In a yr marked by global challenges, United Nations Foundation 2024 Peoples Global Leadership Awards Gala in New York make clear the transformative power of leadership and collaboration.

The event, held in the heart of Manhattan on November 21, celebrated extraordinary individuals and organizations working to deal with a few of the world’s most pressing issues, from climate change to gender equality. This yr’s recipients include National Youth Poet Laureate Amanda Gorman, Grammy Award-winning singer Angélique Kidjo and former Prime Minister of New Zealand Rt. She. Jacinda Ardern.

Elizabeth Cousens, president and CEO of the UN Foundation, emphasized the importance of the event: “These awards show us that leadership takes many forms – from humanitarian service, through social activism, to art, journalism and statecraft at the highest levels,” she said. “They show that progress is most possible when we unite our forces for a common cause.”

Rooted in the opening words of the United Nations Charter, “We the People,” the gala embodied the Foundation’s mission to attach innovation and partnership to create meaningful change. The story of every evening honored reflected a shared commitment to constructing a more just, sustainable and compassionate world – one motion, one voice and one community at a time.

Gorman received the inaugural Unite Our Strength Award. Her acceptance speech highlighted her commitment to education and equality, particularly through her groundbreaking Writing Change initiative. Launched in partnership with Estée Lauder, the program funds literacy efforts across the United States, empowering marginalized youth through the written word.

“Many of you may know me as Joe Biden’s inauguration poet,” Gorman said. “But one of my proudest achievements was founding Writing Change in 2021. It is an initiative to advance literacy as a pathway to equity, access and social change by amplifying young voices.” Since its inception, the initiative has supported ten organizations dedicated to promoting literacy as a tool for social progress.

Gorman dedicated her award to “the world’s young changemakers” and urged the audience to embrace compassion of their leadership. “When I think about uniting our forces,” she said, “I think about not just coalescing around what makes us strong, but having compassion for where we are vulnerable. Only then can we be the light, if only we are brave enough to be it.”

In a time of widespread division, her words served as each a rallying cry and a reminder that the next generation holds the key to lasting change.

Kidjo, winner of the SDG Vanguard Award, brought warmth and gravitas to the stage. The five-time Grammy winner has spent her profession advocating for kid’s rights, gender equality and the empowerment of African women. Her Batonga Foundation, which operates in Benin and Senegal, provides seed funding and mentorship to young women, supporting economic independence and leadership.

“When I need someone to bring a pair of new eyes and listen to help, I will always answer,” Kidjo said in her speech, before poignantly reminding: “Never come to help people with your ego. Come and help them with your humility.”

In an interview with ESSENCE after the ceremony, Kidjo spoke intimately about her mission. “What we are doing is empowering young women to take leadership in their own lives, to understand that no one – no tradition – can force them to marry early,” she said. “We provide them with seed funding to start businesses that make an impact in their communities. Women have solutions; we just have to invest in them.”

For Kidjo, the award is greater than just recognition – it is a call to motion. “This is a milestone, but additionally a reminder that we cannot stop fighting for human rights, women’s rights and the way forward for our planet. Black women are unstoppable. We are strong. We are powerful. And we must reclaim that power at every opportunity.

The evening also honored Louise Mabulo, founding father of the Cacao Project, which promotes sustainable agriculture in the Philippines, in addition to UN emergency services and TIME magazine for their integrity and courage in the face of world challenges.

The evening ended with an enchanting fireside chat with Rt. Hon. Jacinda Ardern, winner of the Champion for Global Change Award. Recognized for her pioneering and empathetic leadership, Ardern is an unwavering advocate for women’s rights and global unity.

Ardern reflected on the cyclical nature of progress and the persistence needed to bring about significant change. “I became deeply political. Then, at the age of 17, I entered politics and spent 10 of the 15 years of my life in the opposition. I spent a lot of time on the other side of change, waiting to do something good and hopeful,” she said. Stressing the importance of preparation and perseverance, she added: “In times when you wait, you prepare, you support others, you strengthen civil society and the media, and you make sure you are always ready when the opportunity arises.”

Her tenure as prime minister, characterised by transformational leadership, highlighted the ebb and flow of progress. “You do as much as you can with as many people as you can, and you hope it happens. And then another cycle happens,” she explained. Her resounding message to the audience was one in every of resilience and hope: “Don’t give up. Don’t give up.”

As the evening drew to an in depth, the gala was a profound reminder of what will be achieved when courage meets purpose.

November, November, November… It was kind of a dumpster fire.

The month didn’t start well for obvious reasons. The elections have come and gone, but the painful feelings, disappointment and skeptical glances in various directions, well, for many, including me, remain.

Add to that a slew of individual annoyances, from unexpected automobile problems that left me with a rainy day fund, to non-public trials, a bit of SAD, and complete and utter burnout, and it was clear as day that I needed a break, and I needed it as soon as possible. it’s possible. I discovered an awesome copy in the most unexpected place – Austin, Texas.

Some time ago I agreed to participate in the Dream Retreat, organized by Adidasfrom November 15-17 in the southern city. The draw, along with the opportunity to run and spend time without my young children, included the promise of “resetting, recharging and focusing on being the best version of myself” during the competition Miraval Resort and Spaknown for its mindfulness and wellness programs. SOLD. So I packed light, as adidas told me, and at the end of a particularly mentally exhausting week, I flew from cold New York to warm Texas.

I’m not recent to group runs or wellness trips, but this was my first experience of combining each worlds. So I liked the exclusive, thoughtful food (I didn’t eat a single piece of bread all weekend), the probability to hit the trail), in addition to moments of rest in a snug, cozy style. I did all of it while wearing head-to-toe adidas apparel and trainers all weekend long, including the latest offering, The rise of supernova 2.0.

We had the pleasure of attending a presentation on the latest shoe that goals to offer the highest quality, lightweight support that’s crucial for veteran runners and novices alike. The second Supernova Rise model is clearly 4 percent lighter than its predecessor, the Dreamstrike+ super foam ensures the highest comfort, and the toe box of the shoes has been constructed to be higher, which increases comfort on the road (as the flattened toes in tight shoes no socks). The midsole also encompasses a support rod system and an ADIWEAR outsole, each of which offer stability and sturdiness from the midsole to the outsole.

I used to be capable of wear this shoe for each group runs because after not running for some time, I opted to stick with the group for the two miles. For me, as someone who suffers from plantar fasciitis, which tends to flare up as soon as I determine I need to begin running again, this shoe has made an enormous difference. So the right shoe is the clutch (and rest, of course!). As we explored the nature surrounding the gorgeous Miraval Resort property, running on gravel, dirt and more, I used to be motivated to maintain going. Not only because the shoes are truly priceless, but additionally because I used to be truly determined to deal with being the best version of myself, which is what this trip was going to assist with. The best version of me would not stop at every inconvenience in a hilly area or surrender jogging in favor of walking (although there isn’t any shame in that!). Before I got married and had kids, I could easily run six miles, and while I do not have to return, it jogs my memory of what I’m capable of. So I proudly ran two miles each days.

But along with having fun with good runs, good food, and learning the best way to properly get better from a run through exercise training, there was the opportunity to search out community with other women from different backgrounds.

I met influencers, marathon runners, ladies who were just starting their adventure with running, and even one other black mom attempting to regain her self-esteem. To be completely transparent, this month I went on a press trip not very enthusiastic about attempting to mingle with others. But I’m glad I did it. The real joy is when people you do not know start a conversation and find commonalities of their experiences. (“You’re from the Midwest? Me too! You have two sons? Me too! Are you in a playful mood? Me too!”). It’s easy things.

The weekend was short, but there was enough activity to maintain me feeling full without being overwhelming. The pillar of the event was again the seating area. I went to bed earlier every night than I ever did at home, ate fresh meals and learned about healthy snacks, figured out ways to stretch more effectively before and after workouts, and even tried various technologies to assist the recovery process. I’ve received enough recent, sleek Adidas gear that I’m sticking to sportswear and athletic cuts until further notice. Since returning home, I’ve been running usually (even in the rain!), but I also take heed to my body to know when to rest, and I like how I feel now. When I do post-run stretches while rocking the Supernova Rise 2, I feel completed, I feel blissful with the endorphins, and I actually feel energized. Many things get in the way of prioritizing our needs as working moms and as women typically. It’s all the time good to return to the easy things that make me blissful. Because this joy allows me to beat burnout and ultimately be the best version of myself, not only for me, but additionally for those that need me.

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Bishop TD Jakes is on the road to recovery.

The renowned evangelist suffered a medical crisis while delivering a sermon at The Potter’s House in Dallas on Sunday. The incident was captured on a live broadcast from the church and because it happened, when the seated bishop’s words fell silent and he dropped the microphone, he was surrounded by his team who instructed the faithful to hope. Medical staff were called. But in keeping with the House of Potter, he’s doing well after the scary moment.

“During today’s service, Bishop TD Jakes experienced a minor health issue and received immediate medical attention following his hour-long message,” noted the message issued on November 24. “Bishop Jakes is stable and under medical care. The entire Potter’s House family is grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers and support from the community. Thank you for your understanding and continued prayers.”

In addition to the megachurch’s message, the bishop’s daughter Sarah Jakes Roberts and her husband Toure’ Roberts, each pastors, also shared a video message letting followers know the way the beloved figure is doing and thanking them for the outpouring of affection.

“First of all, we want to thank you for your prayers, concern and support. It was truly a blessing,” she said. She said she feels positive, and Toure says she’s on the road again.

“We’re trying to get him to sit down. He is the strong bishop we know,” he said. “But we really can’t thank you enough for your prayers, for your intercession, for all your kind words.”

In addition to telling everyone to proceed to hope for Bishop Jakes and sharing encouraging words, Sarah also highlighted how this experience before the vacation season was a reminder to be glad about your people.

“I’m very grateful that his condition is already beginning to improve. “I think it’s just a reminder, even during the holiday season, that we need to love the people that are near and dear to us and just take time to be grateful for all the people that God has given us.”

We hope for Bishop Jakes’ continued speedy recovery.