10/29/2026
SOUTHWEST LIONESS LIONS CLUB SSP
LIONESS – LION OF THE MONTH – OCTOBER
CINDY ERICKSON
When I sat down to speak with Cindy Erickson - one of the founders of The Southwest SSP Lionesses - I quickly knew that I was in the presence of great inspiration.
In 1989, Cindy was working for a bank in South St. Paul. She was raising two young children, yet still had a drive to serve her local community. She sought opportunities to give back to her neighbors, and settled on founding a Lions chapter because she was inspired by our consequential motto, "We Serve." I am inspired that given opportunities to join local service organizations, Cindy was one of a handful of women who instead chose to make one for themselves that fit their vision for how they wished to show up in their community. It was no small undertaking.
For more than 30 years, Cindy has been a proud Lioness. She participates in fundraising and partaking in social activities to build relationships and camaraderie with others who share her desire to enrich South St. Paul and surrounding communities. Among her fondest memories was leading Santa's Store, where money was raised through providing cost effective opportunities for children to purchase gifts for their loved ones. She is a passionate advocate for and supporter of Neighbors Inc. She does not believe anyone should go hungry, and it is certainly not going to happen in her town.
In founding our charter, Cindy created a platform for generations of Lionness's to fulfill their own personal visions of how they wish to serve their neighbors. Her legacy will far outlast her membership, and we are so grateful for her efforts and on-going presence in our charter.
By Lion Martha Therres
