In early March, the Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council was privileged to receive a special visitor from Afghanistan, one of ten women who received this year’s International Women of Courage Award from Secretary of State Hillary Clinton and First Lady Michelle Obama. Her work includes advocating for women’s rights, furthering Afghanistan’s educational opportunities, and working with the mentally disabled. The U.S. Department of State prepared her travel agenda which took her into three communities, Washington, D.C., New York City, and our very own Pensacola.
Our guest’s time in northwest Florida began with a warm welcome from Mayor Mike Wiggins, who presented her with a Certificate of Honorary Citizenship with the City of Pensacola and a key to the city. Next on the agenda was a reception hosted by Escambia County Commissioner Marie Young and attended by some of Pensacola’s most prominent female leaders. City of Pensacola Councilwomen Jewell Cannada-Wynn, Maren DeWeese, and Megan Pratt presented her with a proclamation from the City of Pensacola whose creation was spearheaded by Councilwoman Diane Mack. Commissioner Young also presented the Afghani guest of honor with a gift, and the assembly was treated to a question and answer session about her work and the situation in her country.
A site visit to the Gulf Coast Kids House, led by Executive Director Vickie Horton, allowed our visitor to observe a local facility for the abused. A meeting with University of West Florida faculty members Dr. Kimberly Tatum and Dr. Richard Hough highlighted domestic violence issues and explored fatality review procedures. Susan Senkarik of the local United Way chapter outlined the organization’s social work programs, focusing on the First Call for Help call center.
After enjoying some free time sightseeing in historical Pensacola, she joined our “Women as Political Leaders” delegation at the Women’s Civic Forum, providing an opportunity to see how women in Pensacola encourage civic participation. This invitation was generously extended by Councilwoman Diane Mack. An appointment with American Business Women’s Association representatives Cynthia Herman and Sally Vickers focused on the role of women’s groups in Pensacola. The program ended with a farewell reception, hosted by Pensacola News Journal President and Council Board Member Kevin Doyle.
Thank you to everyone who helped to make this project a success, including Dr. Kimberly Womack for her generous offer of home hospitality which had to be declined due to travel delays, and to Aretta Griffin and Cheryl Lively with Escambia County for their superb coordination skills.
