Local women honored for overcoming life obstacles

WALNUT CREEK, CA (July 23, 2024) — Soroptimist International of 24-680 Walnut Creek recently awarded Benedicta (last name withheld by request) and Lesieli Pomale the Live Your Dream award and Carolyn Jackson the Toni Pera Woman of Achievement award.

The Live Your Dream award supports women who are the primary financial providers for their families. Benedicta, a married mother of two, balances full-time work and study while supporting her family. The award will help cover her school expenses at Contra Costa Medical Career College, where she is pursuing a medical assistant and phlebotomy certificate with the goal of becoming a registered nurse.

Pomale, a single mother of three with another child on the way, has faced domestic violence and divorce. She is studying child development at Los Medanos College and plans to start a bachelor’s degree in social work at U Mass Global University in January 2025. Her goal is to become a clinical social worker.

The Toni Pera Woman of Achievement award, named in honor of a founding club member, assists women who have faced economic and social barriers. Jackson, a single mother whose older son was murdered in 2021, is attending Diablo Valley College with plans to transfer to a four-year college for a bachelor’s degree in counseling. The award will help her pay for tutoring for her child and start an emergency savings plan.

Founded in 1921 in Oakland, Soroptimist International is a global volunteer movement dedicated to empowering women and girls through education. The 24-680 Walnut Creek chapter annually funds these grants to help improve lives.

For more information, visit www.soroptimist24-680.org or email siof24.680@gmail.com. Please consider donating to support their programs.