Live Your Dream
Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards
Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women assist women who provide the primary financial support for their families. Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills and employment prospects. Providing access to education is the most effective path to self-determination
Over half of our Live Your Dream Awards recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all of the women and families we serve have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction. Live Your Dream Awards recipients may use the cash award to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare, tuition and transportation.
The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards are a terrific way to make a BIG difference in the lives of women—and their families. Although the awards address an economic need and make a difference in a practical way, we know they also affect women in a personal way. Women who have received the award report an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem, and pride for being recognized for having the courage to change their lives. Watch below!
Every year, Soroptimist distributes more than $2.8 million in education grants to about 1,700 women all over the world.
Our 2023 Live Your Dream Winners!
Diamond Christian- 1st Place
Diamond is a student at Howard Community College and is the primary provider for three children while attending classes. She is pursuing an Associate Degree in Nursing, which she plans to complete in May 2024. She has worked in the healthcare field for over 10 years. Her primary interest is to work in Labor and Delivery. One of her professors writes: “Diamond is a critical thinker and approaches each assignment with organization and precision. In clinical, she is confident in her process, thoughtful in her approach, and flexible to change as demonstrated by the acuity of her assigned patients. Her motivation is palpable.” Diamond’s application has been entered in the Mid-Atlantic Region competition where she could earn up to another $5000 in scholarship funds. The top regional winner then progresses to the national level.
Alisha Small - 2nd Place
Alisha Small has three children—ages 5, 9, and 16—and is a student at Montgomery College, where she is taking courses in business, coaching, and consulting. She has already completed her coaching certification to be a life personal development coach and is taking business, conflict resolution, and management courses to provide more services to her clients. One of her professors writes: “Alisha is a proven go-getter with anything she sets her mind to. She is currently raising three children, attending college, leading her own business, mentoring young girls, and kick-starting a dream to support women and girls who fall through the cracks. At Montgomery College, her leadership and caring attitude are recognized by college leaders. She has been asked to participate on governance councils and lead a delegation for the new president’s inauguration.”