AWARDS PROGRAMS

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. Their efforts help to promote the issues that are important to the Soroptimist organization. Honorees are women who have worked in extraordinary ways to benefit women and girls.  They are ideal role models for other women.

Mildred Wright Memorial Scholarship
This award was established by SI Santa Barbara in 1957 and is awarded to an undergraduate women attending UC Santa Barbara.  Dedication to her field of study, academic performance, and financial need are considered.  The award is a memorial to an honored and beloved deceased member, Mildred Wright.

Beverly Q. Lewis Team Challenge Award
This award was established to honor a UC Santa Barbara student participating in women’s Intercollegiate Athletics.  It is designed to support a student athlete who demonstrates the potential to develop into a community leader.  It encourages and supports the student in her educational and professional growth.

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— such as working to end discrimination and poverty, assisting women and children who are victims of domestic violence, or mentoring young girls.

Women's Opportunity Award
The Women’s Opportunity Awards program is Soroptimist’s major service project. The awards improve the lives of women by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects.