Do you think that women need to play a role in peacemaking? This is one of the questions answered during the Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN) conference recently held in Las Vegas. GWPN is a project of Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) International.

WFWP USA is currently in the process of launching this GWPN in all five regions across the United States by the end of this year, identifying key contributors in the community who can ignite the GWPN from the ground up. Each of these inaugural gatherings build upon past successes of the network, and this third regional GWPN launch that recently took place in the Southwest region was no exception. The Southwest launch titled “Women as the Turning Point for Peace,” was held in conjunction with the #peacestartswithme movement and Unity Rally, featuring keynote speaker, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, Women’s Federation for World Peace Co-Founder.

Opening Session – Day One

The “Women as the Turning Point for Peace” program began the evening of June 21, at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada. A total of 90 women and supporting gentlemen from the Southwest region and beyond entered, bright-eyed with anticipation to take part in this significant and momentous occasion. Mistress of Ceremonies for the opening session, Laura Hornbeck, Southwest Region Co-Director of WFWP USA, authentically infused southern flavor into the program with her sweet Texas charm, wit, and poise.

The magnitude of the occasion was marked by congratulatory remarks and proclamations throughout the Southwest Region. Hon. Joy I. Garratt of the New Mexico House of Representatives emphasized the need for women’s voices to rise and addressed how our experiences as women and mothers equip us to build this needed network for the sake of our families and communities. She quoted Co-founder Mother Moon in saying, “Women’s Federation for World Peace recognizes that the moral and spiritual roots of this great nation are still alive. Let us help each other. Let us commit our time, let us share our ideas and our strengths to accomplish this noble cause.” Sera Hirano, Chairwoman of the WFWP USA Greater Las Vegas Chapter, then highlighted each of the remaining proclamations from Boulder City and Henderson, Nevada, expanding all the way to Arvada, Colorado. This was followed by Congratulatory remarks from WFWP International President Julia H. Moon, as earnestly read by Shirley Chimes, Southwest Region Co-Director of WFWP USA. President Moon encouraged us to work together in every field to bring a cultural revolution grounded in heart.

These remarks were followed by the foundational explanation of the purpose, goals, heart, and spirit of the Global Women’s Peace Network, as presented with divine depth and clarity by WFWP USA President Angelika Selle. President Selle unearthed how women play a central role in God’s providence, to use our motherly hearts to build a heavenly family and community, and to ultimately realize the goal of one global family. And to do this, we must be guided towards interdependence and shifting our consciousness from me to we, mutual prosperity void of poverty and with access to essentials and education for all, universally shared values of living for the sake of others and affirming our Creator as the source of peace. Each of us were called to strengthen ourselves as peace leaders to effect positive change in our current culture and in all sectors of society.

Before a short break and networking, Stephanie Thompson, a classically trained inspirational pop singer/songwriter, actress, and host of “Behind the Entertainment Scene” TV Show, shifted our awareness from our minds to our hearts, with her breathtaking rendition of “Wind Beneath My Wings.”

The first evening of our program culminated with the honoring of three HerStory awardees and one special recognition, each for their outstanding contributions to peace and for reminding us that every woman is capable of extraordinary things.

After receiving her HerStory Award, Hon. Joy I. Garratt of the New Mexico House of Representatives shared quick empowering stories on perseverance and not letting anyone dim her voice. Even though she lost her first election, she won the second time around, and those who wouldn’t give her the time of day began treating her with respect and listening to her. She was the same woman, with the same ideas, but now they were being taken seriously.

HerStory recipient Dr. Ayele Amavigan Labante, Founder and CEO of the Hidden Talent Foundation attributed the award to her parents who never received an education. As a mother and educator, she shares how her son, who came from another country and did not know English, was bullied in school. She convinced him to pray for the bullies and told him they were singling him out because they were not as smart as him. Over time he came to believe that he really was smart, and worked to become his high school valedictorian, a graduate of Stanford University, and is now pursuing his masters at Harvard University.
The final HerStory awardee, Ms. Judi Moreo, author, international speaker, and President of Turning Point International, Inc., shared incredible life lessons with us, including her Las Vegas Philosophy for Success that captured the whole audience: “If you can do these five things well, you can achieve most anything. You must learn to: Drink. Swear. Steal. Bet. And Lie.”

She continued: “Drink from the fountain of opportunity and remember opportunity most often disguises itself as a challenge, a problem, or a difficult situation. Swear to make each day a little better by maintaining a positive attitude and saying positive things to those around you. Steal a little time for family and positive people, giving them your best version of you. Steal a little time for yourself as well to take care of yourself and replenish your soul. Bet on yourself, as we were created for success. None of us were created for failure. We were designed to be our best selves and make a difference in this world. And if you do these things, it will be so easy to Lie down at night and thank God for this wonderful opportunity we call life.”

Shirley Chimes received a special recognition for her continuous support of WFWP since its founding in 1992. Upon acceptance, she shared a moving story imprinted from childhood that lasted a lifetime. After watching the movie, Bambi, she could never forget the scene where he lost his mother and was knocked down amidst a fire, but his father urged, “Bambi, you must get up!” And he did. Many years later. Mrs. Chimes experienced the misfortune and blessing to be in a coma for five days. When she woke up all she could do was lay and pray, day-after-day, month-after-month. But she kept hearing this voice inside her that said she must get up! To this day, she does not let anybody or anything blow out her light.

Ending the day on such an inspiring note, participants did not want to leave, but continued to connect, laugh, make new friendships, and share their experiences with one another.

Plenary Session and Signing of Declaration – Day Two

By the following morning we were refreshed inside and out, ready to take the next steps of this journey together. We were in experienced hands as Mistress of Ceremonies, WFWP USA Schools of Africa Coordinator Fannie Smith, guided the program and conversation, and kept us on our toes.

We were graced with the presence of Dr. Gayle Anderson, International Protocol Officer from the City of Las Vegas, who read Congratulatory Remarks from Las Vegas Mayor, Carolyn Goodman. Mayor Goodman’s message acknowledged our worthwhile goal and endeavor to bring together people from all over the world from different sectors of life, to promote peaceful cooperation, mutual respect, and prosperity for all!

This greeting was followed by a special message from Dr. Ki Hoon Kim, Continental Director of the Family Federation for a Heavenly USA. He shared about his travels in the past year across many continents with Mother Moon and how she spoke on the fundamental foundation for world peace: creating loving families connected with God. Dr. Kim then primed us for the exciting Peace Starts With Me unity rally we would be attending in the afternoon which would continue this message for peace and revive families across America.

WFWP USA President Angelika Selle highlighted 3 points that inspire her and keep her energized in WFWP. These include:

1. The vision of One Global Family based on interdependence, mutual prosperity and universal values
2. The philosophy of Living for the Sake of Others centering on our Divine Creator, and a feminine versus feminist type of leadership
3. Founders example and lifestyle

Based on the fact that the Founders have been able to show us an example of peace leadership through their lifestyle, President Selle has experienced that peace is actually possible, starting with ME and US.

The deeper heart and motive of the founders behind this unique network shared throughout the conference was then expanded upon by each of the four accomplished women panelists based on their respective fields. Activist Alisa Ellis of the Utah State Board of Education presented on “Mothers as Peace Leaders in Marriage and the Family.” Mrs. Ellis empowered us to continue our work to protect our children and our families, no matter how unpopular the opinion may be. She shared of being mocked and scorned as a minority standing for the family, but she continues on, encouraging us to remember our God-given powers for accomplishment. She sees, more than ever, that mothers and families are needed to provide a refuge from the storm of current culture. America continues to make policies that disrupt the family, instead of building up the family and providing resources for parents to empower, engage, and educate our kids. She encouraged us to stand strong and teach our children their divine destiny.

Many were inspired by the self-less work of our second panelist, Natalie Larrison of the Syrian Emergency Task Force. She presented on “Raising the Next Generation of Peace.” A few years ago, a documentary on Syria called “Red Lines” hit her heart deeply, and she felt called by God to do something about it. She shared how 11 million Syrians, half of the population, have been displaced over the past eight and a half years, making it one of the worst devastations in our lifetime. Ms. Larrison helped found the Wisdom House Working Group that has built a kindergarten underground for orphans, as well as a women’s center. She works with students in Arkansas to provide Letters of Hope, videos, and more for the families in Syria, and her students learn that no matter where they are, they are not helpless. They have the power and desire to make a difference and for that she continues to have faith in this next generation.

Dr. Ayele E. Amavigan Labante is an African born activist, American citizen, social justice advocate, international social worker, international educator, a coach, and a business consultant. She was asked to share about self-care based on her experience as a social worker and lifting others up. In her presentation, she highlighted how to invest in the mind through regulation and maintenance, the need to treat our bodies well through exercise and nutrition, and to be courageous in our actions through our honesty and standing up for what we believe in. When you treat each aspect with care, you will be equipped to take on the world.

Our fourth and final panelist is our amazing one-of-a-kind WFWP USA Special Liaison Officer, Aimmee Kodachian, host of the Empowering Humanity TV Show, who has made it her life’s work to inspire and show others they can achieve anything they put their minds to. Not only did she speak during the conference, but also promoted the festivities to her friends and contacts and through social media, and hosted interviews about it with President Selle on her TV show, resulting in an incredible new reach to women leaders in Las Vegas. Mrs. Kodachian spoke during the conference on the Importance of Feminine Leadership and allowing our feminine energy to shine. Instead of allowing unsupportive women, colleagues, or family members to keep us down, we have to remember to step up and shine. We are unique. We are creators. And we are a gift to the world!

The formal conference concluded with an inaugural declaration signing, followed by a performance of “Colors of the Wind” by Maya Jackson, who has received both a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree in Music. Her performance brought us to our feet in standing ovation, and our hearts were ready to join Mother Moon in the huge Marquee Ballroom next door for the Peace Starts With Me unity rally.

In the heat of the day, our Global Women’s Peace Network attendees moved across an open walkway to the adjacent Marquee Ballroom for the rally joining thousands of regionally located activists, NGO representatives, faith leaders, and youth groups to celebrate harmony and peace. Grammy award-winning and nominated artists and dancers filled the ballroom to the brim with energy and excitement before hearing from the keynote speaker, WFWP Founder, Dr. Hak Ja Han Moon, the “Mother of Peace.” She boldly stated that, “America is in the position to create positive change… the time has come to welcome God as the true owner. This is the key for Earth and humanity to be healed.”

A well-deserved and special thank you goes to Pedro Diaz and Sylvie Boisel for their photographs, and to all the volunteers, contributors, WFWP representatives, and staff who gave of their time and resources to make this incredible event happen! You are the peacemakers!

*The Global Women’s Peace Network (GWPN), a project of Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP), empowers leaders, organizations, and governments to actively encompass the qualities of peace leadership, and join together utilizing each other’s strengths to solve pressing social issues, secure an environment for equitable human development, and to ensure lasting peace and prosperity for generations to come.

This article originally appeared in the Autumn 2019 issue of CHOICES Magazine