. Rodriguez, Women's Opportunity Award, single mom who is pursuing her education at Chaffey College and next at Cal Poly Pomona.

All proceeds from the well-attended luncheon at the Sheraton Fairplex in Pomona are used to provide the Women's Opportunity Award and Violet Richardson Award scholarships.

Soroptimist International Montclair/Inland Valley established the awards almost two decades ago in order to recognize those displaying exceptional leadership while promoting the empowerment of women, the elderly, people with disabilities and the disadvantaged, according to event chairwoman Diane Wells.

"The award name came about because just at a prism gathers and distributes light into bands of color like a rainbow, so the Prism Award honoree gathers personal, professional and community resources and causes them to be distributed among people for the greater good of all," Wells said.

"In fact, all of the luncheon honorees are identified as women who use their resources for the great good of all. We make the guests aware of our honorees' successes and achievements by what is said at the time of their award presentations and by the succinct, but complete, write-up in the event program. Their stories are wonderfully inspiring."

The event has become a signature one because of the long list of honored recipients, which during the years has read like a who's who from the Inland Valley. Nominations come from the community and are reviewed meticulously.

"These women are remarkable and inspiring. I guess one of the things I like most about this event is that we select women who truly deserve pre-eminent recognition and sincere thanks for what they have done for the betterment of our communities," Wells said.

"Another is that the ambience of the event makes me so proud of my club. We put on a polished and respected luncheon/awards ceremony."

Suzanne.sproul@inlandnewspapers.com

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