*Mrs. Lena Yasutake with Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau, first lady of Fiji, Lieom Anono Loeak, First lady of Marshal islands and Litia Cakobau Nailatikau*

At the opening banquet of the Universal Peace Federation (UPF) World Summit I sat at a power table with Ms. Katherine Duncan, member of a Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, and Ms. Nia Lyte, a Hollywood talk-show hostess. That night, I approached the First Lady of

*Mrs. Nia Lyte asks the panel a question*

Tanzania to congratulate her on her wonderful remarks and told her how much I loved her necklace. "Do you like it?" she replied, "You can have it!" The next day she found me in a crowded room full of VIPs, presented me with it, and gently placed it around my neck. It was a great honor for me to represent WFWP USA, as one of the Board members, and to represent our President, who at the last minute wasn't able to attend the summit.

Ms. Lyte delighted the former Japanese Defense Minister, Mr. Yoshinori Ohno, on the first night by speaking to him in fluent Japanese. The next day she posed a question about the role of women and girls in peace and global development to the panel in Spanish. This made her an instant favorite of all the Spanish-speaking representatives. I was so grateful for the opportunity to get to know her better. Ms. Lyte is as deep and genuine as she is beautiful. She has as much substance as she does style.

*Hon. Madame Erna Hennicot-Schoepges 1st woman pres Luxembourg Parliment and Hon. Silja Dogg Gunnarsdottir Deputy speaker Icelandic Parliment*

The summit was incredible. I met so many amazing people, but I made special connections with the First Lady of Fiji, her daughter, and her sister; the First Lady of the Marshall Islands, the Heads of State of Samoa, and the Maori Prince and his adviser. These representatives of the Pacific Rim spoke frankly about how climate change is affecting rising sea levels on their island homes. They challenged all of us to take immediate action.

On the final evening of the UPF summit after the banquet, I had a golden moment to speak to our international President, Professor Yeon Ah Choi Moon. I had seen her speak during the summit and was impressed by her elegance and quiet grace as well as her intelligence. I was not prepared for how genuine she was. She spoke to me as if our meeting was planned and important. She was passionate and 100 percent engaged. She was so easy to relate to, kind, and sincere.

I felt the cynicism and resignation that had started to creep in melt away completely. It was replaced with an ember of hope, which has become a burning flame. I thought, "I am completely inspired by her vision of Women's Federation. This is a leader I want to follow." She is practical and utterly authentic. She spoke about simplified reporting, a focused national vision, and addressing the real needs in the local community. She shared Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon's vision of America as an "elder brother" that helps other nations and her desire for WFWP collaboration with CARP (the Collegiate Association for the Research of Principles). After our amazing conversation, I felt transformed. We concluded our meeting with an Instagram selfie. She left me with the words, "Be confident."

I was then completely blown away the following day at the WFWP International Leaders Workshop. Hearing the national leaders' reports on their activities impressed me. These powerful women inspired me. When I saw the results they had wrought with their passion, it galvanized me.

Since returning home, I have become the chairwoman of our dormant chapter in Connecticut that has since more than doubled its membership. I now realize that it doesn't matter if I think I am the right person for the job. As Professor Moon said, it doesn't matter if we are not the most qualified; when we identify and serve a real need in the community, consistently, we can make a profound impact. Now I share about Women's Federation wherever I go. People are consistently moved and inspired to join, volunteer their time or services, and introduce me to others who "need to be involved with Women's Federation for World Peace!"

Adi Koila Mara Nailatikau, first lady of Fiji, Lieom Anono Loeak, First lady of Marshal islands and Litia Cakobau Nailatikau

First Lady Pinda puts her naclace around my neck

H.H Tui Atua K Tupua Tamasese Efi, head of state of Samoa and his wife Masiofo Filifilia Imo

H.H Whatumoana Paki, Maori Prince and he advisor Brad Totorewa

Mrs. Tunu Rehani Pindu, first lady of Tanzania

Nia and former Minister of Sate for Defense Yoshinori Ohno

TRANSFORMED AND ENERGIZED

WOMEN: THE HEART AND HOPE OF THE WORLD

PRESIDENT'S CORNER FROM JULY '14