WFWP and IFC Richmond Empower Women Leaders
The International Family Center for Jesus’ True Parents Consciousness (IFC) and the Women’s Federation for World Peace (WFWP) in Richmond, Virginia, hosted and co-sponsored a luncheon program “to celebrate and empower women in leadership as true peacemakers” on April 4, from 11:00a.m. to 2:00p.m. at the Richmond Public library. The event came about partly as inspiration following True Mother’s guidance on cooperation and synergy at the International Leaders Assembly (ILA) held in March, and partly as IFC Richmond’s annual activity to raise awareness of women’s issues.
A diverse group of international and intergenerational leaders and couples in ministry were present at the event. It was an honor to have WFWP USA president Rev. Angelika Selle and her husband, Robert Selle, attend as well. The Selles spoke on the subject of True Parents as the ultimate synergized couple and their expectation for all providential organizations to work together.
The program included the appointment of three new women Ambassadors for Peace, and special recognition of young adult leaders centered on Dr. Michael and Mrs. Katarina Connery. Katarina recently accepted the position of Vice President of WFWP USA with True Mother’s nomination.
The program was a true family affair. Whole families rallied around the WFWP vision and mission. Men, as husbands and brothers, were there to cheer on and support their wives and sisters.
As noted by Father Bayo Adrien during the program, “Women’s issues are family, community, nation and world-related issues that affect everyone. The way we value, encourage, support and protect our sisters, wives, daughters and mothers determines the peace and prosperity of families, communities and society as a whole.”
Rev. Selle added, “Women leadership is here to complete the God-centered family model of creation, not to compete,” as she summed up a presentation that featured the outstanding, ongoing work of WFWP USA around the world. Rev. Selle concluded with congratulatory remarks for her new vice president with a PowerPoint presentation.
Katarina recently received her degree from the Medical College of Virginia in Richmond. At 29 years old, she holds a Bachelor’s degree in International Political Economy and Diplomacy from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut, a Master’s degree in International Relations from the University of Pittsburgh in Pennsylvania and a Master’s degree in Religious Education from the Unification Theological Seminary in Barrytown, New York.
After being introduced by Michael, she shared an engaging, conscientious message about the inconsistencies that exist with funding and development on the world level, among the donor countries agencies, NGOs and the developing nations they are organized to aid. Katarina’s international studies have prepared her with unique insight into the root problems of development. Her faith and love for God strengthens her desire to help contribute solutions for a fairer, and more empathizing, approach to women, family and world issues.
Katarina recently worked for the World Affairs Council in Richmond, Virginia, in the area of membership and program development. This organization is part of a network of 85 councils in America that focus on international affairs, as well as provide educational resources to teachers and students. As young adult Unificationists, she and her husband have actively sought to represent the heart of cooperative leadership.
The event was truly inspiring and uplifting. The community especially, would like to thank those who made it possible: Mrs. Ayano Ishii-Adrien, Chairwoman for WFWP in Richmond, took the lead in preparation and planning of this event with Father Bayo Adrien; Rev. Angelika Selle and Katarina worked with local Richmond Unificationists and Ambassadors for Peace. Special thanks go to William and Misako Connery, for preparing gift packages; Roslyn Russell, Mable Williams and Renea Orozco for the sumptuous food prepared; and Brother Dr. Jimmie Pratt, for the cake offering.