Real Stories Archives - Soroptimist Raleigh NC

Ashyna – 2026 Live Your Dream Awardee

Traci Haas Thompson — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 21:04:09 +0000

Ashyna is a devoted mother to her 10-year-old daughter and has turned serious health challenges into a renewed sense of purpose. After experiencing a life-threatening illness that required hospitalization and life-saving medication, Ashyna moved in with her mother and stepfather and arranged for her daughter to temporarily live with her father so she could stabilize […]

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Alexis – 2026 Live Your Dream Awardee

Traci Haas Thompson — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 20:44:12 +0000

Alexis is a certified nursing assistant with nearly two decades of healthcare experience and many years as a devoted mother and grandmother. She plans to begin the LPN program at Alamance Community College in Spring 2026 and complete it by December 2026. After earning her LPN, Alexis intends to earn an associate degree in nursing […]

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Jennifer G. – 2026 Live Your Dream Awardee

Traci Haas Thompson — Sat, 11 Apr 2026 10:58:48 +0000

Jennifer is currently completing prerequisite courses for admission to the nursing program at Alamance Community College. She is raising two sons, and works 40 hours a week as a school health technician and Spanish interpreter. She has wanted to become a nurse since she was 19 years old. Her journey has been marked by perseverance […]

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Jennifer C. – 2026 Live Your Dream Awardee

Traci Haas Thompson — Fri, 10 Apr 2026 10:48:00 +0000

Jennifer is a determined mother of four whose journey reflects extraordinary perseverance. Raised in an environment marked by parental addiction and limited support, she was discouraged from pursuing higher education. Despite these barriers, she remained committed to building a better life for herself and her children. After leaving a long-term relationship, Jennifer began supporting her […]

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Frances F. – 2026 Live Your Dream Awardee

Traci Haas Thompson — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 10:42:29 +0000

Frances is a dedicated mother of three who is determined to complete her accounting degree, pass the CPA exam, and eventually start her own home-based CPA business. She is currently attending Strayer University, working toward her bachelor’s degree in accounting, with an expected graduation in May 2027. Limited financial aid and years of balancing school […]

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Zion D. – Live Your Dream Awardee

Traci Haas Thompson — Wed, 08 Apr 2026 10:54:04 +0000

Zion is a first-generation college student who is the primary provider of her household of 4 including her husband, their 1-month-old son, her 11-year-old brother, and herself. She recently returned to work as a customer service representative for an HVAC company. This will enable her to move her family out of her parents’ home. Zion […]

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Kahlecia C. – 2026 Live Your Dream Awardee

Traci Haas Thompson — Tue, 07 Apr 2026 10:56:18 +0000

Kahlecia is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration with plans to eventually earn a master’s degree in the same field. She currently works in the healthcare field and serves as co-chair of her clinic’s patient experience committee where she applies her academic knowledge to improve patient care and strengthen patient and staff relationships. Kahlecia […]

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Mayra V. – 2026 Live Your Dream Awardee

Traci Haas Thompson — Mon, 06 Apr 2026 10:47:52 +0000

Mayra is a proud Latina mother of three whose spiritual faith and dedication to emotional healing have shaped her personal and academic journey. Guided by the belief that “her will to succeed is stronger than her will to quit,” she has transformed adversity into a clear purpose: expanding access to mental health support for underserved […]

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Lenisha W. – 2026 Live Your Dream Awardee

Traci Haas Thompson — Sun, 05 Apr 2026 20:24:35 +0000

Lenisha is a determined health care management student whose journey reflects strength, purpose and resilience. Inspired by her retired military father and her mother’s work in health care, she grew up with a strong belief in education, service, and perseverance. After experiencing the tragic loss of her parents and brother, and facing financial challenges, Lenisha […]

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Rose – 2026 Live Your Dream Awardee

Traci Haas Thompson — Sat, 04 Apr 2026 10:40:28 +0000

Rose is a dedicated mother of a young daughter and a first-generation college student pursuing a bachelor’s degree in political science at North Carolina Central University (NCCU). She expects to graduate in December 2026 and is preparing for the LSAT with the goal of entering law school. Balancing full-time coursework, part-time work, and parenting has […]

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