Ivana was selected by volunteer judges to receive a First Level $1,000 and Second Level $5,000 Live Your Dream Award to help her reach her education goals. She is one of hundreds of remarkable women worldwide who receive a money award each year through this renowned Soroptimist program. Ivana has agreed to let us share her extraordinary story.
When her marriage to her high school sweetheart ended in divorce, Ivana was left with two little girls looking to her to provide for their every need. Though young parenthood, military life, and her husband’s affair proved challenging, Ivana was always determined to finish her education.
At a young age, Ivana was in the child welfare system. This personal experience has now given her a passion to help other struggling families grow and conquer, leading her to pursue a Bachelor’s in Human Services. Now, just months away from finishing her degree, the Live Your Dream Awards came at the perfect time…
“No matter what, I want to give my daughters everything I didn’t have. I want them to have the opportunity to try something new and decide if they like it or not, instead of never trying something because of a lack of access to it. I was held back from pursuing things I was interested in and had to conquer a mindset that said, ‘Maybe this isn’t for you, so stop before you even try.’ I never want my children to suffer from the torment of those lies.
That’s why I say that I want my ceiling to be their floor. I want them to go above and beyond me and start the race with the advantage of a limitless mindset and not have to fight through what I had to.
“The same goes for the children, women and families that I desire to impact because I want them to know their past doesn’t define them. We are not meant to be victims of our past, but it should propel us to want more for our future! You cannot become who are you meant to be if you’re attached to who you’ve been.
“In keeping my future in focus, I plan to align myself by obtaining the education I need to succeed. The Live Your Dream Award has been a tremendous blessing for me in helping me to conquer my dreams and it gave me this boost of confidence to keep pressing forward.”
I am extremely honoured to have the mindset to seek such an opportunity. What’s honoring about this is the stories from courageous women who want better for not only themselves, but their families. I came to this site intuitively knowing that I would be blessed and reassured that I am not the only one. Having that knowledge propels me to neglect the self sabotage, and stay focused on my ascension . I appreciate the “pebble in the shoe”, so that I may act to do better.
In Bliss,
Jasmine
Dear Ivana,
What a Shero YOU are to all of us. You are a role model for women everywhere and I feel so fortunate to be a member of a group who can lend a hand to help you and women like you be the people you are meant to be in all of your magnificent glory! Go forth in the world and shine!
you are a hero. This is my aim too. i want to give my kids the best against all ods
Would love to qualify for this !!
I will love for someone to help me reach my dreams and goals for my life. How do I qualify for this program?
My story is similar to yours. And I almost gave up. I’m 35 and I’ll be 36 in two months with a 17 year old son who I raised alone. I came across the country with him ten years ago in big hopes. And hearing your story made me realize. Dreams still come true. Thanks for inspiring me.
I want to be the best role model for my son. Money has been the hardest to help achieve a goal
I’m a single mother of two and I would love to be a great shero like u one day and show my kids that mommy can do anything
Wow. This is exactly what my situation is right now. My son and I would be very blessed!