Notable Women of Soroptimist International of Portland​

Over the decades, Soroptimist International of Portland has recognized women who embody leadership, service, and a commitment to improving the lives of others. These honorees reflect not only the values of Soroptimist but also the rich civic, cultural, and professional history of Portland.

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Eva C. Meyer

Eva C. Meyer, a business leader, philanthropist, and early member of Soroptimist International of Portland, served as Secretary-Treasurer of Fred Meyer, Inc., where she played an important role in guiding the company’s growth while devoting herself to civic and charitable work. Within Soroptimist, she was honored as Soroptimist of the Year in 1943, and the Portland Women’s Forum recognized her as Woman of the Year for her wider contributions to the community. One of her most meaningful commitments was to the Salvation Army’s White Shield Home, a refuge for unwed mothers. Soroptimists, with Meyer’s leadership, established a “Birthday Memorial” fund to support the Home’s nursery—later renamed in her honor.

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Grace Phelps 

Grace Phelps was a pioneering nurse and public health advocate who helped professionalize nursing in Oregon. She co-founded the Oregon Nurses Association, championed nurse registration and education, and served as superintendent of Doernbecher Children’s Hospital from 1926 to 1942, where she advanced pediatric care. A leader in Red Cross nursing during World War I and active in women’s organizations, she was later recognized as one of Oregon’s “Notable Women in History” for her lasting contributions to healthcare in the state. (Soroptimist President 1942-1943.)

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Elvira S. Raven

Elvira Raven was a Portland businesswoman and philanthropist whose generosity left a lasting impact on the city. She and her husband owned Raven Creamery, a well-known local dairy. In 1951, she donated her family home and gardens to the City of Portland for just $1, creating what is now the Historic Overlook House. Her gift transformed the property into a community hub for gatherings and social services, reflecting her civic spirit and enduring legacy as a benefactor to Portland. (Soroptimist President 1944-1945.)

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Jessie Laird Brodie, M.D.

Dr. Jessie “Laird” Brodie was a pioneering physician and advocate for women’s health who played a central role in advancing family planning in Oregon. She helped establish birth-control clinics in the 1930s and co-authored the 1935 state law regulating contraceptives—the first of its kind in the nation. In 1965, she became the first executive medical director of Planned Parenthood in Oregon, expanding access to reproductive health statewide. Her work, which also extended internationally through family planning initiatives in Latin America, made her a trailblazer in public health and women’s reproductive rights. (Soroptimist President 1958-1959.)

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Dorothea M. Lensch

Dorothea Lensch was a visionary civic leader who transformed Portland’s parks and recreation system. Appointed the city’s first Director of Recreation in 1937, she expanded programs beyond playgrounds to include arts, dance, sports, and inclusive activities for all ages. Under her leadership, the city grew from just four community centers to more than a dozen, and she launched cultural institutions such as the Junior Museum (later the Portland Children’s Museum). Lensch also helped establish the Portland Opera Association and the Japanese Garden, leaving a lasting legacy that blended recreation, culture, and community life in Oregon. (Soroptimist President 1969-1970.)