Gentle Warriors of Peace
On April 13, 2024, the Women's Federation for World Peace hosted the HerStory Award ceremony, emceed by Ms. Adia Lancaster, Director of the New Hope International Foundation and Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Global Women's Peace Network Field Coordinator, extended a heartfelt welcome to all attendees. She emphasized the importance of recognizing women leaders who courageously confront challenges to improve society, serving as beacons of inspiration for others.
Following this, WFWP USA President Kaeleigh Moffitt extended her gratitude to all attendees, underscoring that the monthly awardees of women leaders do not seek recognition for their work. Instead, they are driven by their inherent qualities and the profound calling within their hearts. She emphasized WFWP's commitment to uplifting these remarkable women, recognizing the arduous journeys they've undertaken. She then quoted from WFWP Founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon’s memoir, Mother of Peace, “ I launched the Women Federation for World Peace as a movement to awaken women to their true value and help them embrace men and develop themselves in partnership with men. To be a clear mirror that reflects this age, each woman first needs to be clear and pure herself. Each needs to find the indomitable power within that is necessary to overcome self-centeredness. God will raise up such true women leaders on the path to world peace.”
Each of the awardees was then introduced with their bios as well as a personal sharing from the WFWP member who nominated them. President Kaeleigh then virtually presented the award and each awardee shared her story with the participants.
The first awardee Dr.Kimberlydawn Wisdom, Senior Vice President of Community Health and Equity, Chief Wellness and Diversity Officer for Henry Ford Health began her sharing by graciously acknowledging the leadership of WFWP for their impactful work spanning over three decades worldwide. She expressed gratitude to her late husband Rev. Wisdom, her family, friends, and colleagues for their invaluable support throughout her journey. She shared, “ Much of my life story has been fighting for peace. Fighting for social justice so that peace can be realized at several levels; the individual level, community level , regional and state as well as national level.Fighting to change procedures and practices , implement programs, drive policies and all the while engaging key partners who are essential because no one can ever do this work alone.”
Growing up during the civil rights movement, she actively participated in efforts to combat discriminatory practices, recognizing their pivotal role in fostering peace. Drawing from her experiences as an emergency physician, she recounted her endeavors to develop innovative treatments for collapsed lungs, aiming to minimize hospital stays and alleviate patients' suffering. At the community level, Dr. Wisdom dedicated herself to public health initiatives, striving to prevent premature deaths among black men and reduce infant mortality rates. As a state surgeon general, she championed initiatives to combat lead poisoning, advocating for policies to safeguard children's health and well-being and having these policies signed into law by the governor. At the national level, she championed to determine the best way to element health care disparities and achieve equity and peace in knowing that disparities are not acceptable.
Dr. Wisdom imparted three profound life lessons: Firstly,” to stay in the fight for peace long enough to see change occur because oftentimes I see people give up way too early. You want to fight long enough so that some of your adversaries become your advocates.Secondly, stay in the fight for justice and peace long enough to grow and promote the next generation of women leaders. It is upon us as more senior leaders to make the path for our more junior colleagues while we concurrently honor our mentors and sponsors. Lastly, stay in the path of justice and peace long enough to work with diverse groups of people.” In conclusion, Dr. Wisdom expressed her heartfelt gratitude to her dedicated team, mentors and sponsors and her family recognizing their invaluable contributions to her work. She conveyed her deep honor and appreciation for their unwavering support and collaboration.
The second awardee Dr. Edith Amobi-Agbaza, Licensed financial educator and Insurance Agent, began her sharing congratulating Dr. Wisdom as well as the leadership of WFWP for their steadfast commitment to peacebuilding amidst the challenges in this world.She recalled coming to the US over 40 years ago and through her academic pursuit and her work as a social worker she realized that many of the perpetrators were also victims themselves. “ I focus on love. Who amongst us can give what they don’t have? How can we give love if we can’t find love within ourselves? My focus is agape love. By loving yourself deeply, you can then give it to another and that will transcend to the community, society and the world.”
She fondly reminisced about participating in a Bridge of Peace event hosted by WFWP, where she walked across the bridge hand in hand with a Japanese sister. In that moment, she felt a profound connection and realized her capacity to nurture love for individuals from diverse backgrounds. Despite her accomplishments, she remains steadfast in her conviction that there is always more to be done. She heeded a calling to depart from her role as a clinician, opting instead to directly impact her community by offering compassion to those most in need. Embracing her new position as a financial educator, she empowers others with the tools of financial literacy, envisioning a future where everyone can access support and opportunity. With warmth in her voice, she recounted the journey of her adopted daughters and grandchildren, who bravely faced adversity and emerged stronger. Today, she rejoices in their remarkable progress and is grateful for the brighter paths they now walk. She concluded by sharing, “ Our calling is to focus our life on love so that we can give that love freely.”
Our sincere congratulations go out to Dr. Wisdom and Dr. Amobi-Agbaza, whose stories inspire us and whose actions pave the way for a future where the journey towards peace is filled with love and purpose.