Soroptimists celebrate Women of Distinction
Sarah McLain, Tiffany Westbrook, Jeni Hegsted, Kat Gilmore, Louisa Rogers and Caitlin O’Brien attended the Women of Distinction luncheon Friday, where they were honored for their community service.
KAYE THORNBRUGH/Press
COEUR d’ALENE — Imagine being unable to read a lease agreement, fill out a job application or take the test to get a driver’s license due to low literacy.
One in six adults lives that reality, unable to read above a third grade level. Kat Gilmore decided to do something about it in North Idaho. She founded the Literacy Project of North Idaho, which offers free, confidential, individual reading tutors for adult learners.
“When we teach a parent to read and teach them to value reading, it unfolds this world that we can’t even imagine,” Gilmore said. “It changes children.”
Gilmore was one of seven local women who were honored for their achievements and dedication to community service Friday at the 41st annual Women of Distinction luncheon.
More than 150 people gathered at the Best Western Plus Coeur d’Alene Inn for the ceremony, presented by Soroptimist International of Coeur d’Alene.
• Arts and Culture: Jeni Hegsted, Emerge
• Business and Professional: Caitlin O’Brien, Smith + Malek Attorneys
• Community Service: Kat Gilmore, The Literacy Project of North Idaho
• Education: Louisa Rogers, Center for New Directions - NIC
• Health: Tawni Sullivan, Regulate-Youth Services
• Public Service: Tiffany Westbrook, Office of Emergency Management Kootenai County
• Second Act: Sarah McLain, Community Volunteer
Chartered in 1948 as the first civic service group for women, Soroptimist Coeur d’Alene works to better the lives of local women and girls, especially through provided access to the education and training they need to attain economic empowerment.
Brittany Selle is one of the many local women who has received support from Soroptimist Coeur d’Alene. A recipient of the group’s “Live Your Dream” scholarship, Selle is a single mom of five who is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in social work.
After growing up in poverty and struggling with a substance abuse disorder, Selle is five years sober. Her goal is to continue her education and counsel others who are experiencing addiction.
“On this journey, my community has provided me with so many supports,” she said Friday.
Soroptimist District 3 Director Angela Comstock said that when women learn, their families live healthier lives and their communities grow stronger. That’s as true in North Idaho as it is anywhere else.
“Our community is incredible and the way we are invested in each other is highlighted by this event,” she said.