March 29, 2009
Here is a nice poem presented to Madame Secretary Clinton by Ms Julie Connor during the International Women’s History Month celebration at the State Department. Here is the exchange after the Q & A portion.
MS. CONNOR: On behalf of everyone here at the program, we have a small gift to present to the Secretary.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you.
MS. CONNOR: And I don’t know, perhaps we could read the poem on the –
SECRETARY CLINTON: Oh, wow. Okay, why don’t you read it.
MS. CONNOR:
Leaders
Leaders are called to stand in that lonely place between the no longer and the not yet, and intentionally make decisions that will bind, forge, move, and create history.
We are not called to be popular.
We are not called to be safe.
We are not called to follow.
We are the ones called to take risks.
We are the ones called to change attitudes, to risk displeasures.
We are the ones called to gamble our lives for a better world.
Ms Connor: Madame Secretary, you exemplify this poem.
SECRETARY CLINTON: Thank you so much. Thank you. (Applause.)
***
I think Secretary Clinton has faced more than “displeasure”.
Madame Secretary Clinton: Women’s History Month
2009 International Women of Courage Awards
Poem presented to Madame Secretary Clinton: “Leaders”
2009 International Woman of Courage: Wazhma Frogh, Afghanistan
2009 International Woman of Courage: Mutabar Tadjibayeva, Uzbekistan
2009 International Woman of Courage: Norma Cruz, Guatemala
2009 International Woman of Courage: Suaad Abbas Salman Allami, Iraq
2009 International Woman of Courage: Reem Al Numery, Yemen
2009 International Woman of Courage: Veronika Marchenko, Russia
2009 International Woman of Courage: Ambiga Sreenevasan, Malaysia
2009 International Woman of Courage: Hadizatou Mani, Niger
