Real Stories
Live Your Dream Award Recipients
The Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education & Training Awards for Women program is our signature service project. The awards are designed to give women heads of households, who are the primary source of financial support for their families, the opportunity to achieve their career goals. Below you can read the REAL STORIES from Live Your Dream Award Recipients.
Kahlecia C. – 2026 Live Your Dream Awardee
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...
Mayra V. – 2026 Live Your Dream Awardee
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...
Lenisha W. – 2026 Live Your Dream Awardee
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....
Rose – 2026 Live Your Dream Awardee
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...
Brenda – 2025 Live Your Dream Awardee
Brenda is currently in the pre-nursing program at Wake Technical Community College, with a goal of completing in 2027. She works multiple jobs to be able to attend school during the day, and is the mother of three children - two teenagers and one toddler. Brenda has...
Makeeko – 2025 Live Your Dream Awardee
Makeeko is pursuing an associate degree in medical office administration, and currently works full-time in a local hospital in patient records. She has three children, two of whom are on the autism spectrum. Educating herself on special needs and advocating for her...