Women's International Center has named Kimberly King the first recipient of the Eleanor Roosevelt Global Humanitarian Award in celebration of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
"The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is one of the most important documents created in the 20th century," says Dr. Dee Aker, Executive Director of the Joan Kroc Institute for Peace and Justice. "In this year in which we celebrate the 60th anniversary, it is a most appropriate time to inaugurate the Eleanor Roosevelt Global Humanitarian Award at the Living Legacy Awards."
The Living Legacy Awards (R) has honored global leaders and social innovators for more than 25 years. It's esteemed recipients include Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton, former first lady Betty Ford; Nobel Peace Prize Winner Aung San Suu Kyi, Poet Laureate Maya Angelou, Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, Benizar Bhutto; Developer of the Polio Vaccine Dr. Jonas Salk, famed Anthropologist Margaret Mead, Actress Audrey Hepburn, and community heroes from all walks of life.
For it's Silver Anniversary, WIC unveiled two singular Living Legacy Awards: The Jehan Sadat World Peace Award, presented to Mr. Claes Nobel; and The Eleanor Roosevelt Global Humanitarian Award, presented to Ms. Kimberly King.
"Kimberly is an impassioned advocate for peace and justice," says Dr. Gloria Lane, Founder and President of Women's International Center. "Her insightful communication and social marketing campaigns cast a spotlight on some of humanity's most serious challenges --global poverty, safe water, HIV-Aids, and protecting and empowering the human rights of women and children worldwide. Kimberly has a unique gift for bringing complex issues into focus with clarity and heart, and for catalyzing creative solutions through entrepreneurship and collaboration."
A seasoned citizen of the world, Kimberly has traveled to six continents and more than 70 countries, serving as a consultant to International companies, NGO's and to the United Nations. She has developed numerous social enterprise projects for women and youth, and along with her husband Brent, invests her time and resources building schools in Africa, orphanages and community centers in Cambodia, sustainable water projects in South America, etc.
"We've had the opportunity to know Kimberly and her work for more than a decade." says Dr. Gloria Lane. "We're amazed by the breadth of projects she's been involved with, and moved by how genuinely she cares. She's a true visionary dedicated to improving the lives of others, with a deep belief that "when women and girls are safe and whole, the entire world will be safe and whole."
"Kimberly King exemplifies the courage and compassion that is the essence of Eleanor Roosevelt" says Dr. Lane. "It is this commitment to service and bringing hope to others we wish to inspire through this award."
Dr. Dee Aker adds in closing, "So many of us are informed by the great legacy of Eleanor Roosevelt - the visionary, catalyst and tireless worker for us all. It is my privilege to announce the first recipient of this namesake award, and to present it to a woman who has devoted her energy and heart to building upon these universal human rights -- still only a dream for far too many."
WIC congratulates Kimberly King on this much deserved honor, presented to her on October 11, 2008, Eleanor Roosevelt's birthday.
Kimberly King and Dr. Dee Aker, Executive Director, Joan Kroc Institute for Peace
and Justice at Living Legacy Awards Oct 2008, University of California, San Diego.
