Soroptimist International of Riverton recently presented $2800 in Live Your Dream Education and Training Awards for Women to four local women to help improve their financial situation. Tonya Martin was chosen to receive the first place award of $1000. Three additional applicants were presented with smaller awards totaling another $1800.
Martin will use the cash award to complete her Bachelor’s Degree in social work. She is currently attending Central Wyoming College in Riverton, but will be moving to Casper to finish the course work at the University of Wyoming Outreach.
“I hope to work in a field that helps with domestic violence and children,” Martin said. “This is because it is a subject that I have personal experience with and am very passionate about.”
Martin was chosen because of her positive attitude, her willingness to work hard to achieve her dream, and the excellent recommendations she received. She has raised her three daughters on income from two jobs as she has received no child support.
The Live Your Dream award provides women who serve as the primary wage earners for their families with the financial resources to offset costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education or additional skills and training. The award can be used for tuition, books, childcare or any other education-related expenses.
Ms. Martin will now advance to the Soroptimist Rocky Mountain Region level where recipients can receive up to an additional $5000. The program culminates at the Federation level with three $10,000 finalists.
Founded in 1974, the Riverton club is part of Soroptimist International of the Americas, is a global organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls through programs leading to social and economic empowerment. Riverton members join with almost 80,000 Soroptimists in about 120 countries and territories to contribute time and financial support to community-based projects benefiting women and girls.