Three Soroptimist Scholarship Winners
We are proud to announce Miramar CalWORKs student winners of the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award scholarships!
Naghmeh Ilbegi won the $3,000 regional Live Your Dream award.
Major/Goal: Associate Degree in Computer Business Technology to work as an Administrative Assistant or Office Manager.
Naghmeh is a single-parent to her two sons, age 17 and 24. She came to the U.S. as a refugee in 2016 after fleeing Iran and living in Malaysia for over 5 years. Naghmeh also works with Miramar’s CalWORKs Student Services program as an Outreach Mentor. Her biggest motivation for pursuing her education: “[to] Improve my English skills and adoption to the environment to build a better future for my kids. As a single mom with two boys and being alone by yourself in the new country is a big challenge, but being a CalWORKs student will make it a lot easier. I have learned a lot since I'm part of CalWORKs, as a student and Work-study position.”
Jessica Rubio won a $1,250 Live Your Dream Award.
Major/Goal: B.S. degree in Environmental Engineering Jessica is a single-parent to her 7-year-old son.
“My biggest motivation for pursuing my education is being a mother that has a stable income for my son. Another huge reason is having an impact and purpose.” “CalWORKs has helped me immensely and has guided me to not give up no matter how hard school can be for a single mother, let alone one that is studying an engineering degree. I wouldn’t have made it this far to finally transferring after years of inconsistency on my part, if I didn’t have CalWORKs, they have given me consistency and made me realize I can finish getting my B.S. in Environmental Engineering.”
Kelli Figueroa won a $1,200 Live Your Dream Award.
Major: Communication Studies; plan to transfer to SDSU Kelli is a single parent to her 2-year-old son.
“My biggest motivation to return to college and earn my Bachelor's degree has been my amazing son. My kid has inspired me in so many ways and essentially gave me the motivation to pursue a career in Public Relations. I have had the most encouraging and supportive counselor. I am beyond grateful to be a part of such a wonderful and helpful program as CalWORKs.”
Soroptimist's Live Your Dream Awards program is a unique education award for women who provide the primary financial support for their families. The Live Your Dream Awards give women the resources they need to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects. Recipients have the potential to receive $1,000 - $16,000 to further their education: • Club-Level: Award amounts vary, but club-level recipients receive an average of $1,000 from a local Soroptimist club. • Region-Level: Local recipients then become eligible for a $3,000 or $5,000 region-level award. • International Finalists: Region-level award recipients then become eligible for one of three $10,000 international awards.
