Bailey McManus
$6,500 Live Your Dream Awards recipient — Hood River, OR
When I received the Live Your Dream Awards, I was a single mother working to support my son and fulfill my dreams. I had my son at age 19 and had barely gotten my life together when I took on a great deal of responsibility. The financial help from Soroptimist was immeasurably helpful. It took off a great financial burden that had been clouding my mind and distracting me from my full potential.
Being recognized for how hard I worked to fulfill my purpose as a human being and as a mother was one of the best experiences of my life. When I was chosen as the top recipient for the regional Live Your Dream Awards and given the opportunity to speak in front of a group of hundreds of women, my life was forever changed. The standing ovation I received was the proudest moment of my life. I cannot thank you enough.
I now have a wife, our one biological son, and three foster children who we’re hoping to adopt in the next year. I am currently conducting research and writing a self-development book for high school age children. I absolutely love my life and am so proud of the person I’ve become!
Darling Zamora
$4,000 Live Your Dream Awards recipient — Richmond, CA
The Live Your Dream Awards had a tremendous impact on my life. The award allowed me to focus on my studies, rather than work. As a non-traditional student, support from this organization makes the college dream accessible to people such as myself, who perhaps in different circumstances could not move forward towards a baccalaureate degree. Now, I am able to be a role model to my children and community members that education is possible despite the socioeconomic inequalities present in our society.
Skye Alexander
$1,000 Live Your Dream Awards recipient — Sunrise, FL
The Live Your Dream Awards helped me during a very challenging time in my life. After a terrible divorce and needing to support two small kids, I was finally able to get my self-confidence up enough to decide to go back to school to pursue MY dreams. My dream was of becoming a nurse so that I could not only support my family but also support so many other families going through challenging times.
Sandra Franco
$1,000 Live Your Dream Awards recipient — Tulsa, OK
Having the support from Soroptimist had an positive impact in my life. I learned that no matter how hard it gets, there is always someone who is willing to help you and believes that you can make the difference out there. I was able to find my inner strength to rely on myself and be independent, to thrive and make my dreams come true. It is a tough journey but remember that nothing matters more than believing in yourself!
I am now a single mom. After a year I was able to buy a house of my own for my daughter to be able to grow up in a safer place. I am again on the Dean’s List of my University and soon to graduate with my BS in Health Care Administration.
I feel extremely blessed that I was able to receive this award. I keep the Soroptimist group very close to my heart and I hope my story can help others to know that we are not alone and there is always a way. A way in the middle of the confusion, pain and tears. Get stronger, get ready because your life can always change for the better!
Maisa Moumen
$1,000 Live Your Dream Awards recipient — Staten Island, NY
The benefits of receiving scholarships from CSI and Live Your Dream have helped lightened my financial burden and helped me prepare for the CPA exam. The award has allowed me to spend more time focusing on my academic goals and my children, and become more involved with the Brain Tumor Society. I am blessed to have such a great organization supporting me in my academic pathway.
Keri Randolph-Berns
$1,000 Live Your Dream Awards recipient — Chalmette, LA
The Live Your Dream Awards ameliorated myself and my children in so many ways. For my children, seeing their mom receive a prestigious and global award encouraged them all to apply for scholarships and share their dreams with others. It also made them so very proud of their Mom, who by the way graduated Summa Cum Laude of her class!
For myself, the Live Your Dream Awards allowed me to continue my journey of attaining my Master’s Degree in Health Administration. This will catapult me closer to fulfilling my dream of assisting and aiding the community, specifically in the behavioral health demographic. I am very humbled to have received this wonderful award and I encourage all women to live their dream and let only perseverance and determination be their guide.
About the Live Your Dream AwardsEach year, the Live Your Dream Awards provide over $2.1 million in education grants to nearly 1,500 women. Since 1972, the program has helped tens of thousands of women achieve social and economic empowerment through education. <strong>HOW TO APPLY</strong> <strong>HOW TO HELP</strong> |