Our 2025 Live Your Dream Award recipients are truly remarkable. Their stories continue to remind us of the transformative power of these awards. As we’ve been catching up with each of them, we’re inspired by the many ways they’re using their awards to build stability, pursue new opportunities, and move closer to economic independence.
Makeeko
Makeeko, an advocate deeply passionate about supporting children with autism, has been attending Wake Technical Community College. She is scheduled to graduate in December with a degree in Medical Office Administration. She hopes to combine her administrative skills with her commitment to advocacy to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families.
Markita
Markita will graduate from Piedmont Community College in December with an Associate Degree in Licensed Practical Nursing. She will be pinned at Piedmont’s School of Nursing pinning ceremony on December 17, 2025. We are thrilled to celebrate this milestone with Markita and congratulate her on this tremendous accomplishment.
Tanea
Tanea is pursuing her dream of becoming a nurse while working part-time and raising her son. She shares, “I started off the semester very strong… I’m taking Nursing 211, and I’m excited to share that I scored a 93.17 on my very first test this semester. That accomplishment has me feeling proud and even more determined to work hard.” Her determination and resilience beautifully exemplify the mission of Soroptimist International of Raleigh.
Alisha
Alisha has been hard at work this semester progressing towards her teaching degree in Early Childhood Education at Western Governors University. She is on track to complete her degree in late 2026. Alisha also works full-time at a Montessori school in a Kindergarten/Grade 1 classroom. Outside of school and work, she stays busy caring for her two children, who are excelling academically as high school students.