Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova & Gold River is a global volunteer nonprofit that provides women and girls with access to education and training to achieve economic empowerment. 

RANCHO CORDOVA, CA (MPG) - Soroptimist International of Rancho Cordova & Gold River is a global volunteer nonprofit that provides women and girls with access to education and training to achieve economic empowerment. The organization awarded $3,500 in Live Your Dream: Education and Training Awards for Women to five local women to support their pursuit of higher education and improve their economic situation.

The awards ceremony was held at Cattlemen’s Restaurant on March 28. We are confident that all our winners will achieve their goals and dreams!

First-place winner Natalia is a mother of four children aged 1 to 12 and has a husband who recently started his own business. She’s working on an associate’s degree in nutrition at Sac City College and will graduate in May 2027.  Her goal is to earn a bachelor’s degree in nutrition or health science, become a certified nutritionist and open a café that serves healthy, homemade food.

Heather, another awardee, is a single mom with two children aged 11 and 18 living in Rancho Cordova. She’s working on a bachelor’s degree in business administration at CSUS and will graduate in 2028. Her goal is to become the kind of leader who inspires others to reach their potential, who advocates for growth and who builds a work environment where everyone feels valued.

Another winner was Anna. She is the caregiver to her parents and lives in Rancho Cordova. Anna’s working on an associate’s degree in pre-health at Folsom Lake College and will graduate in 2028. Her goal is to transfer to a 4-year college to earn her BSN and then become an RN.

Olena, is a single mom of two children ages 6 and 7 who escaped the bombings in Ukraine and lives in the Lincoln Village neighborhood. She’s working on an associate’s degree in accounting from Folsom Lake College and will graduate in 2029. She looks forward to becoming a professional in the U.S.

The final winner, Aaliyah, is a single mom of 2 young children aged 1 and 2 who lives in Rancho Cordova. She’s working on an associate’s degree in human services from the American River College and will graduate in 2027. Her goal is to become a social worker, advocating for those without a voice and supporting individuals who are often overlooked.

Rancho Cordova City Councilman, Joe Little, donated $1000 on behalf of the City of Rancho Cordova and Golden State Water donated $500 towards our Live Your Dream program.