The name Soroptimist was coined from the Latin term ‘soror’ meaning sister, and ‘optima’ meaning best. As such, Soroptimist is perhaps best interpreted as meaning “the best for women.”

Last night, Dr. Mehlman-Orozco was fortunate enough to present a former student, and survivor of child abuse in the foster care system, with a Soroptimist scholarship. Dr. Mehlman-Orozco nominated her student, writing in part: “In the face of adversity, (this student) has excelled and is on the road to becoming an accomplished, self reliant, empowered young woman.”

Next year, as newly elected President, Dr. Mehlman-Orozco will be donating 50% of her proceeds from her book, Hidden in Plain Sight: America’s Slaves of the New Millennium to Soroptimist International of Woodbridge for a scholarship for human trafficking survivors. Another portion of proceeds will go to graduates of TEAM SummerQuest-a diversion program for high-risk youth in Manassas City.