In honor of Women’s History Month, the International WeLoveU Foundation hosted a forum on Thursday, March 18, 2024, in New York, NY, at the Paris Room. Panelists delved into the triumphs and tribulations of women and mothers in various professional spheres. With the subheading “Celebrating Women and Mothers in Leadership Across Industries,” the event brought together a diverse array of panelists who shared their experiences, insights, and strategies for empowerment. 

Before the panel started, WeLoveU representative Kim Seymour introduced the organization and the founder’s vision. “‘I want to create a world where no one feels lonely and everyone lives in peace, respecting one another’ These are the words of Chairwoman Zahng Gil-jah. She is known as a humanitarian activist who has constantly worked for sustainable world peace and mutual respect among all people. And the WeLoveU Foundation aims to spark meaningful conversations that lead to actionable change.”

Round One: Empowering Women and Breaking Barriers 

The forum started with a dynamic discussion led by Sara Sidner, CNN News central anchor, who moderated a panel featuring Wendy Brundige, Bernadette Tuazon, and Christina Kline, all prominent figures from CNN. They explored pivotal moments in their careers when they realized they were breaking barriers as women in their fields, shedding light on their challenges and how they overcame them. Importantly, the panelists addressed ongoing hurdles to gender equality and shared effective strategies for inclusion and empowerment, particularly for women from marginalized communities.

“At one point, she was told you have six months to live, and she found, and she got better. And she didn’t have a college degree at that time, and so she went back to school, and I saw my mom graduate from college with a degree in accounting, even though she was in her forties. And that always stuck with me as against any circumstances. No matter what happens in life, if you keep fighting, you can really get somewhere,” shared Wendy Brundige, senior vice president of content strategy, CNN Digital Worldwide.

They emphasized the role of organizations and workplaces in creating inclusive environments that support the advancement of women into leadership positions, as well as the importance of empowering young girls to pursue underrepresented careers. 

“I really think us being together, sharing our experiences, that’s how we learn from each other. It’s the camaraderie of women that I truly enjoy at CNN,” said Bernadette Tuazon, director of photography, CNN Digital.

Round Two: The World Will Change When People Change 

In the second round, Sara Sidner continued as moderator, guiding the audience through a discussion with Dr. Nina Anderson, Dr. Jigisha Tamakuwala, Inna Swinton, and Renée Pardo. This panel delved into the influence of maternal figures on empathy, compassion, and peace, highlighting the challenges mothers face in nurturing these values in today’s society. “I think many of the things we do as mothers don’t have a name or a title, and people want you to have a title,” expressed Inna Swinton.

The conversation expanded to explore the definition and impact of positive thoughts on individual behavior and mindset, with panelists sharing personal anecdotes of moments driven by positivity. “I don’t have any children of my own, but I consider myself a mother,” said Dr. Nina Anderson. She continued, “I had to raise two children that are now in their twenties. What has been most helpful is having the support of my mother. When you have such love for even those that may not be your biological children, you just do it.” Sara replied saying, “You don’t have to have your own children to be motherly to someone.”

Key Takeaways: The Power of Individual Influence 

The forum concluded with reflecting on the importance of exploring positive thoughts and behavioral change. Panelists emphasized the significance of collective efforts and personal reflections in fostering positive change and building a more harmonious and compassionate world. The event underscored the vital role of women and mothers in leadership, inspiring attendees to continue advocating for gender equality and cultivating empathy in their communities. 

In summary, the WeLoveU Foundation’s Women’s History Month Forum provided a platform for meaningful dialogue, reflection, and action, reaffirming the power of individual influence in shaping a more equitable and compassionate society.