Palm Desert Soroptimists honor five women with Live Your Dream Awards

When you mention Soroptimists, the usual response is: "They are good people." And yes, they are.

Soroptimists work to transform the lives and of women and girls through education, empowerment and opportunity.

At the Desert Willow Golf Resort in Palm Desert on March 8, a group of men and women gathered to applaud the recipients of Soroptimist International of Palm Desert (SIPD)'s Live Your Dream Awards, which were presented to five remarkable ladies, who, as heads of households, manage to hold jobs while also studying to better their lives and the lives of their families.

Providing women and girls with access to education is the most effective way to help them reach their full potential and live their dreams. When women and girls are educated, they have the opportunity, the choice and the power to make good decisions for themselves and their family.

These programs are not just delivered locally but by Soroptimists around the world.

Taking place each spring, the Soroptimist International of Palm Desert's Live Your Dream Awards grant thousands of dollars each year to qualified applicants. The scholarships are funded in part by Gem Benefactors, many of whom donate money in the memory of loved ones or are simply moved by the Soroptimists' mission.

One of this year's honorees overcame a series of obstacles and is finishing her nursing degree. She is currently an intern at Eisenhower Health. Another is continuing her education so she can better support her family. These women were truly inspiring, and their stories were heartwarming.

This year's SIPD Live Your Dream Award recipients were Alyssa Perez, Summer Mullen, Anielca Juarez Molina, Sophia Garcia and Jessica Mendoza. All were in attendance at the event except Perez.

The evening began with opening remarks from Rose Mary Jameson, SIPD president, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance from Palm Desert city representative Veronica Chavez. Margaret Henderson next honored Doris Ellis, an original charter member, and Susan Rosenberg said a few words about SIPD's first 60 years.

Representing International Women's Day was Esther Sjostrom from Sweden, a Soroptimist since 1989, who spoke about the similarities and differences between both of our countries in the Soroptimist world. Representing Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz's office was Shayra Hernandez, who presented the scholarship awards with Cathy Brown.

Palm Desert city council member Jan Harnik, a pioneer in helping young women, was on hand to lend her support and speak her famous quote: "If you want to change the world, educate a woman." Her words rang true to so many.

So, let's do it — let's continue to educate women and watch the world change.

Special thanks went to judges Maricela Hernandez, Alison Airhart and Avisinia Rodriguez and Gem Benfactors Doris Miller Churry, Bonnie Miller Thomason and Dr. Christine Duranceau.

For more information on Soroptimist International of Palm Desert or to donate, volunteer or nominate someone for a 2025 grant, visit soroptimistpalmdesert.org.

Carole Stephen-Smith began writing in Scotland for a woman's weekly at the age of 15 and then covered American celebrities for the London Evening Echo. Arriving in the desert, she wrote for Desert Woman in the 1990s. Carole focuses on charities that help women as well as medical causes, especially breast cancer awareness, and all aspects of child abuse.

This article originally appeared on Palm Springs Desert Sun: Palm Desert Soroptimists honor five women with Live Your Dream Awards