“Five years ago, I was lost in a vicious cycle of addiction, toxic relationships, and dreadful decision-making. It was July 4, 2019 and I found out I was six weeks pregnant. Lost and afraid, I knew that things needed to change and on that day, I found my reason. Life was giving me a second chance and I made a conscious decision to face my demons. Soon after giving birth, I enrolled into college knowing that a college degree would ensure that my new child and I would have a shot at life. Today, I have 1,414 days clean. I count my days to remind myself that it took one day to get to two… two to get to three… and so on. God willing, this coming 4th of July, I will make four years. I will be transferring to UH Mānoa this fall to enter into public health in epidemiology and indigenous health. So many persons, including Soroptimist International of Waikīkī, have accepted and guided me. They have embraced me, flaws and all, for which I am forever grateful.”
-Camille McComas, 2022 Live Your Dream Award | Honolulu Community College
“Having gone through substance abuse and addiction, criminal justice involvement, domestic violence, homelessness, and navigating the Child Welfare System myself, I am able to offer my lived experiences and belief that recovery is possible, to walk alongside women who are in the same situations I once was in. I support women feeling that they don’t deserve to be a mother to their children and help them understand that they can become the best version of themselves for their keiki. I believe there is always hope, and that my purpose is to kindle hope in others. You could not have told me five years ago that I would be doing what I am doing and living such a purposeful life. I want others to know that can be true for them too.”
-Kimberly Nabarro, 2023 Ruby Award | EPIC ʻOhana Makua Allies Program
“My childhood was controlled by decisions of pure survival. Being raped, sold, and beaten was my life from 6 to 11 years old. At 11, I escaped to the streets where I learned to survive by any means necessary. Eventually, my actions sent me to an adult prison where I spent a total of 17 years. While incarcerated I gave birth to my daughter. Being a mother is the most rewarding, most beautiful life event. However, if one is not prepared with a good career that will financially sustain a child, becoming a single mother can be extremely stressful. I learned very quickly that I could not financially support my child without a good education, and if I wanted to protect her, I could not do crime. The support I receive from Soroptimist helps me to support myself, and as a result, I can spend time giving back to my community.”
-Dionne Sesepasara, 2019 Live Your Dream Award | University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa
“A recent split from the father of my two young children prompted me to return to school to gain financial independence and stability for myself and the children. In Hilo, we have limited options for disciplines within the medical field, so I decided to take a leap and move to Oʻahu. My clinical rotation at Queen’s Medical Center has allowed me to see firsthand the importance of respiratory care even more so during the pandemic. The cost of tuition, living expenses, and child care, coupled with not being able to work full-time, brings forth some real challenges. This award will alleviate my financial burden and allow me to focus fully on my training to become a Respiratory Therapist.”
-Dania, 2022 Live Your Dream Award | Kapiʻolani Community College
“My inspiration and greatest accomplishment are my eight children. After the loss of my husband to esophageal cancer, my educational aspirations were placed on hold to care for my young family. During the pandemic, I took the leap of faith and returned to school to pursue a degree in Environmental and Occupational Health and Safety Management. I am part of the National Honor Society, Na Hokua Scholars, and Na Niuhehewai. I am proud to represent women and Pacific Islanders, as we are severely underrepresented in STEM fields.”
-Maile Rogers, 2023 Live Your Dream Award | Honolulu Community College
“As a single mom, and as an immigrant from a small town on the border of Russia and Ukraine, I face many challenges, and at times it was hard to believe that I could ever do this.”
-Anna Barley, 2023 Live Your Dream Award | Kapiʻolani Community College
- has primary financial responsibility for yourself and your dependents
- is enrolled in an undergraduate degree or vocational skills training program
- has financial need
- is motivated to achieve your education and career goals
- has primary financial responsibility for yourself and your dependents
- is enrolled in an undergraduate degree or vocational skills training program
- has financial need
- is motivated to achieve your education and career goals
