Soroptimist International of Valley de Oro recognizes women overcoming extraordinary obstacles to build better lives through education
By Henri Migala
Photo: Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award winners. Seated (left to right): Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, Valley de Oro Club Chair; Tenisha Back row (left to right): Sue Bucheman (member); Nancy Waters (member); Kayleen; Susie Hoolihan (Club Treasurer); Metilde; Rasha; Flor; Lorena
April 19, 2026 (Rancho San Diego) — On the evening of Monday, April 13, 2026, a small but mighty corner of East County came together at Hooley’s Rancho San Diego to celebrate something truly meaningful: the courage, determination, and dreams of eight remarkable local women. Soroptimist International of Valley de Oro (SI/VdO) held its annual Live Your Dream Awards presentation, honoring this year’s recipients and shining a light on the transformative power of education.
Guests were invited to arrive by 5:30 p.m., with the program getting underway at 6:00. The evening’s honorees — known only by their first names to protect their privacy — were Flor, Lorena, Rasha, Tenisha, Kayleen, Matilde, Taylor, and Yvonne.
The evening’s featured program, “The Power of Education,” was delivered by Dr. Sade Burrell, Ed.D., Associate Dean of Student Services and Special Programs at Cuyamaca College. Her motivational address set a tone of inspiration and possibility for the assembled guests and honorees alike.
The event was opened with a welcome and Thought for Today by Dr. Peggy Fischer, DVM, who serves as Valley de Oro’s Live Your Dream Chair. Introductions were handled by Sam Buchenau, another dedicated club member.
About the Live Your Dream Awards
The Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards have been empowering women for over 50 years. The program specifically supports women who are the primary financial providers for their families and who are pursuing education or vocational training to improve their employment prospects. Recipients may use the awards for any education-related expenses — tuition, childcare, transportation, books, and more — removing barriers so they can focus on reaching their goals.
The journey begins locally. Awards from clubs like Valley de Oro average around $1,000. First-place local recipients then become eligible for Regional awards ranging from $3,000 to $5,000, and Regional recipients can compete for one of three major international awards of $10,000 each. The stakes — and the potential impact — are enormous.
Since 1972, Soroptimist has distributed over $49 million in education awards to more than 47,000 women worldwide. Last year alone, more than $3.4 million was awarded to over 2,300 recipients. The program’s track record speaks for itself: 97% of recipients completed or continued working toward their education goals, and 88% reported increased self-esteem.
A Club Punching Above Its Weight
Don’t let its size fool you. Soroptimist International of Valley de Oro has only 10 members, but it belongs to a powerful network. Founded in 1980, the club is part of District 3, which encompasses 12 clubs stretching from San Diego to Yuma, Arizona. Beyond that, it falls within the Desert Coast Region — 36 clubs spanning from the Mexican border to Highway 605, and from the Pacific Ocean east to Yuma. For the past five years running, the Desert Coast Region has ranked either first or second nationally in the number of Live Your Dream grants awarded or the total dollars distributed.
Globally, Soroptimist International spans 19 countries and territories across North, Central, and South America and the Pacific Rim, with approximately 25,000 members in 1,200 clubs. The organization was originally founded in 1921 in Oakland, California, at a time when women were barred from joining civic clubs like Rotary.
Who the Award Is For
To be eligible for the Live Your Dream Awards, applicants must be the primary financial provider for themselves and at least one dependent, be enrolled in or accepted to a skills training, vocational, or undergraduate degree program, and demonstrate financial need. Women who hold a graduate degree, are pursuing one, or have previously received a Soroptimist award are not eligible.
Applications are accepted August 1 through November 15 each year. More information is available at www.soroptimist.org, or by emailing lydawards@soroptimist.org.
Get Involved
Those interested in supporting the work of Soroptimist International of Valley de Oro, learning more about the club, or exploring membership are encouraged to reach out to Sam Buchenau at liveyourdreamsam@gmail.com. Valley de Oro is a close-knit group of women committed to making a lasting difference in the lives of their neighbors — one dream at a time.