09/14/2025
I joined CITYarts, Inc.’s ribbon cutting of the Liberty Mural, created by CITYarts youth with artist Mustart – Ivan Petrovsky, sponsored by The Soloviev Foundation.
Part of the Path of Liberty: That Which Unites Us installation at Freedom Plaza, the Liberty Mural depicts the Statue of Liberty w/ words from the Declaration of Independence, “Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness” and “All men are created equal.” It’s an inspiring celebration of youth voices, community art, and the ideals of liberty at the doorstep of the United Nations, especially in today’s climate.
This week UNGA80 opened w/the theme “Better Together: 80 years and more for peace, development and human rights.” With President Annalena Baerbock of Germany presiding over UNGA80 I reflect on having lived in Bavaria and later watching my son attend high school in Frankfurt.
From serving as the Democracy & Human Rights Coordinator at the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, to speaking at the UN on women’s health and gender-based violence, and now standing with youth artists as they painted their vision of liberty, I felt right where I was supposed to be, encouraging and uplifting the next generation of leaders.
🌍 Art, diplomacy, human rights, and youth empowerment- my worlds collide beautifully.