02/17/2025
Geneviève Kyle-Lefebvre sits down with Maryam Ostadi, a recipient of the “Spread Your Wings” award, and Chari Grant, a dedicated member of Soroptimist International of the Tri Cities. Together, they discuss how Soroptimist is making a significant difference in the lives of women and girls both locally and globally.
Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization focused on empowering women and girls. Through a wide range of programs, Soroptimist offers opportunities for education, training, and economic independence, helping women achieve their full potential. For Maryam, her journey with Soroptimist began after winning the “Spread Your Wings” award. The recognition motivated her to get involved with the organization, allowing her to directly contribute to its mission.
“I joined Soroptimist after winning the ‘Spread Your Wings’ award, which opened doors for me to make a real difference,” says Maryam. Reflecting on how the award impacted her life, she explains how it allowed her to further her education and enter a school program she had dreamed of. “Winning the award not only gave me the financial means but also boosted my confidence, showing me that I could truly make a difference in my life and in the community,” Maryam add.
She and Chari discuss how Soroptimist helps women overcome barriers to success by offering financial assistance for education and training, empowering them to secure better job opportunities and improve their lives.
One of the standout initiatives they’re most proud of is the “Live Your Dream” program, which helps women who have faced challenges such as domestic violence or single parenthood achieve their academic and career goals. The program has been instrumental in supporting women with financial aid to further their education, enabling them to break free from cycles of poverty.
Looking ahead, both Maryam and Chari are excited about upcoming initiatives for 2025. Soroptimist continues to advocate for women’s rights and addresses the challenges women and girls face, such as inequality, lack of access to education, and economic dependence. They encourage community members to support Soroptimist’s mission by volunteering, attending events, or donating.
For Maryam, the most rewarding part of being a part of Soroptimist has been witnessing the transformation of women’s lives. “Seeing women gain independence and confidence through our programs is incredibly fulfilling,” she shares.
Their vision for the future is one of expanded global reach, ensuring that more women and girls can access the opportunities they need to succeed and thrive. Through Soroptimist’s continued work, they are confident that the future will be brighter for women everywhere.
Story Summary: Soroptimist empowers women and girls by offering programs that promote education, economic independence, and community engagement, with a bright future ahead.
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By:Genevieve Kyle-LefebvreToday on Face to Face, Genevieve Kyle-Lefebvre sits down with Maryam Ostadi, a recipient of the “Spread Your Wings” award, and Char...