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.

Cecilia – 2024 Live Your Dream Awardee

Cecilia – 2024 Live Your Dream Awardee

Cecilia is a junior at Meredith College and expects to graduate in 2025 with a bachelor’s degree in biology, and then continue on to dental school. She currently works part-time as a pediatric dental assistant, and is the mother of 3 boys, ages 6, 2 and 1.  Cecilia...

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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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News and Events

Celebrate National Puzzle Month in 2026 with Us

Celebrate National Puzzle Month in 2026 with Us

January is National Puzzle Month, and Soroptimist International of Raleigh is celebrating with not one, but two puzzle-filled events that will bring people together, build community, and support programs that empower women and girls through education. The celebration...

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Alexis Shines as an Example

Alexis Shines as an Example

The Live Your Dream Awards program is built on one simple belief: when we support women and girls in pursuing their goals, we strengthen our entire community. Each step forward is not only a personal achievement but also an inspiration for others. We are excited to...

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FY24-25 Impact

FY24-25 Impact

When women join together and help other women, incredible things can happen. Check out our 2024-2025 Impact Report. Download the PDF report.

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