Our club was formed in 1953 by women in business, professions and education who wanted to join an international movement to advance the status of women. They conceived local service projects to enhance the lives of women in health care, education, military service and job opportunities. Early projects included purchasing automatic doors for the South Bay Hospital entrance and making dinners for those serving at the National Guard Armory in Manhattan Beach. Today we focus on our Dream Programs to bring opportunity to women and girls who are struggling to overcome obstacles using our award-winning workshops and grants projects.

Soroptimist was formed in 1921 in Oakland, California, at a time when women were not permitted to join these types of organizations. Our name, loosely translated from the Latin, means best for women. Our club, Soroptimist of Manhattan Beach, celebrating over 70 years helping women and girls throughout the South Bay area, is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas federation. Today, in our federation we have over 25,000 members and supporters in countries across North America, Latin America and the Pacific Rim. We are one of five federations that make up Soroptimist International, which has clubs in more than 120 countries throughout the world.