Ginger Smith, MSW
Founder & CEO
With thirty years of experience in the social services, divided between program development, fundraising, and direct practice, Ginger has the experience, drive, and successful track record to grow SOAR Together to become a leading collaborator in the movement to end epidemic levels of loneliness in Fairfield County. From her early career as an urban community organizer to Directing the 9/11 Relief Program for The Children’s Aid Society in NYC to decades of fundraising for cancer patients, Ginger has committed her career to building sustainable programs and changing life outcomes.
An honors graduate of Dartmouth College and All-American athlete in two sports, Ginger received a Master of Social Work degree from Boston University. After many years of triathlon/ultramarathon racing, Ginger posted a final win at the Lake Placid Marathon in June 2022 after a breast cancer diagnosis, hanging up her racing shoes and turning all energies to social connection. Ginger’s resilience to overcome is a trademark and fierce advocacy alongside and on behalf of those facing life challenges comes from an unbridled place of deep faith.
In her words: "I have experienced highs and lows like so many others and implicitly know loneliness and social isolation. What I also know is that to heal a wound of any size we must have the faith and courage to persevere and keep putting one foot in front of the other. We can tackle this epidemic if we approach it one gesture of kindness, one smile, one connection at a time."
Judith Panthauer, LCSW
Operations Director
Judith Panthauer brings decades of expertise in both social services and floral design to SOAR Together, joining the team in early 2024 to help oversee our growing programs across Fairfield County.
Judith was an undergraduate major in psychology and sociology, and from there she earned a Master of Social Work degree from Columbia University. As a clinical social worker, she had a long and meaningful career working with individuals and families in a variety of settings, from mental health centers to schools, and ultimately, into years of private practice.
Always a flower enthusiast who surrounds herself with flowers, Judith began taking classes in floral design from experts in the field which led to recent work in the floral industry in Fairfield County. SOAR’s mission to help end loneliness fits perfectly with Judith’s passionate belief in the joy that flowers bring to people and the ways in which creating and gifting bouquets help bring people closer to one another.
In her words: This is a dream come true to be part of a program that weaves together my love of flowers and my desire to enrich people’s lives.
Diana Herrara
SOAR Together Norwalk Director
Diana Herrera joined SOAR in search of finding connection within her community. With perfectly aligned experience as a florist and small business owner, Diana jumped on the opportunity to support the Flower Power program in Norwalk. Diana has adopted increasing responsibility over time, including the Stroll & Stems program, leading to the natural progression of launching SOAR's first local Chapter, "SOAR Together Norwalk."
Diana’s love of flowers and community engagement stems from her natural sciences and sociology studies at Cornell University. After graduating, she continued her biochemistry and infectious disease research as a lab technician at Boston Children’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School. After leaving 8 years of academic research, Diana’s curiosity led her to pursue Mortgage Banking at Rocket Mortgage.
Today, Diana focuses her full attention on using her business, Diana Margarette Bouquets, as a vehicle to bring more smiles through flowers to Norwalk. After being in business since March 2024, Diana revels in the opportunity to increase her contributions to SOAR by leading the launch of SOAR Together Norwalk as she grows her own business with the same values.
In her words: I am overjoyed to have finally found an organization that aligns with how I want to be contributing to my community. I hope to keep spreading the joy in Norwalk and surrounding areas however I can, and SOAR has given me a perfect opportunity to do so.
Prerna Reddy
Flower Power Program Manager
Prerna first joined SOAR as a student consultant while pursuing her MBA at Sacred Heart University, and instantly felt at home in the mission of bringing people together through kindness, creativity, and community. After spending a semester supporting Flower Power and Social Seats programs, she stepped into the role of Program Manager, excited to help nurture intergenerational connections and lead with purpose.
Prerna's background in marketing, leadership, and nonprofit strategy allows her to keep programs running smoothly while staying focused on what matters most—people. Whether she's coordinating volunteers, planning events, or rescuing flowers, she brings empathy, organization, and enthusiasm to everything she does. Prerna consistently contributes her best to the community while doing what she loves.
In her words: Joining SOAR felt like a natural step. It combines everything I love—connecting with people, making a positive impact, and learning how to build meaningful programs from the ground up. I’m so grateful to be part of something that uplifts others every single day.
Sophie Ferrante
Flower Power Program Manager
Sophie Ferrante is a senior at Fairfield Ludlowe High School and passionate volunteer and staff member at Wakeman Boys and Girls Club. Sophie fell in love with being a “Spark” through a Flower Power program she was involved in, becoming a part of SOAR to develop her leadership and service skills as one of the first Young Leaders. Sophie is joining the SOAR team as a Program Manager to make an even greater impact through leading Flower Power events.
Sophie’s values of empathy and inclusion shine through in the many leadership roles she takes on at her school, at work, and when she volunteers. Her initiative and dedication to uplifting others are reflected in her ability to take the reins and lead SOAR programming. She is spearheading the launch of the Let’s Chat program at Ludlowe, which will support a stronger and more uplifting student community. Sophie will continue to spread love and give back to her community in meaningful ways through her work with SOAR.
In her words: I feel a true sense of belonging and fulfillment as a result of the work I do for SOAR. I am deeply passionate about spreading love and joy in my community, and I’m extremely grateful for SOAR and all the opportunities to uplift others it provides.
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