Catching Up with Brodie Pountney: From Award Winner to Advocate and Inspiration
We recently caught up with Brodie Pountney, a recipient of the Soroptimist Live Your Dream Award and now a proud and active member of Soroptimist North and West Vancouver. Her journey is nothing short of inspiring, and she was kind enough to share how the award helped change the course of her life.
So what inspired you to apply for the Live Your Dream Award in the first place? What were you hoping to achieve?
Honestly, it all came down to wanting a better life—for my son and for myself. As a single parent, I knew I had to create stability and opportunity for us. I’ve faced a lot of challenges growing up, and I didn’t want my son to have to go through the same.
At the time, I was working on a Child Welfare Specialization Certificate and pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree. My dream was to have a solid career by the time my son started kindergarten—something that would allow me to provide for him and be there for him, emotionally and financially. The Live Your Dream Award gave me the boost I needed to keep going without having to sacrifice being a mom.
Ultimately, my love for my son is what motivated me most. I wanted to grow, to achieve something greater, and to inspire him by showing what’s possible through hard work, persistence, and love. The award helped me take real steps toward that dream.
How did winning the award affect your journey—education-wise, career-wise, or even personally?
It made a huge difference. Yes, the financial support helped me cover essentials like books, a laptop, tuition—you name it. But what really stuck with me was the emotional support. The award reminded me that people believed in me. That belief gave me confidence and motivation when I needed it most.
One standout moment was the awards dinner. My family was there, cheering me on—it felt so special. That moment reminded me of how far I’d come and how much further I could go. This wasn’t just a financial award—it was a turning point.
You’ve mentioned facing some serious challenges. What kept you going, especially during the tough times?
There were definitely tough times. Balancing school, work, and parenting was no joke. One of the biggest hurdles was childcare—finding something safe and affordable was really hard, especially while commuting from North Van to Abbotsford with my little guy in tow.
“The support from Soroptimist made such a difference. It wasn’t just about money—it was about being seen and supported. They reminded me I wasn’t doing this alone. That gave me strength when I felt like giving up. It helped me push through the exhaustion, the stress, all of it”
Where are you now, and how has your life changed since receiving the award?
Today, I’m working in child protection—and loving it. I get to support children and families who are facing really difficult situations, and that means a lot to me because it’s so close to my own story.
Financially, I’m in a great place. I’ve paid off my car, paid off my student loans, and my son and I are living a comfortable, joyful life. We’ve even travelled! Two years ago, we went to Italy, and just this past March, we spent three unforgettable weeks in Thailand.
The biggest difference? I’m not just surviving anymore—I’m thriving. I feel proud, grounded, and genuinely happy. My bond with my family is stronger than ever, and I’ve learned to truly appreciate every step of this journey.
The Live Your Dream Award helped set that all in motion, and I carry that gratitude with me every day.