2026 Fred & Debbie Thomas Legacy Woman of the Year Award
Do you know an exceptional woman whose service, leadership, and compassion are making a meaningful difference in the lives of others?
Each year, Soroptimist International of Simi Valley proudly honors an outstanding woman from Simi Valley or Moorpark through the Fred & Debbie Thomas Legacy Woman of the Year Award. This distinguished recognition celebrates women who embody the spirit of servant leadership through their dedication to nonprofit, charitable, and community-focused causes.
Named in memory of Debbie Thomas, founder of Soroptimist International of Simi Valley, and her husband Mayor Fred Thomas, this award honors their enduring legacy of community service and leadership. It recognizes women whose generosity, commitment, and positive influence help strengthen our community and improve the lives of others.
We invite you to nominate a deserving woman whose contributions merit recognition and celebration.
Confidentiality Matters
To preserve the integrity of the selection process and the joy of the announcement, all nominations are kept strictly confidential. We kindly ask that nominees not be informed of their nomination. This approach allows the recipient to be genuinely surprised while ensuring consideration remains respectful and discreet for all nominees.
Nomination Eligibility
Nominees must:
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Be actively involved with a nonprofit organization, charitable cause, or significant community service effort.
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Reside in Simi Valley or Moorpark.
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Be 21 years of age or older.
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Not be a current member of Soroptimist International of Simi Valley.
Thank you for helping us recognize the remarkable women whose dedication, service, and leadership enrich our community.
Submit a Nomination
Nominations are due by July 1, 2026. The award will be presented at our 2026 Little Black Dress event on September 17, 2026.
Please complete the form below to submit the confidential nomination form.
Presented by Soroptimist International of Simi Valley
About Our 2025 Woman of the Year: Sandy Schmid
Sandy Schmid
Sandy is the founder of Second Story, a volunteer-run thrift boutique in Simi Valley established 11 years ago with a powerful mission: to raise funds to fight child sex trafficking. 100% of Second Story’s proceeds are donated to Forever Found and Life Impact International, nonprofits that rescue and restore children who are survivors of exploitation.
After retiring, Sandy selflessly launched this effort and has since led and inspired a team of over 100 volunteers. Her impact spans beyond Ventura County—she also volunteers internationally in Thailand, providing care and support to trafficking survivors. At home, she leads Grief Share at her church and serves on the Forever Found Board, raising awareness of trafficking both locally and nationwide.
Sandy’s tireless service, humility, and deep compassion have mobilized a movement that brings hope, healing, and justice to the most vulnerable. She leads not for recognition, but to serve—and for that, we are honored to recognize her as our 2025 Woman of the Year.