CLEARLAKE— Eight deserving women were the recent recipients of hugs, accolades and cash awards from Soroptimist International of Clearlake.
The annual “Live Your Dream” awards luncheon took place on February 13 at the Aroma Café at the Woodland Community College campus. In addition to the Live Your Dream awards received by six women, two additional awards- the Violet Richardson Award and the Ruby Award were presented.
“The Live Your Dream Awards are given to women who are the primary wage earners for their families and are pursuing educational and vocational goals to improve their lives,” according to Arlene Grimes, Soroptimist member and committee chair. The awards highlight the club’s mission: the improvement of the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment.
The Mexican-themed luncheon was prepared by Woodland Community College culinary students, under the tutelage of culinary instructor and chef Robert Cabreros. Following lunch, Grimes greeted the attendees and recognized Soroptimist District Director 3 Joy Swank and her sister Jackie DeVries, Soroptimist Region Public Awareness Chair, both of whom traveled from the Bay Area to attend the event. The non-profit organization is part of a worldwide network with 95,000 members. The local club, chartered in 1964 uses their collective power to provide women and girls with resources and opportunities to help them reach their full potential.
“I’m so proud of the award winners,” Grimes noted, adding that the club’s president, Fourth District Supervisor Tina Scott deserved credit for promoting the Live Your Dream program and encouraging women to apply for the awards. The cash awards are given to women who provide the primary source of financial support to their families while pursuing vocational or higher education goals.
“I am always amazed at how our candidates have managed to pull themselves away from poverty’s grip, escape domestic violence, or worse,” said Scott. “One of the largest challenges for these women is thinking a college degree is something they can’t obtain. Poverty plays a big role. Self-doubt plays a role. Our Live Your Dream Program offers financial and moral support, providing that all-important boost women need to achieve their goals.”
Scott noted she is passionate about helping women succeed in Lake County. “This year we had six qualified applications. Normally we grant three awards, but after reading the applications, I felt each of these women deserved to be recognized. Because our club received funding from 100-Plus Women Strong, we had more money to give, so all six applicants were able to receive awards. This is a great example of community collaboration,” Scott continued.
Katrina “Nina” Bernal was this year’s first place winner. She received a $2,000 award.
“Nina is a teen mother who overcame the odds and is studying to be electrical engineer,” noted Scott.
“It’s hard to be a teen mom,” Bernal told the audience. “I became a mom at 14. Since that time, I’ve been throwing myself into my schooling. I’m showing my daughter that no matter what happens, you can overcome. She gives me the strength I need to help me move forward.”
“When I took on this project and I handed over the applications to one of the judges, she said, ‘I don’t know if I can do this again. It’s very emotional- hearing the stories of these women.’ I understand. I was mother at 19, and that was hard,” says Scott.
Latoya Fortino, the second-place finisher received an award of $1,000.
“Latoya is a graduate of the foster system and the mother of a three-year-old. Because she is teaching, Latoya wasn’t able to be with us today,” Scott noted. “She told us she never dreamed she would have the opportunity to go to college,” Scott continued, noting that just 2% of foster kids graduate from college, while 25% of foster children end up in the juvenile justice system. “Based on those statistics, Latoya should have been a high school dropout on government assistance, but today, she’s pursuing her Masters in teaching.”
“I’m really thankful to have this award. It’s so hard to do everything completely on your own,” noted Anna Barnard, who received an $800 award. Barnard is also a teen mom who suffered from depression and anxiety. “Anna received her diploma at continuation school. Now she’s here at Woodland, pursuing a degree in nursing,” says Scott, adding that Barnard’s teacher notes she is creating a better future for herself and her son.
The final three award-winners each received $500.
Fourth place award-winner Brenda Avila is a single mom of two who is pursuing a career in nursing at Woodland. Avila was able to escape an unhealthy relationship, and her instructors see her as an excellent role model. “I’m very thankful for the opportunity to receive this award. My children are my inspiration, and I want to set a good example for them to follow,” Avila said.
Fifth Place award-winner Amber Bishop is a domestic violence survivor. But rather than letting those wounds define her, she became a healing arts student who hopes to open her own practice at Harbin Hot Springs.
The final award-winner, Jennifer VanderZwan is a single mother of four. She is currently an LVN student at the Ukiah Adult School. “Just because a single parent on welfare raises you, that doesn’t have to define you. We don’t have to be stamped out like a bottle top- just to be like everyone else.”
Following the presentation of the Live Your Dream awards, the Violet Richardson Award was presented. This award is given to young women between the ages of 14 and 18 to honor exemplary community volunteer work. Kelseyville High student Danielle Stevens was this year’s recipient. She received $500 for her work with Relay for Life.
“I’ve been doing ‘Relay’ for five years,” Stevens explained. “I started because my grandma had lung cancer. I remember her trying to breathe,” Stevens continues, holding back tears. “I didn’t want anyone else to go through that. When grandma passed away, it was really hard. Today I work on the Relay so that someday, no one will have to feel that pain.”
After tears were dried, the Ruby Award was presented by Fawn Williams to Crystal Martin, the founder of 100-Plus Women Strong in Lake County, as well as the administrator of the county’s Victim Witness Program. The Ruby Award honors women who have made a significant contribution to their community. The ruby was chosen to exemplify this individual, because of the gemstone’s association with wisdom, power and love.
“We knew Crystal was the woman for this award,” explained Williams, noting that a $250 donation will be given to a charity of Martin’s choice. “Crystal couldn’t be here because she’s on a much-needed vacation with her husband, the Sheriff,” laughed Williams, noting that Martin’s award will be presented in person at the upcoming Soroptimist Social, which takes place at the A&H General Store in Kelseyville on Thursday.
“Two days ago, I got a call from Congressman Garamendi’s office. All of this year’s winners will be receiving certificates from his office,” noted Scott. In addition, Fawn Williams was acknowledged as this year’s Soroptimist Fellow, for her tireless efforts to support the organization and the community.
“The more we work with our communities, the more we achieve. It’s exciting to give these awards. These young people are showing us how we should be living our lives,” Scott concluded.
For more information on upcoming Soroptimist events visit their Facebook page or phone (707) 350-9869.
