Dr. Wallicia Gill made this formal statement to Global Woman Newsletter when she presented her donation check to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation: “John Kennedy wrote, ‘To those whom much is given, much is expected.’ I find that I think of that quote often as I contemplate the many blessing that I enjoy including family, friends, and community. I am also blessed to live in an environment where I do not have to worry about my precious daughters, or other close female family members facing the prospect of FGM. So, when invited to join Global Woman P.E.A.C.E Foundation as a member of the Board of Directors, I made a promise to myself that I would do whatever I could to support the mission of this organization. My family and I decided to celebrate my ‘decade birthday’, with a party, it occurred to me that many of my guests would wish to give me a gift. God has permitted me to enjoy many birthdays, and many gifts, and I do not need another gift of anything. I decided to ask for donations to GWPF and so many of my family and friends accommodated the request. Though this donation is not a large one, it is made knowing that every dollar counts in the fight against FGM. I am pleased that in some small way I can contribute to GWPF. Know that this is given from my heart with love and admiration for all that has been done to support young women.”
Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation’s Board Member, Dr. Wallicia Gill celebrated her birthday a little more than a month ago; but her fundraising efforts in honor of her birthday continued through the month of April. Dr. Gill sent out an announcement to all members of her family, former co-workers, friends, neighbors and colleagues that in lieu of birthday gifts they should make donations to Global Woman P.E.A.C.E. Foundation (GWPF). Most of her birthday guests had not heard of GWPF, neither had they heard of female genital mutilation; however they all complied with Wallicia’s request. Gill joined the Board of Directors of GWPF in June 2018, and she has been actively involved in the advocacy work of the organization since. She quickly became involved in the preparations for the 2018 Walk To End FGM and the Global Woman Awards. Wallicia has participated in the organization’s law enforcement trainings, the Vacation without Excision camp, the Senate Hearings in Richmond, and even the delegation to one of the Board Advisor’s funeral service. Therefore it was no surprise when Gill made her announcement about her birthday wish. The donations came in the form of online payments, checks, money orders, and even gift cards, all in the name of Wallicia’s birthday.
Dr. Wallicia Gill is a retired Middle School Principal and Adjunct Professor. Since retiring from Education, Gill has worked passionately to support community service initiatives. She is a member of the Centreville Immigration Forum Human Resources Committee, Centreville-Chantilly Rotary Club, the Northern Virginia Business and Professional Women’s Club, (NOVA BPW) and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority. She currently writes articles on Teen Sex Trafficking in conjunction with work for Just Ask Prevention, a non-profit that seeks to educate the community on Teen Sex Trafficking. Gill completed her undergraduate work at Hampton University, her Master’s work at George Mason University, and an Ed.D in Educational Leadership at Shenandoah University. She said, “Protecting, advocating, and working on behalf of young women who are subjected to violence and abuse is an extension of my desire to help.” Always concerned about the support of the organization’s programs and services, Wallicia decided to turn her special birthday into a fundraiser to benefit some of the programs of GWPF.
GWPF realizes that there are other charities to which Wallicia could have made this generous donation; however she chose GWPF. The organization appreciates her gesture and wishes her many more birthdays in the future.
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