Soroptimist Honor Young Women with Awards

In keeping with Women’s History Month, Soroptimist International of Vacaville honored four young women for their dreams, dedication and determination via Zoom during its March 15 meeting, including one who was chosen to compete at the regional level.

Amada Madrigal

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Amada Madrigal not only earned a first-place award of $2,000 in the Live Your Dream program through the Vacaville club, she will advance as the District II winner to the Founder Region level, where she could earn another $5,000. Should she continue on as a finalist in the Soroptimist International of the Americans competition, she could earn another $10,000.
 
The Vacaville club voted to send Amada to the Founder Region conference in Hawaii April 29-May 1, where she will be honored for her award.
 
The Live Your Dream award supports women who are head of their household, often with young children, and still trying to get their education so they can secure better jobs.
 
Amada is the mother of two children, ages 2 and 7, and is studying human services at Solano Community College, with the goal of becoming an educator. She’s part of a program that provides food and clothing to those in need. A former foster child, she has been driven to change the trajectory of her life. Her mentors describe her as creative, a leader and one who can adjust on the fly in any situation.

April Muguia

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April Munguia is the second-place winner, earning $1,000. A single mother, she is studying to become a registered nurse and would eventually like to be a nurse practitioner. She is the first generation in her family to attend college. She is experiencing hands-on education at clinical sites and is practicing bedside care.

Leslie Maldonado

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Leslie Maldonado is the third-place winner, earning $1,000. A single mother, she works at a children’s dental office and attends Solano Community College, with the goal of becoming a dental anesthesiologist.

Caitlyn Gonzales

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A Vacaville High School sophomore, Caitlyn Gonzales, was selected as this year’s Violet Richardson award winner for outstanding leadership and community service.
 
Caitlyn started a Women in STEM (Science Technology, Engineering and Math) program at Vacaville high to encourage women to focus on STEM careers. She is actively involved in the Team Vacaville Buddy Program and the Vacaville High Community Tutoring Program. She’s also reigning right now as Miss Teen Fiesta for 2021-22.
 
Caitlyn received $1,500 for her award, and will bestow an additional $1,500 to her charities: $1,000 to the Women in STEM Club, and two $250 scholarships for the Music Booster Club.
 
“It’s part of our mission to make the world a better place for women and girls, and honoring these four young women and giving them some financial support to help them achieve their dreams is what it’s all about,” said SI Vacaville President Jackie De Vries.