Soroptomist - Best for Women

I had the pleasure of being the keynote speaker at the Live Your Dreams Awards Ceremony and Celebration held by Soroptimist International of Raleigh, NC, on Wednesday, March 11, 2008.

At the ceremony, three women were honored in three different areas. The awards were as follows:

Making a Difference for Women Award that honors a woman whose professional work is focused on improving the lives of women. The award went to Dr. Lenora Ucko, executive director of StoriesWork.

Violet Richardson Award for a 14-17 year old young woman for volunteerism.

Womens Opportunity Award is for a woman who is the primary wage earner for her family. The award assists with education related expenses.

You can learn more about Soroptimist at www.soroptimist.org. According to the website,
"the name, Soroptimist, means "best for women," and that's what the organization strives to achieve. Soroptimists are women at their best, working to help other women to be their best."

My keynote was titled "Women Ending Violence." My speech honored three important women in my life who represent the soroptimst meaning. First, I honored my friend, Theresa. I met her while I was in graduate school at Kansas State University. Second, I honored my great Aunt Marie. I am named after her and she was the matriarch of my mother's family. Finally, I honored my friend Kate Brodie. She started a non-profit, Exhale, that assists battered women and focuses on public awareness.