This issue we continue a feature called Young Rockford Woman. We celebrate the promise of the area's next generation.

Age: 21

Ashley Soriano

School and area of study: Enrolled as a Spanish major in the education program at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Involvements and accomplishments: I studied abroad during summer 2007 in San Joaquin de Flores, Costa Rica. Upon return, I became an adviser to other students preparing to travel to Costa Rica. While at U of I, I have been volunteering in the community at a school for children with cochlear implants and at an elementary school with bilingual children in an after-school program for at-risk kids.

My favorite activities at school involve my participation with several organizations, including the Student Alumni Ambassadors, Hope for Vision at UIUC and volleyball.

Last summer, I received a Spanish and Illinois Internship and worked at La Voz Latina in Rockford creating a bilingual directory for the community, then working as a youth program coordinator. It was one of the most wonderful experiences ever.

What’s next for me: After starting a local chapter of the national nonprofit organization Hope for Vision, I then planned and organized the annual iWalk and 5K Run for Vision. The walk will take place at the UIUC on April 25. The purpose of the walk is to raise awareness and money for research to find cures for retinal degenerative eye diseases. During this unique “experiential” walk, the participants will have the option of wearing special eye masks that simulate different eye diseases. In this way, the walkers can gain firsthand insight into lives of the visually impaired. A person can also sign up to be a “guide,” a normal walker or to run a 5K. This fundraiser has been a dream of mine for the past year, and it is finally becoming a reality.

What I do for fun: I like to be active and outdoors either playing volleyball, walking, running or swimming. I also like to read, cook, bake and go out dancing with friends.

City of residence and hometown: Hometown is Rockford, but I attend school in Urbana-Champaign.

Family members: Mom, Nanci Soriano; dad, Marc Soriano; two older brothers, Jason who is at the Adler School of Professional Psychology, and Nate, a nurse at Rush University Hospital; and Teddi, our bichon frise

My biggest achievement/proudest moment so far: After about a year of dreaming and envisioning the iWalk, it is finally becoming a reality, which is exciting. For all my efforts and work doing community service in the campus community and for the work I have done for the iWalk, I recently received the Mother’s Association Humanitarian Service Award, given to one undergraduate student at the University of Illinois for outstanding and innovative service.

Knowing that my hard work and efforts have the potential to help so many people with visual impairments and being recognized in the process is exciting and rewarding.

I define success as: Taking an idea or a dream and actually making it happen means something has been successful. Success can be as small as crossing items off a to-do list or as big as being an entrepreneur. When one is prepared to make a difference, one just needs to find an opportunity to make dreams happen to find success. Finally, accomplishing any goal with 110 percent effort means I have truly been successful.

Best advice I have received: Do unto others as you would have others do unto you. This not only means being nice to people you meet in everyday life, but it also means forgiving those who have once hurt you, too. Most importantly, I have learned that this can mean giving freely of my time, either by volunteering in the community or by helping a friend in need. Others always appreciate a helping hand, and it makes me happy to help others.

Being a woman means: I can be caring and compassionate while accomplishing great feats. I am not limited by being a woman, but rather I am empowered to be a leader.

My mama always told me: That everything happens for a reason. Each difficulty in our path is meant to make us stronger, and each time we encounter an obstacle, it is an opportunity for growth. I am the woman I am today because of everything my mom has told me throughout my life.

A woman that I admire who is not my mom: My grandma, Judy Goldman, or Gamma, as I call her, is the most inspirational woman I know. She is not only full of compassion and wisdom but has been a wonderful leader as well. While fighting multiple myeloma for the past 18 years, she has worked alongside my grandpa George to start Partnership for Cures, a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding innovative medical research. She does all this while making sure to give plenty of love to all 11 grandchildren.

No. 1 issue facing women today is: Self-respect. Women today need to learn to be more confident in their bodies and be proud of themselves. This is especially important for college-age women who often lose sight of their self-worth.

Ten years from now, I’ll: Be either a Spanish or bilingual education teacher while coaching volleyball on the side. I don’t think I will ever lose sight of my love for volunteering within the community, so you might find me working for a nonprofit organization, too. I will keep all of my doors open.

Something I have always wanted to do/learn: I wish I had the time to travel around the world for a year. I would go all over South America, the U.S., and over to Thailand and Europe.
However, since I know my family and friends will miss me too much, I guess I will have to wait.

The best thing in my wardrobe: My running shoes! I love being active and am usually on my feet for hours every day, so I’d better have something comfortable on my feet.

The piece of technology I can’t live without: While living in Costa Rica, I essentially lived without any technology, but I did call home once a week, so I would say a telephone, because it is nice to have in case of an emergency as well as to stay in touch with friends and family.