Empowering Her Community: Kiyomi
Each year, Soroptimist’s Live Your Dream Awards recognize courageous women who are working to overcome obstacles, achieve their goals, and build better lives for themselves and their families. We’re proud to highlight the story of Kiyomi, a remarkable 2025 federation Live Your Dream Awards recipient whose strength and drive embody the very spirit of the award.
Education is a pathway to new opportunities, no matter your age. 2025 Live Your Dream Awards recipient Kiyomi, a mother of seven from Paraguay, is a testament to this. At age 41, she made the courageous decision to resume her secondary education. Even though it meant walking three kilometers to and from school every day, Kiyomi was determined to start a new chapter.
She applied for the Live Your Dream Awards after being encouraged by her high school math teacher, a Soroptimist member of SI/Encarnacion (America Del Sur Region) who was familiar with her life story. Kiyomi is a victim of mistreatment, abuse, and attempted femicide, and was also healing from the loss of her 16-year-old grandson.
“I am immensely grateful to the donors for making this dream possible. I hope that life will multiply everything you give to others, making dreams come true and bringing great hope.”
Receiving the award not only provided financial support to help cover tuition, fees, teaching materials, transportation, and other study-related expenses—it also gave Kiyomi the confidence to share her story and inspire others. It enabled her to complete her studies while dedicating time to assisting women and children who faced similar challenges.
“I felt very grateful to God for giving me this privilege with Soroptimist. I was so happy that I couldn’t even believe I had been selected as the winner.”
After finishing her secondary education in 2024, Kiyomi began working toward two university degrees—one in Law, with the goal of becoming a lawyer to help the most vulnerable, and another degree in Guaraní Language and Culture, reflecting her country's bilingualism. “I feel very enthusiastic and inspired to create projects, start new ventures, finish my studies, and even publish a motivational book.”
Empower Dreams This Giving Season
Your gift helps women and girls achieve their dreams through education and opportunity. Together, we can create a world where every woman has the chance to reach her full potential.
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