The Zonta Club of Santa Clarita Valley recently gathered to honor outgoing President Cindy Kittle, incoming President Cindy Edwards, and newly named “Zontian of The Year” Peggy Edwards.

As a Zonta Member of 14 years, Peggy Edwards was chosen by a committee of former “Zontian of The Year” award winners for her strong advocacy for women’s and children’s rights, her tireless energy, her willingness to share her talents and expertise, and her ability to bring out the best in other through motivation and effort.

Besides serving on the district as well as the local club board level, Edwards has a love for travel and cooking.

Marsha McLean, mayor pro-tem of Santa Clarita, presented the new board and officers of both the Zonta Club and Foundation organized by a committee of past club presidents, with the previous years president as chair. Cindy Kittle, former Zonta Club President, passed the president’s pin and club gavel to President-elect Karla Edwards.

A number of other officers were installed into SCV Zonta Club including Alicia Estrada as first vice president-programs, Karen Maleck-Whitely as second vice president-membership, Bernie Gilbert as treasurer, and Chris Miller as secretary.

Members installed in the Zonta Foundation include Adele Macpherson returning as President of Zonta Foundation with Sharon Langenbeck serving as treasurer and Alicia Estrada installed as secretary. The newly installed officers and directors officially took over their Zonta duties as of June 1.

Zonta International, founded in1919, is an organization that seeks to advance the status of women worldwide by improving the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women at the global and local levels through service and advocacy. Zonta International provides more than $1 million yearly for programs and projects that benefit thousands of women around the world.