Soroptimist ‘Dream It, Be It’ program gives young women a unique perspective
Over the course of three Saturdays in January and February, Soroptimist International of Quincy (SIQ) hosted 23 young women from Plumas County with a mission to share career opportunities, set education and career goals and explore ways to tackle obstacles leading to their success.
“Through the process of sharing experience and wisdom, we hope to help young women develop knowledge and skills to navigate life’s challenges and to achieve their personal and professional goals,” said Kris Miravalle, SIQ’s immediate past president who coordinated the inspiring program.
Mentoring dreams into action
The “Dream It, Be It: Career Support for Girls” program included workshops and sessions on topics such as:
– Creating dream books,
– Exploring career paths,
– Scholarships/financial planning,
– Rising above obstacles/turning failure into success,
– Personal strategies to manage stress,
– Self-defense, and
– Putting dreams into action.
During the program, participants had the opportunity to engage in interactive discussions with local women from a wide array of careers, education and experience. They shared with peers and the larger group, as well as identified women who could become mentors.
“‘Dream It, Be It’ helped me see the person I want to become,” said participant Kailee Hartner. “It helped me see myself and what I want in my future. The people involved were so kind and inviting and willing to help me through whatever my future brings. It was a great experience.”
Moving beyond comfort zones
In addition to learning important life skills, the girls also left with a variety of tools and resources to ensure they have access to the education and training needed to reach their full potential and live their dreams.
“I enjoyed being able to socialize with so many girls interested in making a change within our community,” said Quincy Junior-Senior High School student Madison Reiswig. “It’s always interesting to push your own boundaries and comfort zones. And aside from that, just learning lots of helpful information was fun.”
An international effort
The “Dream It, Be It” program is sponsored by Soroptimist International and its chapters all over the world.
The mentoring effort addresses barriers girls may face on the path to achieving their dreams. Obstacles such as poverty, teen dating violence and teen pregnancy can get in the way of a girl’s ability to make her dreams a reality. “Dream It, Be It” equips girls to overcome their obstacles, set goals and head toward success.
Soroptimist members work in partnership with girls in small groups or in a conference setting to provide them with the information and resources they want and need to be successful.
The Quincy SIQ group is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, a cause-related philanthropic federation of clubs improving the lives of women and girls through social and economic empowerment.
Our local Soroptimists join 1,300 Soroptimist clubs in 20 countries and territories that empower women and girls through volunteer projects such as cash grants for education, hands-on efforts to end domestic violence, career mentoring for girls, women’s health initiatives and many other community-based projects.
For information and membership details, please visit SIQ online at www.facebook.com/soroptimistquincy/
