News Release

Nationally recognized female leaders to address impact of religion and peacebuilding on community and international relations

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In the midst of global conflicts, women are leading as diplomatic bridge-builders.

In partnership with Bellwether International, Utah Global Diplomacy will convene local, state, and national leaders and advocates to discuss the vital contributions women make in peacebuilding and interfaith dialogue at its Bridging Religious Divides Symposium. The all-day event will feature remarks from 11 high-profile female thought leaders representing a variety of approaches to this critical topic. Attendees will explore how women shape efforts to overcome societal divides rooted in religion and polarization.

WHO:

Speakers for the Bridging Religious Divides Symposium include:

  • Debbie Almontaser, Founder & CEO, Bridging Cultures Group
  • Felecia Maxfield-Barrett, CEO, Utah Global Diplomacy
  • Julia Schiwal, Senior Program Specialist, United States Institute of Peace
  • Karima Bennoune, Professor, UC Davis School of Law, Former UN Special Rapporteur on Cultural Rights
  • LouAnn Sabatier, Director, FoRB Women’s Alliance
  • Mariah Mercer, Senior Advisor, Office of International Religious Freedom, U.S. Department of State
  • Rachel Miner, CEO, Bellwether International
  • Susan Madsen, Director, Utah Women & Leadership Project, Utah State University
  • Tschika McBean Okosi, Representative, Bahá’ís of the United States
  • Valerie Hudson, Professor, Texas A&M School of International Affairs
  • Yael Admi & Reem Hajajreh, Members of Women Wage Peace (Time Magazine’s Women of the Year)

WHEN:

  • Thursday, September 26, 2024
  • 8:30 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.

WHERE:

  • UtahCultural Celebration Center
  • 1355 West 3100 South
  • West Valley City, UT 84119

DISCUSSION TOPICS:

The Bridging Religious Divides Symposium: Women’s Role in Building Bridges will feature a keynote on the power of women to wage peace, followed by panels that highlight the leadership of women in global diplomacy, strategies for building resilience and hope in divided communities, and how true gender equality begins at home. These discussions will showcase real-world examples of women leading change and offer participants tools to foster unity, resilience, and lasting peace.