Soroptimist International is a global women’s organization working together to transform the lives of women and girls. We work at the local, national and international levels to improve their lives through education leading to social and economic empowerment.
Celebrating Success “Live Your Dream Scholarships”
The Live Your Dream scholarship was established in 1972 and is available to women who are head of household and demonstrate financial need and are motivated to achieve their education and career goals.
Lydia, our LYD Award winner from west Phoenix, was awarded $2,000. Lydia is currently enrolled and will graduate this year from the Music Therapy program from ASU. Lydia works full time to support her 4 children, all of whom are honor students, and has been a full time student herself finishing her degree. Congratulations Lydia for all your hard work and dedication to improving your life and the lives of your children.
This year we had three runner ups to our LYD Award. Tara, Melissa and Elizabeth. Tara was awarded $1,000. Tara is currently attending mechanics school and hopes to start her own business repairing cars for women like herself. Assisting other women who need low cost repairs to their vehicles so they can afford to stay in school and continue their education. Melissa is the proud mother of 7 children and is currently in school to obtain her teaching degree. She has held many positions over the years while raising her children as a teacher’s aide. Elizabeth is currently deployed in the service of our country. She will be returning in May 2018 to continue her education. Melissa earned an associate’s degree in criminal justice in 2016 and is now working on a degree in Clinical Psychology/Counseling. Melissa intends to go into law enforcement.
“Young Women’s Service Award”
This award recognizes young women who make their community and world a better place through their volunteer efforts. This program honors girls between the ages of 14 and 17 who contribute their time and energy to volunteer projects in their schools and community. Each girl was awarded $400 along with $100 to their charity. Our award recipients this year are Makenna Flynn volunteering for Arizona Immigrant & Refugee Services, Alyssa Marie Canales volunteering for Veterans Heritage Project, Kaycee Krell who volunteers for Gigi’s Playhouse and Sarah Weiss who volunteers for the Mayo Clinic Smile Program.
“Ruby Award”
The Soroptimist Ruby Award honors women who have worked to improve the lives of women and girls through their profession and/or volunteer work. This year’s Ruby Award winner is Pam DiPietro, Executive Director of Foothills Food Bank. Pam and her husband Pete have lived in Arizona for 20 years raising their 5 children. Pam started her career with Foothills Food Bank in 2002 spearheading an expansion of the program which today includes services to Black Canyon City to the North, I-17 to the West, Pinnacle Peak to the South and extending all the way to Rio Verde to the East. Pam successfully manages the annual budget of $500,000 from donations given by local businesses, non-profit organizations and local residents of Cave Creek, Carefree and surrounding areas. Foothills Food Bank is also supported by many local stores with food donations. Soroptimist would like to “Thank” Pam for all her years of dedication and leadership to these communities.
Soroptimist’s Upcoming Event – “BRANDED” Saturday, April 21, 2018, 1:00 – 2:30 p.m. at Outlets at Anthem
Soroptimist International of Saguaro Foothills cordially invites you to join us, April 21st at 1:00pm at Outlets at Anthem for an exclusive shopping experience called “Branded.” The fashion event is hosted by Sonoran Living Host, Terri Ouellette and will include chocolate and champagne tastings. The cost of the event is $5 + processing fee $2.33 = $7.33 per person and tickets are available online at BrandedFashion.eventbrite.com. The MadaLuxe Vault pop-up shop is known for its close partnerships with Europe’s most iconic design houses including Gucci, Saint Laurent, Versace, Fendi, Alexander McQueen and many more. The online boutique shopping destination unlocks luxury lifestyle at discount pricing. Please come join us for a fun-filled shopping experience.
