History

Soroptimist International of Madison, Tennessee was chartered in April, 1973 with 21 members. Millie Grammer served as the Charter President and is still an active member of the club. Former Southern Region Governor Flossie Keaton, a past member of Soroptimist International of Nashville was responsible for organizing the club. The chartering banquet was a memorable affair with dignitaries such as International President Ethel Lord, Southern Region Governor Evelyn Watkins, Lieutenant Governor Doris Thompson, and Past Governor Barbara Wilkins Thrall in attendance.

Over the years we have changed the name of our club to reflect our membership. Soroptimist International of the Upper Cumberland Valley was representative of our members in Davidson, Sumner and Robertson Counties. We later became Soroptimist International of Music City reflecting our ties to Nashville. Currently we are Soroptimist International of Music City Nashville reflecting the merging of the two clubs in the Metro Nashville community.

Many times over the years we have hosted district, region and federation conventions. Women from all over the world attended the Soroptimist International of the Americas convention in 1983 held at Opryland Hotel. A highlight for all the guests was the entertainment provided by Minnie Pearl for the opening banquet.

Many service projects have been accomplished over the years, with our focus on helping women and girls. For the past eight years we have held a “Night Out Against Domestic Violence” where we recognize those that have lost their lives to domestic violence and raise awareness and educate the public on the dangers. Trafficking of women and girls is a current area of focus where we team with End Slavery TN to advocate against this form of slavery.

Our club is well represented outside of our community with several members holding positions of leadership in the Southern Region. While charter member Millie Grammer is a Past Governor of the Region, currently we boast the President of the Ruby Lee Minar Soroptimist Fund, Karen Karpinski; Southern Region District Director Diana English; and Southern Region Governor, Priscilla Tatarsky.