In her endearing and self-effacing way, Kathy’s response to being announced 2018 Soroptimist of the Year was “I never win anything.”  That’s difficult to believe about such an accomplished woman.  Serving for the third time as Vice President Programs, Kathy has also held the position of Vice President, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary since joining in 2007.  As VP of Programs, Kathy is responsible for planning meeting programs three times a month, throughout the nine months the members get together.

Kathy and her husband, retired Rear Admiral Ray Smith have been married for fifty years.  They settled in Coronado in 2006.  Ray retired from the Navy after thirty-nine years of service, thirty-one of those years as a Navy SEAL.  They have three sons, one a Fire Captain in Chula Vista, and the other two are Navy SEALS, and they have eight grandchildren.  Kathy was an elementary grade school teacher in private schools for twenty-six years.

When Kathy attended a Soroptimist meeting she identified immediately with SIC’s mission, improving the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.  She talks fondly about the members and the friends she’s made.  Equally important to Kathy is “knowing we’re making women and girls’ lives better” and she’s excited about “what we’re doing and the women and families we’re touching in such a positive way.”

Kathy was just elected President of the local chapter of the Society of Sponsors for the US Navy.  When she’s not spending time with her family or busy with volunteer work, she enjoys playing bridge and attending a book club.