Five Awardees Honored in Vista

VISTA, California, March 2025—Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland presented $12,400 in Live Your Dream Education and Training Awards to four local women to invest in their education and help create a better life for themselves and their families. The women were celebrated at a luncheon held at the Gloria McClellan Senior Center in Vista on Sunday March 16.

In her opening remarks, Soroptimist Aleta Dirdo said, “This year’s awardees embody the values of determination, hope, strength, courage, love, and sheer grit. Each of them has shown incredible resilience in the face of adversity. They are committed to their education, and we are honored to support their journeys.” She noted that since the award’s inception in 1972, the Vista club has distributed $188,900 in cash awards to local women. “This financial assistance isn’t just a scholarship,” said Dirdo. “It’s a gift—because we trust these women to use the funds where they need them most, whether that’s for tuition, childcare, transportation, or utilities—whatever will help them stay on track to build better lives for themselves and their families.”

Helping to hand out the awards were Vista Mayor John Franklin and Vista Deputy Mayor Katie Melendez. Melendez is also a member of the Vista Soroptimist club. Adults at the event enjoyed an array of sandwiches and salads, while the kids enjoyed food donated by Raising Cane’s of Vista. Dessert was a birthday cake in honor of the Vista Soroptimist club’s 72nd year of service to the community. The club was chartered in March of 1953.

Jasmine Craft of Vista received the top award and is eligible to apply for further awards from Soroptimist at the region level. Jasmine spoke eloquently of her struggles with homelessness, drug addiction and domestic violence, especially after her adoptive parents died, leaving her alone. Having overcome her addiction and escaping her abuser, she is currently attending Palomar College, pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Social Work, while parenting two children, ages 6 and 3, and working at a series of low-paying jobs. Her dream is to become a licensed Social Worker and help pull other people out of the insanity of addiction.

Three other awards were given out to Cynthia Murillo, Syona Gray and Ihssane (last name withheld for privacy reasons).

Cynthia is the mother of six, ranging in age from 8 to 21. Her triumph over addiction, gang affiliation, and past incarcerations have led her to use her experiences by doing volunteer work with at-risk youth and women in recovery. She is pursuing an Associate’s degree in Sociology and Chicano Studies at Palomar College, with plans to transfer to a university and get a Bachelor’s and Master’s. Her dream is to work as a counselor in juvenile halls or female reentry programs. She called the Live Your Dream award “an incredible help, allowing me to stay present in my studies, my family life, and my volunteer work without the added stress of financial strain.”

Syona is a former foster youth, now the mother of three children ranging in age from 2 to 9. She is pursuing an Associate’s degree in Psychology from Mira Costa College, with the ultimate goal of transferring to UCSD for a Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. “Mine was a journey filled with setbacks and successes, but each triumph reinforced my belief that no obstacle is insurmountable,” she said in her application. The Live Your Dream Award “will help me pay my rent, deal with any unexpected financial burdens, and give me the security I need to focus on my education. I am excited for this upcoming year and I am excited to show my babies what hard work and perseverance brings,” she said.

Ihssane is the divorced mom of a 3-year-old and lives in Temecula. Having come to the U.S. as an immigrant, she was devastated when her husband left her and their 1-year-old with no means of support. Undaunted, she enrolled in Moreno Valley College so she could learn English and get a job. That goal achieved, Ihssane is now pursuing an Associate’s Degree in Nursing while juggling work and single parenting. Her ultimate goal is to get a Ph.D. “Today I spend all my money that I earn for the rent and utilities and my daughter’s needs,” she said. This award will help Ihssane continue her academic coursework and relieve her financial stress.

Soroptimist International of Vista and North County Inland is part of a global women’s organization. The club holds fundraising activities throughout the year. New members are always welcome. For more information about Soroptimist and their support for women and girls, visit: soroptimistvista.org.