Women Failth Development Summit to End Global Poverty

I went to this conference today with the ultimate goal of ending poverty and doing so by empowering young girls and women. So many fabulous organizations tackling this through many different angles, such as, AIDS, micro finance, education, health, domestic violence, fund raising and much more, came together to pledge to our world money and time which is power, in ending poverty among women. I was in the presence of some amazing people including: Madeleine Albright- the former Secretary of State, the former Prime Minister of Canada, Kim Cambell, the former President of the Republic of Ireland and the UN Commissioner on Human Rights, Mary Robinson and all different CEOs, executives, founders and Presidents of women's organizations- men and women alike. Ashley Judd, the Global Youth AIDS ambassador spoke magnificently- she is very passionate and dedicated to helping children and I believe she has don great work.

I was thinking to myself of who was missing from this summit. Laura Bush, though she sent a letter which was read aloud to the crowd, Mary Davey, my grandmother, Heidi Kuhn, a dear friend who started a non profit removing landmines in wartorn countries and rebuilding the land, and my mother- who I know would support this cause whole heartedly.

Something made me really think last night. I was having a great conversation about life and our lives with a friend here in DC in my dorm room, Ann, who I had just met. It is interesting how you just form true connections with people. So, she was saying, so you fly for free, as we were talking about our summer plans. I said, yes, but I have to pay the taxes, trying to make it seem as if I was not rubbing it in or too proud. She goes off on how amazing it must be for my mom to know that she has given me the world. I feel many mothers may think this when they give birth, but not literally. How privileged am I to have been given the world. Ann was talking in the present tense, saying your mother must feel so great giving you the world and knowing you are traveling and using her benefits. I bet she does feel great. It is nice not having to tell some people she is gone, but in this case, Ann is right, I know she does still feel that way even though I cannot hear it from her.

This breakthrough summit was truly amazing and there were many hugely important people at the Washington National Cathedral during the meaningful conference. Listening to men and women talk about what has not been talked about in the past, domestic violence, genital mutilation, women in government and in power was amazing, especially being in a church of all places with many different representatives of religions. Studying foreign policy and connecting to so many different people from all around the world who all want the same things is really inspiring and moving. Three young leaders spoke from Kenya, Jamaica and Uganda- talking about how they are making poverty history. It is so important on the local and direct level as well as on the large scale indirect level to do this together. While I may not know what exactly I want to do with the rest of my life, as my Grandparents constantly ask, I do know what I want to make a difference and dedicate my life to injustices and human rights to make positive changes in our world. This semester has reaffirmed my passion and dedication to helping those who cannot help themselves. Women and children are especially in need, and perhaps with help from this large community of diverse people I sat with today for four hours, listening to powerful women who want change, we can accomplish all we want to together. Where ever I go, I realized, I can work on this, and some places better than others, traveling is the great benefit of this work.