Soroptimist “Live Your Dream” Awards Winners

Soroptimist International of Capitola-By-The-Sea has selected three Santa Cruz women, all students at Cabrillo College, as recipients of the “Live Your Dream” awards given to those who are enrolled in or have been accepted into a BA or technical training program and are the primary financial support of their families.

Each winner will be presented with a check for $2,000 at an awards ceremony on March 28. The cash awards may be used to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education and live their dreams, including books, childcare and transportation.

Harli Law, 24, the mother of a two-year-old, is focusing on a career as an Adaptive Recreational Therapist, which will enable her to work with patients who suffer from either a mental or physical disability, and expects to earn a Master’s degree in the field.

Melissa La Hommedieu, 33, the mother of two, is working toward her goal of earning a degree in psychology. She plans to attend UCSC and eventually get a Masters degree in Social Work to counsel underprivileged youth in the foster care system.

Neide Cabrales, 27, is a single mother of a two-year-old daughter, works part-time and attends Cabrillo College full-time where she is working toward a degree in nursing.

“All three of the women have overcome a variety of hardships and challenges in order to change their lives,” said Paige Rexrode, Live Your Dream program chair. “Each is remarkable in her own way and will be prosperous and successful contributors to themselves, their families and their communities.”

Soroptimist, a coined Latin phrase meaning Best for Women, is a global volunteer organization working to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Membership in the Capitola club is open to all in Santa Cruz County.

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For more information, or to become a member email us at info@best4women, visit us on Facebook, or call (831) 477-7636.