The Zonta International Board defines and oversees the boundaries of these districts to ensure effective governance and collaboration.
Zonta District 7 is composed of dedicated leaders who work to strengthen the connection between local clubs and Zonta International. The District 7 Board Members play a crucial role in advancing Zonta’s mission—building a better world for women and girls through service and advocacy. Through their leadership, District 7 fosters community engagement, empowers women, and drives meaningful change in alignment with Zonta’s global vision.
The D7 board was asked the following questions. Here are their answers:
- Why Zonta? Why did you join and why do you stay?
- What do you love/value about Zonta?
- What gives you hope/inspiration?
Penny Briese, Governor
Governor
“As a survivor of domestic abuse, the mission of Zonta and their “Zonta Says No” campaign is what drew me to the organization 10 years ago. I understand why women don’t leave from a very deep and personal perspective. I want to be an example to all women of what can be achieved when we do break free! I was told for so many years that I was “stupid”, to “shut up” and “nobody wants to hear what you have to say”.
I am now a Registered Nurse and hold a Bachelor in Nursing Science degree, a Masters in Nursing Education, and a Doctorate in Nursing Research. I am also a Legal Nurse Consultant, a Certified Healthcare Simulation Educator (CHSE) and I own P Doc CPR, a mobile CPR and First Aid training company. I also serve as the Executive Director for the North Dakota Nurses Association and am President Elect for the ND Center for Nursing. I will be teaching Nursing Research online for Minot State this fall, as well as serving as a clinical instructor for ND State Hospital clinicals for North Dakota State College of Science nursing students.
I have hope for the future because I see all the young professionals and their passion for this work! They know we are doing good things for women not only here in our communities, but around the world. I stand here today as your Governor and promise, I will never be silent again! I will forever raise my voice in sisterhood with my fellow Zontians and work together to build a better world for women and girls!
Sherry Doctorian: Lt. Governor
“Zonta’s mission to improve the lives of women and girls in my community AND around the world really resonated with me combined with a good friend asking me to attend a meeting.”
Sherry is an attorney and has been a Zontian for 25 years. She serves or has served on several boards of directors in her community, including UMB Community, Rape and Abuse Crisis Service, Missouri Captive Insurance Association and River Oak Christian Academy
She says, “I value Zonta’s ability to fulfill its mission to support women/girls that I would not otherwise have an opportunity to help. My dues support Zonta’s efforts across the globe and I love that. I also appreciate the flexibility Zonta gives local clubs to provide assistance according to the needs identified in their particular community.
What gives me hope is Zonta is a strong, caring organization with top-notch leadership and a resoluteness to carry on, to evolve and to become even a stronger advocate for women and girls who cannot advocate for themselves. Also, seeing our younger new members in the Jeff City club start to stand up and volunteer gives me hope that our club will remain active.”
Lisa Cook, Treasurer
“I joined Zonta during a tough time in my life and I needed someplace to put my energy.”
Lisa received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and a Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. Lisa is a Certified Public Accountant. She is married to Tony and they live on a farm in Whitewater, Missouri. Lisa has served as the CEO of S&W Cabinets, Inc. in Chaffee, Missouri for the past 15 years. Lisa has been a two-time member of Zonta, most recently serving as the Treasurer of Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau from 2022 until 2026.
She says, “I stay because I fell in love with International after the abortion conflict in 22. What I love most about Zonta are the goals and making a difference in women’s lives.
I have hope for the future because I see all of the individuals around me, all working towards the same goals.”
Jamie Czapiewski, Secretary
“I joined Zonta because I wanted to get more involved in my community and support women and girls. I’ve stayed because I’ve found a great community of women who care about the same things I do. Zonta has also given me opportunities to grow, take on leadership roles, and try things I probably wouldn’t have otherwise.”
Jamie has been a member of Zonta since 2019 and currently serves as President of the Zonta Club of Jamestown and Secretary for Zonta District 7. She works as Operations Coordinator for the Jamestown/Stutsman Development Corporation and is passionate about leadership, service, and advancing Zonta’s mission of building a better world for women and girls.
“I really value the people in Zonta and the different perspectives everyone brings. I also think it’s really neat that Zonta gives me the opportunity to meet women from all over and connect with people I probably never would have met otherwise. I love that there are so many ways to make a difference, whether you’re leading a project, helping with an event, or simply showing up when you’re needed.
Seeing women support other women gives me a lot of hope. I love seeing women find their voice, take on leadership roles, and accomplish things they weren’t sure they could do. I’m also inspired by the people in our community who continue to show up and do good things, even when those things seem small.”
Nancy Pranke, Area 1 Director
“I had never belonged to anything that wasn’t military related. Why Zonta…Advocacy. I joined Zonta because of the women that I met at my first meeting. They were welcoming and had similar interests. I stay because of the friendships that I’ve made.
I love that there are so many ways I can help others through Zonta’s mission.
I value the open-mindedness that most Zontians share.
Nancy says, “I have been in Zonta since 2017. I joined the organization because of my passion for Advocacy. In the military I was a Victim Advocate for Sexual Assault victims and a Suicide Intervention officer. Helping people during extreme emotional, physical, and mental stress has helped to make me a compassionate and understanding person. Helping others through Zonta is my goal.”
And when asked, what gives her hope and inspiration, Nancy said, “Hope. When we as a group come together and our excitement drives us forward to make changes and help women and girls in our community.
Inspiration. Seeing how other Zontians dedication and creativity have made a difference in ways that I’ve never thought of.”
Emily Kliethermas, Area 2 Director
“I joined (Zonta) because it was seen as a prestigious organization and I was told I couldn’t join. I stayed because of the impact and the friends”
After 23 years of experience in process improvement in the finance and accounting industry, Emily is now the Chief Financial Officer of MACF, providing Foster Care Case Management for 3000 children across the State of Missouri. One of 8 children, raised by blue collar parents, Emily worked 3 jobs through college to position herself for financial stability. Giving back to her community, Emily has worked with many organizations including Central Missouri United Way, the Rape and Abuse Crisis Services, Dreams to Reality, A.B.L.E. and Zonta.
Emily says, “Seeing younger women joining in our local club and their participation brings me hope!”
Susan Voeltz, Area 3 Director
“I’ve been a Zontian for 26 years and served in various board and committee roles at the Club level, including President. I also served as D7 Treasurer for 4 years and attended several Area, District, and ZI meetings. I’m passionate about women’s rights in all aspects of life. I believe in Zonta’s mission to build a better world for women & girls and a proud Zonta member. Professionally, I work as a Trust Officer for Old National Wealth Management. I’ve made lifelong friends in Zonta and have been able to build on my leadership skills that apply to work and personal life.”
Susan’s Zonta why: “I received a personal invitation from another successful business professional I admired who was passionate about Zonta. I stay for the mission of Zonta and for the women I have met and connected with who have similar passions. I love that Zonta is all about fairness and equity for all humans, especially for women and children. I love giving back to the agencies we support. I am inspired by longevity of some of the Zonta members, strong women who want to make a difference.
Jane Page, Area 4 Director
“In 1992, I joined Zonta in South Dakota. Due to frequent relocations, I have been a member of three different clubs and two different districts. Each time I moved, I actively sought out a Zonta club. Currently, I am a member of the Zonta club Kansas City.
Throughout my Zonta career, I have held various positions, including president in two clubs and an Area Director in District 12. I am honored to assume the role of incoming Area 4 Director for District 7.
I hold a BA degree in history and French, as well as an MBA from the University of South Dakota. My professional career has primarily been in management, and I dedicated the last 25 years to the South Dakota Department of Revenue, retiring 12 years ago. My responsibilities encompassed a diverse range of tasks, with a focus on education and legislative collaboration. I find great pleasure in traveling, reading, researching my genealogy, and volunteering with various organizations.
“Initially, I joined Zonta for its networking and fellowship opportunities. However, the international aspect proved to be a compelling draw. I am deeply passionate about Zonta, its mission, and its projects. Serving in three distinct clubs has provided me with a unique perspective on how each club implements our mission. Each club possesses its own distinct viewpoint and approach, which has necessitated my adaptability and broadened my perspectives.”
Jane Austin, Past Governor
“I joined the Zonta Club of Jamestown, ND in 1999 to become more engaged in my community. I was particularly attracted by Zonta’s international perspective. Membership has broadened my understanding of many issues related to women. I stay actively engaged for the learning, service, and fellowship.”
Jane has been a member of Zonta for 26 years – 19 years with Jamestown and 7 years with the Zonta Club of Minneapolis St Paul Area. She has served in multiple roles on Jamestown’s club board, including as president, and later served as Area 1 director, district advocacy chair and USA Caucus representative, lieutenant governor, and governor (2024-2026). Jane was also was active in the first years of Zonta Says NOW to Gender Equal Climate Action, both in the international working group and the USA Caucus Gender-Equal Climate Action Committee.
Jane says, “I am a retired research ecologist, where I developed skills in researching issues and communicating results, mostly through writing. I love learning and sharing ideas and information. My ecology background has contributed to my interest and involvement with Zonta Says Now and advocacy.”
I find inspiration in the energies, ideas, passions, and compassion shared among Zontians, working together to make a difference in our world, locally and globally. Being a member of Zonta affirms Margaret Meade’s statement: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed, citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
Pamela Phillips, Parliamentarian
Polly Holten, Foundation Ambassador
Polly says, “I joined Zonta when I was new in the area. I stayed for 44 years because I love our club and the work we do. I love the mission of Zonta and have made some incredible friends worldwide.”
Polly has been a member of the Zonta Club of Cape Girardeau, serving as Area 2 Director, D7 Lt. Governor and Governor. She has also been a past Foundation Ambassador. She was born and raised in Rhode Island, the third of four girls, and during her junior year in college, made the decision to join the Army. She was commissioned after graduation and assigned to the 2nd Armored Division in Fort Hood, Texas. She was 22 and the first and only woman in her unit! Polly says, “I grew so much and learned how to be a leader.” After leaving the Army, she moved to Cape Girardeau to work at Procter & Gamble in HR, Training, Production and Technical Support for 35 years.
“The work we do to make this difficult world a safe and better place for women and girls everywhere. It is a very long and hard battle to get there, but Zonta keeps that as a priority. Honestly, it is hard at times when we see what is going on in our country and around the world. I get my hope and inspiration from the young women that join Zonta and their willingness to be active and involved in Zonta’s work. Without the next generation of young women, we will become stagnant in our progress and we still have a lot of work to do.”