The Power of One

by Manjot Singh

It’s been a long journey, perhaps even an excursion from the humble beginnings of the Zonta Organization in 1919 when women did not have the right to vote, to a successful revolution in which thousands of volunteers and millions of dollars are being sent to help make changes in the livelihood of women not only on a national but also a global level through the Zonta International programs.  Their influence since then has become widespread, with more than 31,000 members belonging to more than 1,200 Zonta Clubs in 68 countries and geographic areas.
Their objectives are simple and their execution is flawless.  They aspire to revolutionize the traditional status of women by promoting social justice and universal respect for human rights, which they believe are inherent freedoms each and every individual has the obligation to uphold.
You might be thinking to yourselves: how does this have any relevance to me or rather to the community at all whatsoever?  The reason why this organization is so crucial to the identity of Santa Clarita is because the woman at the forefront of the Zonta International Organization is Dianne Curtis, who resides here and has in fact been a resident since 1971.  Her involvement in the Santa Clarita community is unmatched.  The 1980s had dictated the workplace to be made up of a “glass ceiling” which is essentially an invisible barrier that determines the level to which a woman or other member of a demographic minority can rise in an organization.   As an early maverick, Dianne broke the metaphorical ceiling when she formed her own trucking company, Canyon Bulk, Inc, which employed women to further their positions in society.
She continued her efforts in advancing the eminence of women by joining the Zonta Club of Santa Clarita, stating “I wanted to help others and continue to make Santa Clarita a great place to live” as a reason for seeking membership.  She eventually became president of the Santa Clarita chapter in addition to holding a number of other prestigious positions.  Amidst Dianne’s consummate dedication to the organization were her commitments to running a transportation company and spending time with her family—a balanced individual.
“It didn’t take me long to understand that Zonta extended beyond Santa Clarita, and the idea of helping women all over the world was a great inspiration.”  Dianne took this realization to heart and is now the president-elect of Zonta International, an incredible encouragement and motivation for women across the world to also make a difference by turning one’s dream into a foundation and one’s foundation into a breeding ground for excellence.
For more information, please call 661-252-9351 or visit www.zonta.org.