FREDERICK, Md.—The former president of Ireland and
U.N. high commissioner will lead a panel discussion on local and global efforts
to address social justice issues March 27 from 9 to 11 a.m. in the Whitaker
Campus Center at Hood College.
Mary Robinson will
moderate a panel entitled “Connecting the Local and Global: Social Justice
Issues in the 21st Century.” Panelists include Janice Wiles, executive director
of Friends of Frederick County, which promotes land conservation and
responsible environmental stewardship; Tammy Keaner, community outreach
coordinator of Heartly House, which provides comprehensive services for county
residents who have been affected by domestic violence, sexual assault and child
abuse; Sharon Dobson, president of the Frederick County Commission for Women, a
nonpartisan organization that fosters opportunities for women; Jeannie Cronin,
president of Centro Hispano de Frederick, Inc., which advocates for the Latino
and limited English-speaking population in Frederick; Joanna Pierson, executive
director of Arc of Frederick County, which provides advocacy, access to
resources and assistance for people with developmental disabilities; Jean
Russell, executive director of Families Plus, Inc., a not-for-profit
organization that develops programs and support groups to educate, empower and
enrich the lives of Frederick County families, individuals and children;
Guy Djoken, chapter president of the NAACP of Frederick County—a national
organization that advocates for the political, educational, social and economic
equality of minority group citizens and eliminate racial prejudice—and
executive director of UNESCO Center for Peace, which works to further
understanding of peace, acceptance and tolerance; Jean Joyce, member of The
Women’s Giving Circle of Frederick County, which raises funds to help alleviate
some of the struggles and obstacles facing women and children in need; and Jim
Gibbons, CEO and president of Goodwill Industries, which helps people in need
reach their fullest potential through the power of work.
Robinson is a
lifelong champion for human rights. A forceful advocate for gender equality,
women’s participation in peace-building and human dignity, she is the recipient
of numerous honors and awards, including a CARE Humanitarian Award in
recognition of her efforts in Somalia following the crisis there in 1992; the
Presidential Medal of Freedom—the highest civilian honor—awarded by President
Barak Obama in recognition of her significant contributions to the nation and
the world; Spain’s prestigious Prince of Asturias Award in Social Sciences
prize for her work as a global human rights campaigner; and Amnesty
International’s Ambassador of Conscience Award for her work in promoting human
rights.
She serves as
chair of the Council of Women World Leaders and is president of the Mary
Robinson Foundation-Climate Justice, a center for thought leadership, education
and advocacy on the struggle for global justice for the
poor, the disempowered and the marginalized throughout the world.
Robinson is also a
member of The Elders, a group of world leaders that includes Nelson Mandela and
Desmond Tutu who contribute their wisdom, independent leadership and integrity
to some of the world’s toughest problems with the goal of making the world a
better place.
A continental
breakfast is available beginning at 8 a.m. in the Whitaker Campus Center, Room
220.
For more
information, contact Paige Eager, assistant professor of political science, at eager@hood.edu
or by calling (301) 696-3699.