Inspiring women honored by Downey Soroptimist

Several women were honored by Soroptimist International of Downey last Thursday during their Women of Distinction awards breakfast.

Author Philippe Skylar was honored with the Soroptimist Ruby Award for “women helping women.”

Skylar, who is a survivor of abuse, has co-authored “When Loving Him Hurts – Recovery from an Abusive Relationship and Affair” and “The Affair – Recovery from Illicit Sex, Lies, and Betrayal” and is an active advocate against abuse.

“Doing this book and working with abused women…I saw there was this deep need for so many women to heal and to understand what abuse is,” said Skylar upon accepting her award. “To finally eradicate domestic violence, the only way that is going to happen is to go to the cause…because of you Soroptimists, these women are not going to be forgotten.”

Young singer and philanthropist Eileen Garrido, 18, was honored with the Violet Richardson Award for her work with Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, Children’s Miracle Network and the formation of the Beating Hearts Foundation.

“Children’s causes are very near to my heart, quite literally,” said Garrido, who was born with a rare congenital heart defect and has already undergone three major surgeries for it in her lifetime. “My hope is that with similar views of health, fitness and philanthropy, one day we will eradicate rare diseases in children, and bring equality for women around the world.” 

Soroptimists also honored four individuals – Beth Crawford, Catherine Page, Melissa B. Zarate-Galvan, and Giovanna “Giggy” Saab – as Women of Distinction.