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.