Her Story Award: Making a Difference
On July 13, 2024, the Women's Federation for World Peace USA hosted the HerStory Award to honor two exceptional women leaders who have been making significant impacts in their communities. Emceed by Adia Lancaster, GWPN Field Coordinator, the event commenced with a warm welcome to all attendees. Ms. Adia highlighted that the HerStory Award provides a unique platform for women leaders to share the heart behind who they are and what they do.
Following this introduction, each nominee shared briefly about the awardees, highlighting their achievements and contributions. Afterward, the awardees had the opportunity to share their stories.
The first awardee was Mrs. Debra Tribune, owner of Footsteps Dance Co. She began her sharing by reminiscing about her childhood. She recalled that of all the five children, her mom worried about her the most because she was shy, quiet, and did not like talking to people at all. However, when James Brown made the song, “Say it Loud – I’m Black and I’m Proud,” something inside of her was set free. "I was never afraid of what I looked like after listening to that song," she said. Unfortunately, she was unable to graduate high school because 6 months to her graduation, she got married and they kicked her out of school.The marriage only lasted six months because it was not a good life. Determined to improve her situation, she resolved to take night classes to get her GED. She recalls meeting her forever love while dancing on the dance fall as he played the guitar.
As a parent, she didn't want her children to grow up shy like she did, so she enrolled them in singing and dancing classes. One day, during a chance encounter at a park, she felt a message from God telling her to dance. "I didn't know how I was going to do this, but with God, all things are possible," she shared. She met a pastor who encouraged her to take dance classes offered at the church, and later, a youth pastor who urged her to take professional dance classes. "People prayed for me, and I prayed that God would send people to help me."
On the advice of someone else, she was encouraged to start a dance studio. She was afraid but chose to do it anyway. "I stepped out in faith and God was with me." She believes that when we transform people, they achieve more than they initially thought they could.
The second speaker was Ms. Jennifer Facto-Aquino, President of the Phoenix Asian American Lions Club. She began her sharing by explaining that helping others comes naturally to her because, as a child, her parents modeled it. Her mother, in particular, was always called to help people in whichever way she could, and this inspired Jennifer to continue this legacy. "I do it because I am able to, and when the opportunity presents itself, I take it," she shared. She also mentioned that she is doing it for her kids, so they can learn how others live and be appreciative of what they have. Under her care, she has an extension of children who she hopes to expose to volunteer and community service so that they too can spread the love to the community.
The HerStory Award ceremony concluded with a heartfelt expression of gratitude to all participants, especially the honorees, for their unwavering commitment to making a positive difference. The event not only celebrated the achievements of these remarkable women but also served as a source of inspiration for everyone present, encouraging them to continue their own journeys of leadership and service.