Barbara Ellington, Senior Gleaner Writer
Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend, (second right), is presented to businessman Alvaro Casserly and his wife Jean Casserly (left), by Women's Leadership Initiative Chairman Pat Ramsay at the start of the luncheon held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston yesterday. - RUDOLPH BROWN/CHIEF PHOTOGRAPHER
WOMEN'S LEADERSHIP Initiative (WLI), yesterday raised $620,000.00 for the Mary Issa Health Clinic, at its anniversary luncheon held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.
The fundraiser was a spontaneous gesture initiated by the luncheon's chairman and Gleaner Managing Director Oliver Clarke, in response to a plea from head of the clinic, Dr. Sandra Swaby.
The funds raised will be used to help keep the clinic which serves several inner-city communities, open for at least another month. It is now facing possible closure.
Guest speaker at the luncheon Mrs. Kathleen Kennedy-Townsend, a former Maryland Lt. Governor and Adjunct Professor, Georgetown University of Public Policy, gave a wide-ranging talk about transformational leadership and how it can be used to change society.
"You have to first paint a picture as you seek to challenge yourself and others," she said pointing out that in order to change people one has to have a vision and believe one can do what is to be done.
LIMITATIONS
Mrs. Kennedy-Townsend said that many women had placed limitations on themselves because society had mandated that their role was only to be good mothers. Using her own family experience of a culture of leadership and involvement in politics and volunteerism, Mrs. Kennedy-Townsend urged her audience to use the gifts they had as a lasting legacy for future generations.
"There will be limitations from society as to what women can do but you have to change your world to open up possibilities for yourselves. Believe in yourselves, and remember that sometimes you have to do unpopular things to get people to believe in you. Take on the tough issues and engage in character-building education,' she said.
The WLI was one of several initiatives by former US Ambassador Sue Cobb during her tenure which ended earlier this year.
