Zonta International is a global organization focused on empowering women through service and advocacy, and Laramie has had its own club since 1951. The organization itself was started over 100 years ago in New York, and has since spread across the world. There are clubs in 62 countries and there are more than 28,000 members worldwide. 

“We do a lot of public interest campaigns to work toward a greater good for women,” says Linda Valenti who is a member of the Zonta Club of Laramie. The club lobbies the Wyoming Legislature on women’s issues,  and completes service projects to benefit women in Laramie. They also fundraise not only for world wide campaigns through Zonta, but also to fund things like scholarships and other programs to benefit the women and girls living in Albany County. There is also a group at the high school level called Z-Club. The Laramie High School Z-Club has been recognized internationally for their work in leadership and service to the community. 

One of the Zonta Club of Laramie’s many projects to assist women in Laramie is called ‘Suited for Success’. Tamara Bretting, President of the Laramie club, says that the program was designed to give women professional clothing for interviews or to wear to work. “The goal was to give women who might not be able to afford those types of clothing yet a way to have that professional appearance. We all know that appearance is an unwritten part of the job interview, and of gaining the respect of your colleagues when you have a job.” 

Their collection is all donated by community members and includes clothes, jewelry, scarves, shoes, purses, and more. The program is intended for use by anyone who could benefit from it, completely free of charge, and they have dressing rooms available for those who would like to try things on. The Suited for Success program seems to be more important now than ever before. “Now that we have the economic crisis that has followed this pandemic, we know that women are suffering financially that way as well, and if we can help them dress for a job or an interview, we will be helping to empower them to move in the direction they want to go,” says Bretting. Viewing the clothes and accessories is currently by appointment. Call or text Linda Valenti (307) 399-7405 or send her an email at lndvalenti@gmail.com to schedule a time. 

Membership to the Zonta Club of Laramie is open to any professional women and girls in Laramie. To learn more about the Zonta Club of Laramie, please email laramiezonta@gmail.com or email Linda Valenti directly at lndvalenti@gmail.com. 

To learn more about Zonta International you can visit their website: https://www.zonta.org/.