2025
Kaie Kensap
A Beacon of Selfless Service
Kaie Kensap has overcome personal challenges that echo the struggles many face in raising a family while dedicating themselves to selfless service. Despite the hardships, she has raised three children and extended her unwavering support to others. During the early days of Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, Kaie volunteered to support refugees fleeing the conflict, making two trips to the Ukraine-Poland border to ensure the safe passage of those seeking refuge in Estonia.
For over thirty years, Kaie has been a committed volunteer with the Women's Defense Service, leading her district for twelve years and providing support to the Home Daughters, Young Eagles, and Defence League. Her culinary skills have brought comfort during military exercises, and her weekends are often spent volunteering.
In her professional life, Kaie works at a retirement home in Kuusiku, Rapla County, where she not only cares for the elderly but also listens to their stories, becoming a cherished companion. Her voluntary service extends to the Lutheran Church in Rapla, where she recently became the first female chairwoman of the board. Kaie also serves as a pastoral counsellor, offering guidance to the church community.
When Kaie's name was announced as the recipient of the Pamela Luise Dream Lifter Prize, she was overwhelmed with joy that couldn’t be contained. She felt gratitude for all the people, especially her children, who have stood by her and believed in her even when she doubted herself. She expressed, "This award, to me, is first and foremost a confirmation that I’m on the right path. That striving to inspire, support, and uplift others—even when you’re tired or full of doubt yourself—matters."
Kaie's dedication and impact were brought to light by her friends, who nominated her for the Pamela Luise Dream Lifter Prize. Her moving and high-impact story of an unsung hero in Estonia's heartland earned her the award, presented by Carl Pucci, the founder of EO59 and son of Pamela Luise Picard, at a ceremony on June 11, 2025, at the Swissotel in Tallinn. The award included a large blue butterfly, a cash prize, a weekend at the Swissotel spa, and development training sessions. Reflecting on the recognition, Kaie said, "I walked off that stage not only with an award, but with an even greater commitment—to continue. To uplift, encourage, listen, dream. And maybe—truly—change the world, just a little."
Kaie Kensap is a true Dream Lifter, embodying the spirit of the Pamela Luise Dream Lifter Prize. Her story reminds us of the difference one person can make and the power of selfless dedication to helping others.
2024
Annika Tonurist
The First Pamela Luise Dream Lifter Prize Winner
A Beacon of Hope and Inspiration in Rural Estonia
Our very first prize winner Annika Tõnurist has overcome tremendous personal challenges endemic among those raising up out of occupation into the newly freed Estonia of the 1990s. She is a teacher in rural Estonia South of Tartu. A place where she not only has been recognised as teacher of the year for her inspiration but where she helps lead the Estonian Defense Forces Home Daughters volunteer initiative to ensure Estonia never again faces the horrors of its past. She mentors new young teachers facing the struggles characteristic of the profession to see the brightness they may bring to the world.
Annika's two daughters nominated her, lifted their dream lifter, brought her incredibly moving and high-impact story of an unsung hero in Estonia's heartland to us all.
Annika is a true Dream Lifter, the first Pamela Luise Dream Lifter Prize winner. Help us find the next in 2025. It up to us all to raise the stories of those who raised ours and be their hero.
"It is a tremendous honor to be selected a dream lifter – especially following Pamela Luise’s footprint, who inspired countless people globally and whose outstanding life made an actual difference.
In today’s society, filled with endless challenges to face and decisions to make, it is upon every individual to choose if and how they can contribute to positively impact as many lives as possible. And this is what being a dream lifter means to me: waking up every morning and making a conscious decision to find opportunities that empower, encourage, lift, and bring hope to the most hopeless situations."- commented Annika Tõnurist
