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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.

Giordanna – 2024 Live Your Dream Awardee

Giordanna – 2024 Live Your Dream Awardee

Giordanna is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in hospitality at North Carolina Central University. She works full-time and has one son.  In 2021, Giordanna  experienced a series of challenges that led to deep depression and weight loss. First, she was involved...

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Shannon – 2024 Live Your Dream Awardee

Shannon – 2024 Live Your Dream Awardee

Shannon is enrolled at Wake Technical Community college majoring in Psychology, with an expected graduation in June 2024.    A Raleigh native, Shannon is the youngest of eight children and the first member of her family to attend college. As a single mother of three...

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Tamara – 2024 Live Your Dream Awardee

Tamara – 2024 Live Your Dream Awardee

Tamara is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at North Carolina Central University, which she expects to receive in December of 2024. This is an important step in her journey to become a midwife. She is the mother of a 2 year old daughter.   Tamara...

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News and Events

Talking Careers at Mount Vernon

Talking Careers at Mount Vernon

Earlier this month, Soroptimist members and colleagues gathered at Mount Vernon Middle School for our 2nd Annual Career Fair. This year's event included 13 volunteers and 26 students (mostly 8th graders). The volunteers represented a wide range of careers including...

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Graduation News

Graduation News

We're so pleased to share graduation news from two of our Live Your Dream Award recipients! 2025 LYDA recipient Orrie graduated on May 10 from the Dental Assisting program at Wake Technical Community College. Upon graduation, Orrie completed the required examinations...

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2025 Live Your Dream Awards

2025 Live Your Dream Awards

Soroptimist International of Raleigh (SIR) members, supporters and friends gathered on Saturday, March 22 for an awards luncheon to celebrate the 2025 recipients of the Soroptimist Live Your Dream: Education & Training Awards for Women®. This year, a total of 10...

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