Human Rights: Awakening the Dignity of Women September 24 - 26, 2010 With a call for inner transformation as the springboard to social and political leadership, the Reverend In Jin Moon exhorted women leaders at the 18th Annual Assembly of the Women's Federation for World Peace (WFWP) Sept. 25, 2010 in Manhattan. She expressed the importance of realizing a new role for women in this age, which can be achieved through understanding their worth as divine beings. "If we are going to build a world that is free from violence and hatred, then we need to start with ourselves. We need to decide to be that agent of change. We need to realize that it is within our power to raise [a] generation of peace." She went on to say…

18th Anniversary National Assembly, NYC September 25, 2010 "It's a great honor for me to be here, and to have the opportunity to speak in front of so many women at precisely the moment when the United Nations summit on the Millenium Development Goals is putting emphasis on the issue of women. These issues are mainly education, health and access to water, which are necessary for life and dignity. But the concerns of women go beyond these to the protection of their basic human rights. And if there is one place in the world where the issue of the dignity of women and their rights is so crucial, it is Afghanistan. Our mothers fought for equality and our generation benefits from these strong women. It's a duty for us to…

18th National Assembly, NYC Congresswoman Yvette Clarke (Democrat, Brooklyn) on Sept. 25, 2010 urged a women's conference in Manhattan to use their influence to further the cause of reproductive health for women around the world. "I believe that no woman should die giving life, and the good news is that most pregnancy-related deaths as well as sexually transmitted infections and HIV are preventable through a package of basic, proven health interventions," Rep. Clarke told the women leaders of the Family Federation for World Peace gathered at the Manhattan Center. Rep. Clarke explained that her proposed legislation, HR 5121, "also recognizes that half of the world's population is under the age of 25 and promotes reproductive healthcare through comprehensive education. It is aimed, she said, to assist women in natural disasters,…

Mrs. Lesa Ellanson is a lifelong devotee of the great outdoors. She manages New Hope Farms Equestrian Park, a renowned international equestrian facility in upstate New York. She is a nationally certified riding instructor with the distinguished American Riding Instructors Association. She has managed and taught horsemanship classes for teens and adults. Mrs Ellanson helped facilitate therapeutic riding on behalf of the Treasures of Heaven summer retreat for special needs children and their families. She is the founder of New Eden Equestrian Academy, Inc., a non-profit educational, athletic and religious organization committed to ethical horsemanship and animal welfare. Mrs. Ellanson is licensed by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation in wildlife rescue. She is the founding member of the Family Firearms Association, an NRA certified pistol instructor, and…

In 2008, Diesa Seidel became the Founding Director of United Initiatives for Peace (UIP). She hopes to inspire girls to become exemplary citizens and active members of their communities by promoting higher education, leadership, and creative expression through sports and the arts. UIP's vision is to promote higher education, offer creative recreational programs, and encourage grassroots social reform through female empowerment in communities worldwide. As an avid philanthropist and universal activist, Diesa continues to strive to create innovative programs that will offer solutions designed to sustain a peaceful global society. Furthermore, Diesa believes in the power of collaboration and has partnered and worked with over 15 non-profit and service oriented organizations worldwide. Diesa is also currently pursuing her Master's Degree in Public Affairs at Rutgers Newark, with a concentration in…