Margo Bencomo

President



Margo was born and raised in New Mexico and has lived in Las Cruces since 2003. After many years working in the non-profit sector and for various government agencies, she decided to become self-employed. She has owned and operated Busy Bees since 2005, a company that provides help with household chores –large and small -- that clients cannot do themselves or simply do not have time to do. She recently started an AirBNB business, and in Summer 2022 published a book on Beatles fandom. She has two grown children and three grandchildren and feels blessed that they all presently live in Las Cruces. 

Diana Archuleta

President-Elect

As Diana steps into co-leadership of our club this year, she brings the administrative skills honed through her career as a federal government professional and the wisdom gained from a lifetime advocating for women's equality. She will help guide the club's progress toward the Soroptimist Big Goal of helping more women achieve their dreams and improve their lives through education, and will continue leading our Period Poverty Program, which provides high school girls with menstrual products during winter and summer breaks. Her commitment to service extends beyond women's advocacy to seniors as well, as she serves as secretary of the local AARP chapter.

Diana is a proud mother of four and grandmother of four. An avid traveler, she has a special love for Alaska and hopes to return one day to see grizzly bears and whales in their natural habitat. Her voice is strong, her purpose clear: to uplift, empower, and advocate for those whose stories deserve to be heard.

Lynda Hayes

Treasurer

Lynda, a native Californian, joined our club in 2016. Early in her career she tried banking and secretarial jobs, then helped found The Legendary Ambush Country Band, singing lead and playing bass for ten years. She later worked at a manufacturing company in Concord, California, and went back to school for her BSBA while working full-time — going on to roles in Marketing, Real Estate, and Customer Support management, including running the Customer Support department for a medical device manufacturer and working in the City Clerk’s Office in Las Cruces. Knowing the value of education and being passionate about Soroptimist’s role in helping women gain access to meaningful educational programs, she served as club President from 2023–2025 and is now serving as Treasurer for a fourth term. She loves working alongside a wonderful group of women making a difference in others' lives, and enjoys traveling, reading, golfing and theater.

Joan Dormody

Secretary

Joan had a rewarding career as a college instructor and advisor at Dona Ana Community College for 25 years. She loved using her two degrees in nutrition to help students and their families understand the importance of a healthy diet. Being a retired educator, she believes in the Soroptimist mission and vision of helping women and girls reach their full potential and achieve economic empowerment through education. Joan is active in her church, her neighborhood HOA and enjoys cooking, hiking, biking, and traveling with her husband, Tom.

Janet Brydon

Public Awareness Director

Jan loved that her career as a writer and publications editor allowed her to adapt her skills to so many different types of communication - from writing video scripts, magazine articles and speeches to designing publications layouts and editing scientific journal articles. Now retired, she is using her skills to help increase public awareness of the Soroptimist mission and educational programs that empower women and girls. Jan earned a bachelor's degree in English Literature and Journalism from Michigan State University in 1972. When she isn't promoting Soroptimist, Jan also enjoys cooking, knitting, gardening, bicycling, and hiking and camping with her husband, Terry Canup.

Diana Davidson

Archivist

As a retired educator, Diana knows the importance of education. After 27 years in the classroom, she joined SI-Las Cruces in 2016 to help young women finish their educations. “These women have overcome many obstacles to obtain an education and SILC provides them with the extra help they need to achieve their educational goals,” Diana says. “It has been a very rewarding experience to belong to an organization with like-minded women.” Diana also is a board member of the Amador Hotel Foundation and volunteers for the Safe Haven Animal Sanctuary. She enjoys hiking, quilting and traveling. 

Christine Hyde

Delegate

Christine is involved with Soroptimist of Las Cruces to fulfill its mission of economically empowering women and girls in southern New Mexico through education. Christine has a background and skills in the hospitality and information technology sectors. She spends her spare time volunteering, visiting extensive family and friends in the southwest and west coast, traveling, and outdoor activities.