Dot Sowerby was recognized at the 2025 Dysphonia International Symposium and presented with the “Distinguished Service Award” as she retires from the Board of Directors. Inscribed on the award is “For inspiring so many through steadfast dedication and outstanding service, making a lasting impact in our dysphonia community.
After more than three decades of visionary leadership and tireless advocacy, Dot Sowerby is stepping down from the Board of Directors of Dysphonia International. As a founding board member and past president, Dot has been instrumental in shaping the organization’s mission to support, educate, and empower those affected by voice disorders.
A Legacy of Leadership and Advocacy
Dot’s journey with the organization began in 1989 when she was appointed to the Board of the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association. Diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia herself, she transformed her personal experience into a lifelong commitment to advocacy. She authored two influential books—Speechless and Speechless No More—which have provided guidance and inspiration to countless individuals navigating life with voice disorders.
Beyond her literary contributions, Dot led the Greensboro, NC, Voice Disorder Support Group, offering a vital community for those seeking understanding and connection. Her efforts extended to educating healthcare professionals nationwide, as she attended numerous medical and voice conferences, staffing the booth to raise awareness about spasmodic dysphonia and related conditions.
Honoring a Pioneer
In recognition of her extraordinary contributions, the Dot Sowerby Pioneer Award was established in 2015. This accolade honors individuals who, like Dot, have made significant positive impacts on the voice disorder community through volunteer service and leadership.
Over the years, Dot has been recognized with some of the highest honors given by the organization. In 2014, she received the Midge Kovacs Annual Awareness Award for her leadership of the Greensboro, NC Support Group. In 2019, she was presented with the Larry Kolasa Founding President’s Award, acknowledging her lasting impact on the mission and growth of the organization she helped establish. Most recently, Dot was honored at the 2025 Dysphonia International Symposium with the Distinguished Service Award, celebrating her lifelong dedication and influence. During the presentation, the room erupted into a standing ovation, reflecting the deep admiration and gratitude of the entire community for Dot’s decades of service and leadership..
In 2015, the organization also established the Dot Sowerby Pioneer Award in her honor, given to individuals who demonstrate extraordinary volunteer service and leadership in the voice disorder community. The award stands as a testament to her enduring influence and the high standards she set for advocacy and support.
An Ongoing Inspiration
Even as she steps back from her official duties, Dot continues to inspire through her personal achievements. At 92 years old, she remains an active competitor in senior athletics, having won multiple gold medals in track and field events. Her dedication to physical fitness and her “keep going” philosophy serve as a powerful metaphor for her approach to life and advocacy.
Dysphonia International extends its deepest gratitude and thanks Dot Sowerby for her unwavering dedication, pioneering spirit, and the indelible mark she has left on the organization and the broader voice disorder community. Her legacy will continue to guide and inspire future generations of advocates and leaders.