Awards
Women's Opportunity Award
The Women's Opportunity Awards, Soroptimist's major service project, was established by Soroptimist International of the Americas in 1972 to assist women entering or re-entering the workforce in obtaining the education and skills training they need to improve their employment status. Women's Opportunity Awards are designed to give women heads of household, who provide the primary source of financial support for their families, the opportunity to achieve their career goals.
Making a Difference for Women Award
The Making a Difference for Women Award acknowledges women who are working to improve the lives of women and girls through their personal or professional activities. Honorees are women who have worked in extraordinary ways to benefit women and girls.
The Violet Richardson Award
Named for the president of the first Soroptimist club, the Violet Richardson Award honors girls who are making a difference through volunteer service. Each year, Soroptimist clubs honor girls who donate their time and energy to causes that make the community and world a better place. The program begins on the local club level, with club recipients becoming eligible for additional awards at other levels of the organization. At the Federation (SIA) level, one winner is chosen to receive a finalist award, which includes a contribution to the charitable organization of the recipient’s choice.