Soroptimist Awards Five Women Education Grants at Live Your Dream Luncheon

By Julie Carlson, Soroptimist International of Alhambra, San Gabriel, San Marino

Soroptimist International of Alhambra, San Gabriel, San Marino awarded five outstanding women – who have overcome many obstacles in their life – a Live Your Dream Award on Saturday, March 16.

President Barbara Messina, along with members of the local club, gave each winner an award grant to use in helping them continue their education. The awards luncheon was held at Ramona Convent Secondary School and catered by Charlie’s Trio Italian Restaurant.

Soroptimist’s Big Dream Goal is to help 500,000 women and girls through access to education by 2033. Community dignitaries were present to hand out Certificates of Merit: U.S. Representative, Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park); Alhambra mayor Ross Maza; San Gabriel mayor Dr. Steven Huang, Sister Kathleen Calloway, President of Ramona School, graciously hosted the awards luncheon.

The local club Top Winner is Mercedes Ramirez, a single mother and current student at East Los Angeles College majoring in Forensic Psychology.

Every year, Soroptimist International distributes more than $2.9 million in education grants to about 2,000 women all over the world. Over half of the recipients are survivors of domestic violence, trafficking or sexual assault. Nearly all of them have overcome enormous obstacles including poverty, teen pregnancy, and drug or alcohol addiction. Soroptomist believes that education equals empowerment. When women and girls go to school, they are more likely to reach higher levels of education, are more likely to get higher paying jobs, and likely to help their countries have greater economic growth.

For more information, please visit: www.soroptimistalhambra. org. If you are interested in becoming a member please email: soroptimistofalhambra@ gmail.com.