Your work and your example have been an inspiration to us and to many others in the human rights community in Minneapolis. You have truly dedicated your life to following what is in your heart--being an advocate for human rights. As one of your colleagues puts it: “It is the way she lives her life, devoting her time and many talents to the members of our community. She is promoting human rights 24/7, whether it is in her neighborhood book club or on a long-distance airplane ride.” You speak out on behalf of the most vulnerable members of the community who can’t always speak for themselves on the issues of access to healthcare, immigrant rights, and women’s rights,
Of course, your passion for human rights has been expressed through fostering The Advocates for Human Rights, where you have worked for many years. We know that you were working as the Women’s Program Director when you were being paid for one day a week but working more than full-time for the Women’s Program and also practicing law. Since becoming Executive Director in 2002, you have dedicated yourself to making The Advocates an organization that not only is fiscally responsible and produces the highest-quality work, but also one that collaborates and partners with other non-profits and law firms in our community. From having seen you at so many events where human rights and community issues are involved, we know that on most days your workday extends well into the evening
Your devotion to human rights is naturally expressed in your warm-hearted caring for the people you work with. You see the many volunteers, interns, supporters, Board members and staff as part of The Advocates’ family. For example, we have heard that during the holidays, you usually give each staff member a small gift that you have picked up from somewhere in your world travels especially for each person.
Thank you for the heart energy you devote to the larger world community. It has been an honor to know you and to be able to recognize you in this small way. We wish you every success in the important work you will be doing in the future.
This Sullivan Ballou award is yours to use as you choose. We ask only that in six months you let us know how you used the funds and how the award affected you. Congratulations!Elissa and Bruce Peterson, Founding Members