Soroptimists Host 5th Annual “Live Your Dream” Luncheon

“I want to be a voice for women who are victims of domestic violence.” These were the words of Sarah Elizabeth Nichols Abdus-Samad, the recipient of the “Live Your Dream” award from the Altadena-Pasadena chapter of Soroptimist International at a luncheon held on March 25th at the Women’s City Club in Pasadena.
The “Live Your Dream” honor represents Soroptimist International’s signature award, and is given to a woman who is overcoming personal difficulties and improving her life through education and skills training. Since 1972, the LYD award — formerly known as the Women’s Opportunity Award—has disbursed over $15 million worldwide and has assisted thousands of women to reclaim their dreams of a better life for themselves and their families. Altadena-Pasadena Soroptimists also honored Taylore Thomas with the Violet Richardson Award (named after Soroptimists’ first president), an honor given to a young woman between the ages of 14-18 who has improved her community through her volunteer efforts. Finally, Reverend Dr. Donna Byrns was given the Ruby Award for improving the lives of women and girls through her professional and volunteer work.
Sarah Elizabeth Nichols Abdus-Samad, the recipient of the “Live Your Dream” Award, is a mother of two sons, eight and ten years old. She is a survivor of domestic violence who left her abusive husband, and is now a single parent who provides for herself and her children with no financial support from her former spouse. “One of the reasons I’m here is that during this tumultuous time in my life, I went to Women at Work, where I got the application [to apply for the LYD award]”, she commented.
Soroptimist International is a global volunteer organization that works to improve the lives of women and girls in local communities and around the world. For more information, visit www.soroptimist.org.

At Soroptimists “Live Your Dream” Luncheon, from left: Gerald Phillips, Field Representative of Assembly Member Chris Holden; Rita Hadjimonoukian, Field Deputy of County Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich, LYD award winner Sarah Elizabeth Nichols Abdus-Samad; VRA award winner Taylore Thomas; Ruby award winner Reverend Dr. Donna Bryns; and Viola Van, Field Representative, 27th District Congresswoman Judy Chu.

L-R the Soroptimist Ruby award winner Reverend Dr. Donna Bryns; Sarah’s son; LYD award winner Sarah Elizabeth Nichols Abdus-Samad; and VRA award winner Taylore Thomas with commendations from L.A. County.

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