The recipient of Soroptimist International of Mariposa’s 2010 Women's Opportunity Award is Jenni Stark. The Women's Opportunity Awards Program is Soroptimist's “major project.”

Soroptimist members are committed to improving the lives of women and girls in local communities and throughout the world. Through the program, clubs in 19 countries and territories assist women who provide the primary source of financial support for their families by giving them the resources they need to improve their education, skills, and employment prospects. Each year, more than $1 million is disbursed through cash awards at various levels of the organization.

Recipients, many of whom have overcome enormous obstacles, may use the awards to offset any costs associated with their efforts to attain higher education, such as books, childcare and transportation.

After battling with addictions to methamphetamine and alcohol and serving a one year sentence in jail, Stark fought to get her life back on track or face an eight year prison sentence. Over the next two and a half years, she participated in Mariposa County recovery programs and worked to rebuild her life. Today, Stark spends time advocating for recovery and helping other women realize their inner beauty and selfworth. Now six years clean and sober, Stark has a transfer GPA of 3.95 and has graduated with an AA in psychology with honors as well as the award for Student of the Year from Merced Community College. She recently completed her first straight “A” semester at UC Merced. Above all else, she says, “my role as a mother is among the highest honors of my life, and I continually learn and gain inspiration from my son.” Stark states that, “My addiction taught me the value of home and family, and surviving my ordeal instilled in me the desire to pursue my educational and career goals.”

Since the Women's Opportunity Awards program began in 1972, about $25 million has been disbursed to help tens of thousands of women achieve their dreams of a better life for themselves and their families. For more information about Soroptimist International of Mariposa call Gwen Nitta at 742-6332.