Violet Richardson Award

Violet Richardson was a PE teacher and the President of the first Soroptimist club in 1921. She believed in personal responsibility and her motto was “It’s what you do that counts. She was an active member in her community and was a pioneer in the health and physical education field. In particular, she was committed to creating opportunities for girls and young women. Violet’s dedication to the causes of young women and her devotion to improving life in her community were an inspiration to everyone who knew her.

Soroptimist established the Violet Richardson Award to honor the memory of this unique woman and her dedication to volunteer action. The Violet Richardson Award is given to a young woman between the ages of 14 and 17 who has worked to make her community and the world a better place through volunteer efforts.
Learn more about the Violet Richardson Award.

Ruby Award

Formerly the Soroptimist Making a Difference for Women Award, the Soroptimist Ruby Award: For Women Helping Women recognizes and honors the first federation president, Ruby Lee Minar. A ruby is also a deep red gemstone associated with wisdom, importance, vitality, strength, vivacity, power and love: all words embodying the strong and compassionate women who are our award recipients. The Soroptimist Ruby Award honors women who have worked to improve the lives of women and girls through their professional and/or volunteer work.

Women’s Opportunity Award

The Women’s Opportunity Awards program was established in 1972 to assist women with primary financial responsibility for their families to obtain the skills-training and education necessary to improve their employment status and standard of living for themselves and their family. During the 2009-2010 club year, nearly $1.5 million in club, region, and federation funds were awarded to more than 1,000 women in SIA’s 19 member countries and territories. The women receiving these financial awards may use them for any costs associated with their educational efforts, including tuition, books, child care, and transportation.
Find out more about the Women’s Opportunity Award and application.