Investing in Dreams
Our Impact
Soroptimist means “best for women” and that’s what we strive to be–an organization of women at their best helping other women to be their best.
By investing in women's education, skills training, and leadership development, we not only improve individual lives but also strengthen entire communities. When women are empowered, they have the tools to create positive change that ripples through generations.
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Join us in our mission to create a world where every woman and girl has the opportunity to reach her full potential and live her dreams.
Live Your Dream Award
Our club’s participation in the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Awards is an important way we make a BIG difference in the lives of women—and their families. Soroptimist Oak Harbor is currently awarding $14,000 each year to recipients who submit applications to our club.
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Although the awards address economic need and make a difference in a practical way, we know they also affect women in a personal way. Women who have received the award report an increase in self-confidence and self-esteem, and pride for being recognized for having the courage to change their lives.
In her own words
"This award will help me continue my education and graduate, so that I can provide a good example for my children and give back to my community."
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Every year, more than $3 million in education grants are awarded by Soroptimists to over 2,000 women, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles, including poverty, domestic violence, and/or substance use.
Scholarships
In 2025, Soroptimist Oak Harbor awarded $40,000 in scholarships to women and girls who have overcome obstacles, so they could pursue their educational dreams. Many recipients are pursuing helping professions— becoming counselors, nurses, social workers, and legal advocates, working to create change in their own communities.
Dream It, Be It
Dream It, Be It provides girls guidance and resources they need to achieve their goals. Since its inception, Dream It, Be It has reached more than 115,000 girls in 17 countries and territories. Girls come out with more confidence, new tools to overcome obstacles, and achievable goals for their future.
Since Soroptimist Oak Harbor began offering Dream It, Be It in 2015, more than 165 girls have completed the program through the local club.
In her own words
"This program has given me the confidence and help I need to grow and know what I need to succeed."
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Community Assistance
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Between July 2023 and June 2024, Soroptimist Oak Harbor donated $12,000 to projects locally and globally, beyond what was provided by the club for education awards and scholarships. These funds went to programs such as:
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Friday Food Packs for middle schoolers
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Elementary school reading programs
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Supplies for Mother Mentors of Whidbey Island
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Funding towards newborn equipment at WhidbeyHealth
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Cervical cancer educational materials for Soroptimist Africa Federation
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Mother’s Day celebration for families in our local women’s shelter
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Clothing for elementary school emergency needs
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Funding for girls in Kenya to attend leadership camp
Soroptimists UpliftHER
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Between July, 2024 and June, 2025 Soroptimist Oak Harbor each quarter spotlighted a specific obstacle women and girls face on their path to formal education and economic empowerment, including intimate partner violence, trafficking, single parenting, and period poverty. Information was shared through online and social media channels about each obstacle, and club members participated in hands-on projects addressing the issues. As a result, 9 women who had been victims of intimate partner violence were provided with outfits to wear to school, interviews or work; 7 women who had been rescued from trafficking received a laptop to help them continue their education or in their career search; one single mom received funding to assist with childcare expenses allowing her to continue her work and education; and 68 women and girls received period products to help alleviate missing school or work as a result of not having these essential items.
