Who Lifted Your Dreams? It's Time to Lift Theirs
Take a minute to think of the person who made you feel capable.
The one who listened when you needed to speak.
Who encouraged you when you were tired.
Who opened a door or stood beside you when life got heavy.
In the quiet of our hearts, we can often find that someone.
And yet… we rarely tell their story out loud or find the time to show how grateful we are for their energy and care.
Sometimes it’s modesty. Sometimes it’s simply busyness. Sometimes we assume they already know what they mean to people. But the truth is, they probably don’t. The people who lift others up are often the least likely to be celebrated.
That’s why the Pamela Luise Dream Lifter Prize exists - to publicly recognize those who quietly lift others up.
The Woman Behind It All
This award is organized by the American Chamber of Commerce in Estonia in cooperation with EO59 to recognize individuals whose unwavering support helps others move forward at work, at home, and in the community.
It was created in memory of Pamela Luise Picard – a woman who helped others not because it was part of her job, but because it was who she was. Pamela supported the founder of EO59 — her son, Carl Pucci — in building the company and shaping the human‑centered culture that defines it today.
Outside of work, Pamela welcomed refugees with warm meals, helped them find work and housing, and restored dignity through small but meaningful acts. She listened when you needed to vent, mentored generously, volunteered to teach children how to read, supported animal shelters, and never turned away from someone who needed help. Even her final wish was to give to others. She never gave up on anyone and loved with her whole heart.
She was lost in a tragic car accident while visiting EO59 Europe and family in Estonia.
This award exists because her impact lives on – in the people she lifted, the communities she strengthened, and in the lives that changed because she refused to let someone’s potential remain unseen.
Pamela Picard, EO59 Head of People
Dream Lifters Over the Years
Annika Tõnurist
The award was presented in Estonia for the first time in 2024, when it was granted to primary school teacher Annika Tõnurist from Tartu County. Her recognition highlighted something the prize is designed to celebrate: the people who quietly strengthen others—especially children and young people—through patience, encouragement, and daily commitment.
Kaie Kensap
In 2025, the Dream Lifter Award went to Kaie Kensap from Rapla County—recognized for showing up for others in both everyday and extraordinary moments. Alongside her work caring for elderly residents at the Kuusiku nursing home, she has carried long-term volunteer roles, including over 30 years in Naiskodukaitse. In 2022, she twice travelled with an empty bus to the Ukraine–Poland border to help refugees reach safety in Estonia. “For me, this recognition gives me confidence that I am on the right track,” Kensap said.
Who’s Next?
A Dream Lifter can be a teacher, nurse, coach, volunteer, team lead, rescue worker, or community organizer—but they can also be the colleague who mentors newcomers, or the neighbour who quietly helps families through tough seasons.
What matters most is impact — stories where someone helped create opportunity, confidence, or direction when it mattered most. If their support helped another person take a meaningful step forward, they belong on this list.
That’s what this prize is meant to do: give strength back to someone who gives so much of themselves away.
The Prize
In addition to public recognition, the Dream Lifter Prize offers tangible support for those who give so much to others.
❇️ €1,000 cash award
❇️ A Swissôtel Tallinn, Estonia weekend stay / spa retreat (voucher includes a one-night stay for two with breakfast, spa access, and a massage)
❇️ Professional coaching: DISC profile + review + three executive coaching sessions with certified global coach Gordon Fyfe
❇️ And this year, we’ll award it with AmCham Estonia — and a special guest flying in from the United States, a world‑renowned leadership communication coach.
Nominate A Dream Lifter Today
Nominations are open until 15 April 2026.
To nominate, submit your nomination in English. To make it as easy as possible, use the direct nomination template here:
Here’s what you will need (don’t overthink it):
Basic nominee details + confirmation they have lived in Estonia during the past 18 months
A description of their actions and impact (up to one page)
At least two supporters who can confirm their contribution
All submissions are reviewed by an international selection committee with experts from both Estonia and the United States.
This is a small action that can make a lasting difference. Advocate for another. Show your appreciation and make our world a little brighter.