Lodi Soroptimists present Live Your Dream awards
Soroptimist International of Lodi held its awards ceremony on March 30 at the Parkview Terrace Club House. Soroptimist International is a global organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
The Live Your Dream Award provides women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families with the financial resources to offset costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education or additional skills and training. Since the program’s inception in 1972, $30 million has helped tens of thousands of women achieve their dreams of a better life for themselves and their families.
Recipients of the 2017 Live Your Dream Awards of $1,000 each were Christina Gilpin and Veronica Flores.
Dr. Liz Kass presented the award to Christina Gilpin.
Christina is a single parent of one daughter. On her path to becoming a student at Humphreys College, Christina has overcome traumatic circumstances and many life obstacles. She expects to receive her bachelor’s degree in accounting with a minor in criminal justice and then pursue a career as a forensic accountant involved in analyzing and solving financial crimes such as fraud and embezzlement.
Germaine Burke presented the second award to Veronica Flores.
Veronica moved to the United States in 2006 with her 5year-old son, who is now a teenager, after her husband passed away. She completed the ESL program at Stockton Unified School for Adults and also earned her GED. Veronica continued her education at Delta College, earning high honors with her associate degree in accounting. She is currently studying toward a Bachelor of Science in organizational behavior at University of the Pacific in their accelerated evening program while continuing to work 20 hours per week. Veronica is a hardworking, determined student who is able to maintain focus on her goal of completing her education despite many hurdles and challenges.
The Soroptimist Achievement Award of $1,000 was presented to Sarah Armanino by Bev Lacy. This award is presented to a woman who has survived a challenging youth and graduated from the foster care program. Sarah was recommended by Amber Saunders, executive director of the Mary Graham Children’s Foundation. Sarah is currently attending California State University, Sacramento with a goal to become a social work major as well as minor in anthropology and obtain certification to be an American Sign Language interpreter.
Mickey Hothi, senior constituent representative from the office of Rep. Jerry McNerney, presented recognition awards to the award recipients. She also presented recognition awards on the behalf of Assemblyman Jim Cooper, who was unable to attend.
Bev Lacy presented Krista Keaney with a $500 award at the April 13 meeting. This award is given to the previous year’s Live Your Dream Award to provide additional support for educational expenses. Krista is the mother of a teenage daughter and grown son. She was widowed when they were very young. She realized the importance of an education as an adult. She recently earned her GED and is pursuing a degree in biology at Sacramento City College. She was listed on the President’s Honor Roll last spring. She has demonstrated hard work and determination while facing many obstacles.