1st Place Winner Katie Cook
Katie is a hard-working mother of a beautiful 18 month old little girl. She works full-time in the medical billing industry as well as attending Butte College full time. She is working towards providing a stable and happy home for herself and her daughter with her declared major of Medical Office Administration and Medical Coding.
Katie said that when she got pregnant, she realized that she needed to get her life together, not only for her daughter, but for herself as well. After her daughter was born, she enrolled in Butte College and is scheduled to graduate in the spring of 2022.
The first thing I noticed about Katie was her fabulous smile, as well as her engaging and open manner. I was not surprised that references describe Katie as genuine, hardworking, professional, reliable, a good role model, resilient, compassionate and kind. She is definitely all of those.
Katie really appreciates the $1,500 that comes along with this award, as child-care for her daughter is very expensive. She said this grant will really help to augment her budget.
A couple of interesting things, Katie was referred to SI Chico’s Live Your Dream awards by a Soroptimist member in San Diego who is a friend of a friend. Also, her older sister received a Soroptimist scholarship from SI Chico over 25 years ago.
Interviewed by Rosie Postestio, SI Chio LYD Coordinator
Runner Up Madison Greb
Madison is a busy student and mother of a beautiful 4-year old, Jude. She is scheduled to graduate from CSUC with her BA degree in Business Administration and Sales in May, and is looking forward to getting into the business world, even though it is a bit scary, and is looking forward to the career fair in March. She is especially excited about her training in the Seufferlein Sales Program – College of Business, CSU, Chico.
Madison said that after her son was born, she decided to return to school so that she could create a more financially secure home for her son. She enrolled in Butte College and received AS degrees in Business and Behavioral Science.
Madison’s references describe her as motivated, inspirational, excelling, organized, tenacious, excellent role model with a love of learning and a contagious smile. I could certainly see all of those traits when I met with her over a cup of coffee.
Madison really appreciates the $1,000.00 that comes along with this award, and is looking forward to attending our Zoom award presentation on April 21 to thank SI Chico personally.
Interestingly, Madison applied to the LYD award program last year, but was not one of the finalists – so she reapplied this year. I also like to ask exactly how they found out about our LYD award program, and she said that she saw it on Facebook. It was one of the posts that we shared, so ladies, it is working. Thank you for your shares.
Interviewed by Rosie Potestio, SI Chio LYD Coordinator
Runner Up Sarah Lucas
Sarah is a very busy student and mother of an active two-year old, Rick. She is scheduled to graduate from Butte College with her AS degree in accounting in May, and is looking forward to getting into the business world to build a healthy home for her son. Studying accounting at Butte College, she took advantage of their Accounting Club. She said it has been very helpful for learning and support and those connections will hopefully help her secure employment. She would also like to continue her schooling at CSUC in accounting.
The first thing I noticed about Sarah was the strong bond with her son and the way he comfortably curls up on her chest to nap. What a sweet little guy.
Sarah’s references describe her as inspirational, hard working, determined, focused, and dedicated, a good student and an excellent mother.
Sarah really appreciates the $1,000.00 that comes along with this award, and is looking forward to attending our Zoom award presentation on April 21 to thank SI Chico personally.
Thank you for the opportunity to chair the Live Your Dream awards this year. It is always a privilege to meet these amazing young women.
Interviewed by Rosie Potestio, SI Chio LYD Coordinator
