Susan Hennenfent wears two hats in the Del Mar-Solana Beach community: member of the local Rotary Club and board member of Women's Empowerment International, a San Diego-based nonprofit that has distributed more than $2.8 million in grants to organizations fighting poverty among women worldwide.
The Rotary Club of Del Mar-Solana Beach is now inviting residents to join Hennenfent and others at a celebration of WEI's work on Sunday, Oct. 4, according to a post on the club's website. Hennenfent, a former WEI president, will be among those marking the nonprofit's accomplishments at the event.
The invitation follows a recent presentation to the Rotary Club by Sophie Pauken, WEI's development coordinator. Pauken lives in San Diego. She previously managed a $45 million USAID-funded water and sanitation program in Ethiopia at Chemonics International before joining WEI.
The Rotary Club said WEI has provided more than $60,000 in help and funding to one of its partner organizations, the Organization for the Empowerment of Women (OEF) in El Salvador. Club members visited OEF last year during the organization's 40th anniversary and saw projects firsthand. WEI's 2026 grant to OEF totals $20,000, supporting an entrepreneurship program that serves 400 women ages 18 to 50, according to WEI's website.
Founded in 2005, Women's Empowerment International has distributed grants since 2004 to 15 partner organizations across nine countries. Its programs include microloans, small business development, training and education for women in poverty in San Diego County and internationally.
The Oct. 4 date coincides with WEI's annual fall fundraiser, "Empowered WE Rise 2026," which the nonprofit describes as its biggest event of the year. The numbers tell the story. WEI's website lists live and silent auctions, a Woman of Empowerment Award, live music and a Market Fair featuring women entrepreneurs funded by the organization.
Venue, time and ticket details for the Oct. 4 event have not been published by the Rotary Club. Residents interested in more information can contact the Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary Club at 425-876-0413 or reach club president Jason Strayer at [email protected]. The club meets Friday mornings at the Hilton Del Mar from 7:15 to 8:30 a.m.
Upcoming community dates:
- Sunday, Oct. 4 — Women's Empowerment International "Empowered WE Rise 2026" fall fundraiser (details at womenempowerment.org)
- Fridays — Del Mar-Solana Beach Rotary Club meetings, 7:15–8:30 a.m., Hilton Del Mar
