SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL of SILICON VALLEY

Service Awards
Soroptimist International of Silicon Valley sponsors two annual awards that represent our commitment to women and girls.

The Women's Opportunity Award (WOA) is given to a woman who is a single head-of-household, currently enrolled in a degreed program. She is seeking financial independence in order to provide a better life for her family. Our first place winners are typically given $2,000, and our second place winners receive $1,000.

Past WOA winners have included women who have risen above abusive relationships and/or substance abuse problems to become role models for their children in particular, and the community in general.

The Violet Richardson Award (VRA) is named after the founder of Soroptimist International. This is a new award given to girls between 14 and 17 who are actively involved in, and often are the founders of, local service projects. This year's first place winner is the spokesperson for Girls for a Change, an organization seeking to train young women to take leadership roles in the community to effect change. Our second place winner organized a hands-on science program to promote an interest in pursuing scientific study and careers.