The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council had the honor of welcoming Ms. Tabassum Adnan, one of ten 2015 International Women of Courage, to northwest Florida in March. The U.S. Secretary of State presents this award to women around the globe who have shown exceptional courage and leadership in advocating for human rights and empowerment, often at great personal risk. Through it, our country honors the endeavors of extraordinary women worldwide who have played transformative roles in their societies.
To celebrate her arrival, Board Secretary Karen Jurkowich and her husband Mike hosted a reception in their home. The event provided an opportunity for Ms. Adnan to meet a small group of locals and for her to begin sharing her work with our members.
The next day, she attended a meeting at Favor House of Northwest Florida and visited a domestic violence shelter where she met with Fred Sulzbach, Marsha Travis, and Sue Hand. She also discussed domestic violence issues with a meeting with Sheriff David Morgan and then met Georgia Blackmon to discuss civil rights. Her day ended with time at Pensacola Today where Carly Bordon, co-anchor of the Daily Brew, interviewed her.
Ms. Adnan started the next morning with a visit to PACE Center. She met with Executive Director Laurie Rodgers to discuss ways to address critical challenges affecting at-risk girls. Later, Ms. Adnan spoke with Diane Mack to discuss her involvement in local organizations.
Next, Ms. Adnan participated in a local celebration of International Women’s Day by presenting her work to the group assembled at the Perry Home of First United Methodist Church. City of Pensacola Community Outreach Director LuTimothy May presented her with a proclamation from Pensacola Mayor Ashton Hayward III, and Councilwoman Sherri Myers presented her with a Certificate of Honorary Citizenship with the City of Pensacola.
After lunch with the GCCDC and Diane Mack, Ms. Adnan then engaged in a roundtable discussion at the Gulf Coast Kid’s House on leadership and mentoring with ladies identified as “Rising Stars” by The Independent News. Participants who joined the discussion included Carly Borden, Tricia Coady, Nicole Dixon, Jennifer McFarren, and Vanessa Phillips. Afterward, Gulf Coast Kid’s House Executive Director Stacey Kostevicki gave Ms. Adnan a tour of the facility.
The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council thanks all who helped make this project a success, including Rachel Errington who gave Ms. Adnan an additional suitcase and Julie Connerley who donated her time to take fabulous photos of the International Women’s Day celebration.
