2026 Live Your Dream Awards
Meet this years recipients
Soroptimist Raleigh: Empowering Girls & Women
Soroptimist Raleigh is a local club of Soroptimist International. Soroptimist is a global volunteer organization that provides women and girls with access to the education and training they need to achieve economic empowerment. The name, Soroptimist, means “best for women,” and that’s what the organization strives to achieve. Soroptimists are women at their best, working to help other women to be their best. Our Dream programs are at the heart of what we do.
Our Programs
Live Your Dream
This award aids women who are the primary wage earners for their families and are seeking to improve their economic status by gaining additional skills, training and education.
Live Your Dream Plus
In our “Live Your Dream Plus” program we follow up with our awardees for up to three years, mentoring them to afford ongoing support both non-financial as well as financial.
Dream It Be It
Dream It Be It targets girls in secondary school who face obstacles to their future success. It provides girls with access to professional role models, career education and the resources to live their dreams.
Real Stories
These are the real stories of recipients of the Live Your Dream Awards. We hope they will encourage you to take the steps to achieve your dreams, big or small.
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....
News and Events
Puzzle Swap 2026
On January 10, Soroptimist International of Raleigh, in partnership with Raleigh Brewing Company, hosted a lively and successful Puzzle Swap that welcomed more than 100 puzzle enthusiasts for an afternoon of fun and connection. Attendees swapped puzzles, learned more...
PuzzleMania VIII – Jan. 31
Join us at our 8th PuzzleMania, where teams of four race against the clock — and each other — by assembling an identical 500-piece puzzle. All while raising funds to support local women and girls! -- Prizes for the fastest teams-- Door Prizes-- A 50/50 raffle-- Silent...
Holiday Celebration
Pictured above L-R: members Sarita and Carloyn, new members Kathleen Hurley and Linda Bonini, member Joanne. Our annual Holiday Brunch was attended by over 30 members, awardees, and friends for a festive morning of celebration, connection, and gratitude. This year’s...