VIP Pensacola at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition
Saadet Özkan & Eve Skelton
Stephanie Karous & Laura Ericson
Jennifer Allen McFarren & Kristan Brinkley
Diane Kratochvil, LaRue Groth & Carol Osborn
Pat Cook, Carolynn Zonia & Tracey Tapp
Brigette Brooks, Myra Van Hoose & Jennifer Drummond
Valerie Aune, Patti Salvaggio & Toni Pentecouteau
photos & story by
Julie B. Connerley
O
n April 4, The Gulf Coast Citizen Diplomacy Council
(GCCDC) and The Institute for Women in Politics
of Northwest Florida co-hosted a reception for 2017
International Women of Courage recipient, Mrs. Saadet
Özkan, of Turkey. The event was held at the Institute for Human and
Machine Cognition, and included an “honorary citizen” presentation by
Pensacola City Councilwoman, Sherri Myers.
Of the 89 Citizen Diplomacy Councils nationwide, Pensacola’s GCCDC
was selected as one of only a handful to entertain one of the this year’s 12
recipients.
The Award for International Women of Courage was established in
2007 by the U.S. Department of State to honor women who are making a
substantial difference in the lives of women around the globe. As the only
Department of State award that pays tribute to emerging women leaders
worldwide, it offers a unique opportunity to recognize those who work
in the field of international women’s issues. Candidates are nominated
by U.S. embassies and Non-Governmental Organizations. While some
of these exceptional leaders have faced death threats and great personal
sacrifice, their diverse contributions to freedom, justice, peace and
equality for women have made impactful differences across the globe.
International
Women of Courage
66 | VIPPensacola.com
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