2026
Kadi Urbas
A Quiet Force of Uplift and Encouragement
Kadi Urbas embodies the spirit of a true Dream Lifter—someone whose impact is felt not through recognition sought, but through lives quietly changed. Her journey reflects resilience, compassion, and a deep commitment to lifting others, even in the midst of her own challenges.
Over the years, Kadi has devoted herself to supporting those around her—whether through her family, her community, or her professional life. She has faced the kinds of pressures many know well: balancing responsibility, caring for others, and continuing forward even when the path is uncertain. Yet through it all, she has remained a steady presence of encouragement and strength.
In her work and voluntary efforts, Kadi has consistently demonstrated a willingness to go beyond what is expected. She is known for taking the time to listen, to support, and to act when others need help most. Her contributions have created a ripple effect—empowering individuals, strengthening connections, and bringing hope into everyday moments.
Those closest to Kadi describe her as someone who sees potential where others may not, and who quietly helps others believe in themselves again. Whether through small acts of kindness or sustained commitment over time, her influence is both personal and lasting.
She created a Christmas land for children where kids from low-income families could attend for free. A musical produced for blind children in Estonia to enjoy thanks to a uniquely built audio description that has now become commonly available.
“When I see a performance with audio description, my heart just sings - we changed something!”
Kadi’s nomination for the Pamela Luise Dream Lifter Prize came from people who have witnessed her impact firsthand. Reflecting on what the nomination meant to her, Kadi shared:
"All my initiatives are born from those dark nights of the soul—from knowing those inner chambers too well. Whether it’s a Christmas event for children or teaching the basics of psychology to adults—I want to give hope. I know it exists, as Liisi Ojamaa wrote in one of her poems:
Because every morning, surely, the sun rises & the day begins even when the sky is cloudy & we cannot see it.
So little is needed for joy & even less for hope. Even if God himself forbade me, I would still keep hoping."
Her words capture the essence of her character—humility, gratitude, and a deep appreciation for the community around her.
Her story reached a defining moment when the award was presented by Carl Pucci, Pamela’s son, together with John Bates, at a ceremony at the Swissotel in Tallinn on June 26, 2026. In that moment—so aligned with John Bates’ belief that every person has a powerful story within them—Kadi’s quiet contributions were brought into the light. It was not just a recognition, but a reminder that the most authentic voices are those that uplift others simply by being lived.
Her story is a powerful reminder that true leadership is often quiet, and that extraordinary impact often comes from ordinary moments filled with intention and care.
Kadi Urbas is a true Dream Lifter, carrying forward the spirit of the Pamela Luise Dream Lifter Prize—uplifting others, strengthening communities, and helping light the way for those around her.
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
