2027 Live Your Dream Awards

Applications now being accepted! 

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.

Rose – 2026 Live Your Dream Awardee

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...

read more
Brenda – 2025 Live Your Dream Awardee

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...

read more
Makeeko – 2025 Live Your Dream Awardee

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...

read more

News and Events

2026 Live Your Dream Awards

2026 Live Your Dream Awards

On April 11, 2026, Soroptimist International of Raleigh hosted its annual Live Your Dream Awards Luncheon at Bloomsbury Bistro, marking 20 years of honoring women through this impactful program. Led by Mary Woodard, Terri Craig, and Carolyn Skowron, the luncheon...

read more
Soroptimists Serve in March

Soroptimists Serve in March

Soroptimist International of Raleigh is proud to partner with organizations making a meaningful difference for women and girls in our community. In collaboration with the Duke University Baldwin Scholars, Progress Period, the Duke Women's Center, and WISER clubs, we...

read more
2026 EmpowerHer Awards

2026 EmpowerHer Awards

At Soroptimist International of Raleigh, our mission has been rooted in empowering women and helping them achieve their full potential through education. This March, we are proud to continue that mission by awarding a total of $5,000 to 13 deserving recipients through...

read more