The Next Door Inc.’s Executive Director, Janet Hamada, Receives 2024 Soroptimist Women of Distinction Award

The Hood River club of Soroptimist International, a volunteer organization dedicated to supporting education and training for women and girls in the Gorge, annually grants three honorees their Women of Distinction award. This recognition celebrates women in Hood River County who make a difference in the community by positively impacting the lives of other local women and girls. This year’s Women of Distinction honorees include The Next Door Inc.’s Executive Director, Janet Hamada, alongside fellow community members, Gladys Rivera and Silvia Maciel.

A native of Chicago’s South Side, Janet has dedicated more than two decades to serving the nonprofit sector, with 16 of those years spent serving as TNDI’s Executive Director. Under her leadership, the organization has grown to now house over 35 programs that serve children and families in a seven-county region with over 100 full-time equivalent employees. She’s been described by peers, staff, and community members as being a deeply impressive human being, who always advocates for the needs of children and families in our community.

Soroptimist Hood River held a special celebration on Wednesday, May 8th to present the awards to the three remarkable women and recognize their contributions to the community through their professional and/or volunteer efforts.