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.

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

Holiday Celebration

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...

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Awardee Updates

Awardee Updates

Our 2025 Live Your Dream Award recipients are truly remarkable. Their stories continue to remind us of the transformative power of these awards. As we’ve been catching up with each of them, we’re inspired by the many ways they’re using their awards to build stability,...

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Soroptimists Serve at the Women’s Center

Soroptimists Serve at the Women’s Center

On October 29, eight members of Soroptimist International of Raleigh prepared, delivered, and served a warm home-cooked meal of chili, corn muffins, and cookies to 70 women experiencing homelessness at the Women’s Center of Wake County. Led by Service Committee chair...

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