Members Latest News

Together we Thrive: Real Stories of Membership Success Webinar 

DATE: Sunday 13th April 2025
TIME: 3:30 pm AEST (Duration 1.5hr - 2hr)

Welcome to 2025. I hope you all had a relaxing time over the festive season and are now ready and energised to plan for the Soroptimist year ahead.

During April Membership Month, we are excited to invite you to an opportunity to attend a SISEAP webinar. You will hear from members and clubs about their insights on a successful member recruitment strategy. It will be an opportune time to pick up tips and enthuse our clubs into 2025.

Four speakers from across Australia, Asia, and New Zealand/Pacific will share a short presentation on the 'how', the outcomes and their experience of a thriving recruitment action plan.

Introducing the Speakers:

Kristeen Johnston has built a successful career in sales and training, notably as an award-winning employee of Johnson & Johnson Medical. She earned a Graduate Diploma in Business Studies in 2004 and transitioned to consulting in training and business development after her retirement in 2007.

A dedicated volunteer, Kristeen served as President of Dress for Success from 2012 to 2014 and became a Life Member in 2014. In 2022, she helped establish Dress for Success Aotearoa New Zealand's first permanent opportunity shop, 'Dressed in the Hutt.'

She joined Soroptimist International of Wellington in 2012, holding various leadership positions and serving as National President of SI Aotearoa New Zealand from 2020 to 2022. Kristeen is passionate about the economic empowerment of women and girls, emphasizing education and sustainable employment.

In recognition of her community service, she received a Queen’s Service Medal in 2024 and was named Wellingtonian of the Year. Outside of her professional work, Kristeen enjoys creative activities, cooking, yoga, photography, and staying active in politics.

Currently semi- retired Company Director; member, member of SI North Canterbury, New Zealand and President Elect SISEAP, plus Chair of Governance and Board member Soroptimist International. Managing Director, R H Penny Ltd, Australasia; an experienced Company Director; skilled in the development/facilitation and presentation of strategic thinking, governance, leadership, teamwork and quality improvement programmes, in health and voluntary sectors internationally. An experienced Chief Executive in the New Zealand health industry, Anthea was a ministerial appointment to the New Zealand Health Quality and Safety Commission’s board (2010 to 2013); a Senior Associate, International Foundation for Integrated Care, UK (2011 to 2014) and the inaugural recipient of the 2004 New Zealand Institute of Health Management Silver Fern Award for Excellence in Health Service Management.

Sue Baskett, with a background in Computer Science and as an Image Consultant, has over 30 years of experience in the NGO sector, with involvement in Papua New Guinea and Indonesia while living there. She served as the Honorary British Vice Consul in Medan, Indonesia for eight years and held leadership roles for 10 years, including President and Vice President of several NGOs, as well as Chairman of Medan International School (MIS). Sue was deeply engaged in humanitarian efforts, including facilitating relief after the 2004 Tsunami in Aceh Indonesia and contributing to various earthquake recovery efforts in Medan Indonesia. Her work, alongside her spouse, has been recognised by both the British and Belgian governments.

In 2008, Sue moved to Penang and joined SI Penang in February 2010, where she became an active member. She served as the Constitution Convenor, Membership Extension Convenor and ICT Convenor, playing a pivotal role in establishing SI Penang’s social media presence. Sue served as President of SI Penang from 2023 to 2024 and continues to contribute as the Immediate Past President. She currently serves on several other local NGO boards in Penang Malaysia

Soroptimist International Penang (SIP) proudly announces the appointment of Ann Fang as its new President, along with the induction of a dynamic Executive Committee and Convenors for the 2025-2026 term. This new leadership team is set to advance SIP's mission and drive impactful initiatives for the community.  

Ann has been an active member of SIP for 8 years, bringing with her a background in marketing and communications in NGOs and the private sector. She plays a pivotal role in establishing SIP's programs such as 'Girls in STEM', 'Period Poverty & Sustainability', 'School Shoes Project', 'My Vision, My Future' and 'Let's Talk - Glowing Up'. 

She aims to continue the legacy of her predecessors by creating more practical and impactful programs to help underprivileged women and girls in education and empowerment. 

Linna holds a master’s degree in development management from Norton University, Cambodia, a bachelor’s degree of Arts in Design from SETEC University, Cambodia, diploma of Advance Behavior Change Communication for Health Practitioners, Project Management and Digital Media for Health Outcome certificates.

Linna has over twenty-five years of experience with international non-government organizations: managing and leading Marketing and Communication (MarCom), Social Behavior Change Communication (SBCC) for public health, sub-grantee management, offline and online campaigns/events management, social media management, digital media, content development, graphic design, video production, media outlet and private sector engagement.

Linna has joined Soroptimist International Phnom Penh since 2028, involving server positions starting with President Elect position, Club President, Southeast Asia Pacific Federation Representative for SI International President Project in Cambodia and Assistant Membership Convenor for Asia.    

Linna is industrious and energetic. She ensures satisfactory performance and accomplishment by engaging my professional competency and behavior. She acts with integrity, holds accountability, builds good relationships, develops talent, continues improvement, innovate, and develops a strategic mindset. I have strong interpersonal communication, networking, coordinating, and organizing skills and she is co-operative; she listens to the team and prioritizes their needs.

The webinar concludes with a Q & A session and is free to members.

Kristeen Johnston

SISEAP Membership Convenor 2024-2026

membership.kristeen@siseap.org