WELL DONE! A Big THANK YOU to Mrs. Kiyomi Schmidt!

Editor’s Note: Kiyomi is the outgoing Outreach Director, WFWP USA and Secretary General North America

Ms. Kiyomi Schmidt,  has worked with and  invested into WFWP USA wholeheartedly over the past 7 years, from December 2014 until November 2021. 

She started as an  Administrative Assistant, creating systems, streamlining and documenting our operations, creating supportive materials, while also serving the chairwomen in the field. More recently her work shifted to being the WFWP’s Outreach Coordinator, focusing on promoting ongoing events, activities, and vision on social media. Kiyomi also created a new website, assisted with national assemblies, and the development and launch of the Global Women’s Peace Network, in particular she created the Global Friends feature. Her outstanding work ethics and professionalism, paired with kindness, grace, humility and willingness to serve anyone who asked for help touched all she came in contact with from the local to the national and international levels! 

If you have attended any of the WFWP international or national programs and conferences in the past years, chances are Kiyomi had a hand in helping to create a warm, welcoming, and also well organized environment and program for all guests. She has worked tirelessly behind the scenes to support the President and give WFWP an amazing boost in our public image. On the international level Kiyomi represented WFWP with dignity, and professionalism, and was respected by all.

You can read more about some of her personal reflections from working with WFWP here and here.

To thank Kiyomi for her seven years of loyal service and her countless contributions to WFWP, the Home Office held a Thank you and Good-bye party, inviting all of those leaders and members in WFWP who have been impacted by her work. Many personal stories were shared about Kiyomi’s kindness, creative spirit, amazing work ethic and intellect as well as her heart of service and how much everyone will miss her.

Please, read a few of the comments shared about her below, especially the “Ode to Kiyomi” written by Shirley Chimes, WFWP Board member.

We wish Kiyomi much luck in her future endeavors, knowing that she will shine wherever she goes. In our hearts we also believe we will connect with her again in the future.

One slideshow of many featuring Kiyomi’s work and participation in WFWP over the last seven years.

*****
“When I interviewed Kiyomi for the job I asked her: “What is your passion and what do you like to do? And I could not believe what I heard. “I like to work hard and I like pressure.” …Kiyomi has an incredibly sharp intellect. I called her many times when I needed help. I am very grateful. You did your job completely well. You inherited well. You received what God wanted to give you here. We are so proud of you.” (President Selle)

“I felt comfortable because she was always there and reliable.  She has a creative spirit, humility and a heart of service. She was just a phone call away. One text away. She always responded to me with such heart.”

“Kiyomi was always the person behind the scenes that made us look good”

“It was all heart behind the scenes. She really really cared for others, and was very considerate. I really admire that quality in you Kiyomi”

“We really treasure just the fact you have been here all these years. The memories will always be there.” 

“You are extremely smart and talented. You always had all the right answers. Just your calm spirit sets the tone for me”

“When we went to Arizona we had a party. I mean partee. Oh my I could not believe what I saw. You are the daughter everyone wants, the sister everyone wants, just this friend everyone would want… you are the person everyone would want to be working with.”

“Kiyomi is very capable but she is also fun”

“We love you, thank you, may God Bless you on your journey”

To top it all off Shirley Chimes wrote the following in honor of Kiyomi:

Ode to Kiyomi,

This ode is meant to be sung

but I am not at the point where it can be done

These words are an ode to Kiyomi

who is moving on a bit

blessings to her as she sees fit

Thanks to her a million-fold

Participants in the good bye party for Kiyomi.

There are too many words to be told

GWPN inaugurals, Global Friends

they all give homage to her in the end

Phones, technology, computers and more

she poured out her heart through the doors

Best wishes to her, her husband and their cat

let's remember to call her and chat

Her new job will allow her to grow

and may her skills shine and glow

May peace be with you, Kiyomi, and may it show.