Soroptimist International of Central Solano County

Women Making A Difference

Each year Soroptimist of Central Solano County presents financial awards and honors women in our community who are making a difference at our WOMEN MAKING A DIFFERENCE luncheon. As sole support to their families, through volunteer actions, by assisting other women and working towards an education, these women are making a better future for all women in our community. 

In March of each year, we recognize them at our Women Making A Difference Awards luncheon.

2022 Women Making a Difference

Clairese Wright, Violet Richardson Award

As a junior in high school, Clairese chose to address the problem of pollution on a local level by creating an Emerald Star Project. The Emerald Star Project is a 4-H individually planned and implemented project that benefits the community.
The project entailed developing a presentation "Dont Make Pollution, Be the Solution" and presenting it to 3rd graders.
Clairese also served as a site leader on a Coastal Cleanup location and has worked with the Serpa site as a volunteer.

Rita Santos, Ruby Award

Rita has dedicated more than 25 years of time and energy as a volunteer to the Assist-A-Grad program. The Assist-A-Grad program assists deserving students with support with scholarships.
More than $3.5 million has been awarded to Fairfield-Suisun and Travis graduating seniors. Quite a few of the graduates have come back to the community and started businesses. Some have become teachers in the area.

Rickesha Watts, Live Your Dream Award

Rickesha is a single mother of children ages 15,12,10 and 5 and works part time at a local hair salon. Her goals are to finish cosmetology school and pass her state board exams.
Rickesha struggled to pick up work hours because of the pandemic.
Rickesha thought it was a joke when she received the phone call telling her she had won the award. She was just getting ready to call her grandmother and ask her for help with the cost of school. The award came just in time for Rickesha!

Daniela Gonzales, Violet Richardson Runner-Up

Daniela is the president of the student organization "Skate for Change". Skate for change consists of a network of skaters with the goal of giving back to their community by distributing hygiene kits and water to people experiencing homelessness.
The program has been expanded to include food deliveries.

Mariyam Oladele, Violet Richardson Runner-Up

Mariyam had a reason for joining the high school leadership program. She saw how special needs students were treated and wanted to change it.
Mariyam's sister was born with Down Syndrome and Mariyam knew with the right education, her sister was capable of living a rich full life.
Mariyam introduced events into the leadership program where students could build bonds with special needs children by enjoying the lunch hour, as well as other activities.

Jasmine Winston, Live Your Dream Runner-Up

Jasmine recently moved to California from Alabama in search of a better life for her and her two small children. She is living with family and has a dream of becoming a nurse and regaining her independence again. She will pursue her nursing degree at Solano College in their two year program and then take her National Council Licensing Examination to become a registered nurse.

Lydia Ward, Live Your Dream Runner-Up

Lydia has faced challenges in her life. Being one of seven children with a widowed mother, Lydia had to go to work immediately after high school to help support her family.
Lydia now has three children with one child having serious health issues. Her dream is to complete her Business Management degree from University of Phoenix and becoming a career coach.

THANK YOU TO OUR 2023-2024 PLATINUM SPONSORS!

Interested in Applying for an Award?

Are you interested in applying for an award or know someone who might be interested in applying for an award?

Please see the Awards and Scholarship page.

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