Soroptimist International of Las Cruces

Soroptimist International 2026 Live Your Dream Awardees:

Heroes Who Transform Struggles Into Strength

Las Cruces, New Mexico (February 28, 2026) — Soroptimist International of Las Cruces celebrated nine remarkable women whose quiet heroism extends far beyond their own educational achievements. Honored before a gathering of proud family members, generous supporters, and Soroptimist members, these women from New Mexico and West Texas have demonstrated extraordinary resilience in pursuit of their dreams—not for themselves alone, but as role models for their children and catalysts for change in their communities.

While their educational accomplishments are noteworthy, their true triumph lies in persevering through daunting obstacles to reach their goals. These awardees have refused to let circumstances define their futures. In doing so, they model for their children—and their communities—that determination and courage can overcome even the most formidable challenges. Beyond personal success, each woman is committed to using her newly acquired skills to lift others, to mentor, and to strengthen the communities she serves.

2026 Live Your Dream Career and Training Award Recipients are
Jessica Montalvo, Corina Portillo, and Nicola Roath of Las Cruces; Violeta Perez-Pinon of Albuquerque; Shauna Whitman of Thoreau; Andrea Ontiveros of Portales; and Inez Berrios and Rosa Chavez of El Paso. Tatiana Hall of Las Cruces received the Maggie Campbell Reynolds STRIVE Award.

About the Awards

Live Your Dream Awards provide financial resources and laptops to help women heads of households complete their educations. Funds support tuition, books, childcare, transportation, and other education-related expenses that traditional scholarships often overlook. Awardees retain the discretion to direct support where it's needed most.

This year's recipients have navigated profound challenges—including teen parenthood, family dysfunction, substance abuse, poverty, incarceration, partner violence, homelessness, and health crises. Yet they have chosen not merely to survive, but to transform their struggles into stepping stones for themselves and their families.

The Maggie Campbell Reynolds STRIVE Award

The STRIVE Award honors Maggie Campbell Reynolds, a steadfast champion of the Live Your Dream Program who passed in November 2023. Reynolds embodied the program's mission: she knew firsthand the power of persistence. As a young single mother, she raised two daughters while serving as a jet engine mechanic in the Air Force, then pursued her degree on the GI Bill while balancing family and work. She ultimately earned both her bachelor's degree and master's degree, building a meaningful career as a social worker and mediator—a living testament to the transformative power of education and determination.

Click the button below to meet our 2026 Awardees:

2026 LYDA Awardees

Soroptimist International of Las Cruces will recognize eight women who are dedicated to overcoming personal obstacles to complete their educational and career goals. Our Live Your Dream cash grants may be used for any education-related expenses, including child care, transportation and housing.
MORE INFO

New Year, New Programs
at New America

Click on the logo below for more information:

Thanks to funding from Casa for a Cause and the Brancati Foundation, our Dream It, Be It program for girls at the New America School in Las Cruces will offer nine new workshops, including activities focused on financial literacy, relationship safety, professional etiquette and stress management.

Sponsored by:

LEARNING BUSINESS ETIQUETTE . . .
We loved partnering with New Mexico State University's School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management and the New America School to provide a fun and informative workshop for Girls in our Dream iI Be It Program.

Click below to watch the KVIA "Good Vibes" report.

Good Vibes

EVERY (Founders) PENNY COUNTS! In 1943 Soroptimist clubs began collecting one penny from each member for each year of Soroptimist’s existence to help re‐establish clubs in Europe that had disbanded due to pre‐World War II political conditions and the war itself. The tradition continues today to support our global Dream Programs that improve the lives of women and girls in local communities throughout the world. Founders Pennies help create a local and global relationship between Soroptimists and the women and girls who need our support. Founders Pennies represent approximately 10% of the total $1.7 million contributed to fund our programs.

INTERNATIONAL NON PROFIT SINCE 1921
We join many of the biggest foundations such as the Clinton Global Initiative and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation in putting the empowerment of women and girls front and center. Our goals also are aligned with the United Nation’s agenda for women’s equality. Soroptimist International

LOCAL FOCUS SINCE 1970 Our Mission: Empowerment through Education
Soroptimist of Las Cruces supports women's education in southern New Mexico with our Dream It, Be It Award and Live Your Dream Awards that provide financial support for educational programs beyond high school. The Dream It, Be It Career Support conference teaches high schools girls enduring life skills.

[Listen to the October 2019 interview on QueTal 101.5 FM]

OUR PROGRAMS ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY GRANTS AND DONATIONS FROM THE FOLLOWING:

Dori-Joe Farm

Grant funds awarded by the Devasthali Family Foundation Fund. These funds are awarded with assistance from the Community Foundation of Southern New Mexico.

AND OTHER DONORS LIKE YOU!

Soroptimist International of Las Cruces is a 501(c)(3) organization in Las Cruces, New Mexico. EIN: 23-7083101

2025 Candid Gold Seal

Proud Member:

Las Cruces Green Chamber of Commerce Greater Las Cruces Chamber of Commerce

Soroptimist International 2026 Live Your Dream Awardees:

Heroes Who Transform Struggles Into Strength

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