On March 2, AAFSW welcomed more than forty guests for our 17th annual Women’s History Month panel discussion. This year’s theme,“The Role of Women in Democracy, the Military, and Diplomacy”, invited us to reflect on the extraordinary ways women have shaped our world.
Women’s History Month reminds us that progress rarely unfolds under perfect circumstances. Throughout history, women have stepped forward in times of uncertainty, showing courage, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to justice and freedom. They did not wait for ideal conditions, they acted, adapted, and led with vision. Their example continues to guide us today.
Sheila Switzer, AAFSW Program Chair and I were honored to host three remarkable women whose careers reflect this enduring spirit:
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H.E. Cissé Mint Cheikh Ould Boide, Mauritania’s Ambassador to the United States, is the first woman to hold this post. Her distinguished career includes service as Mauritania’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO and as Minister of Culture, Youth, and Sports. She has long championed cultural diplomacy, sustainable development, and women’s leadership across the African continent.
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Major General (Ret.) Donna Feigley Barbisch, DHA, MPH, CEO of Wicked Solutions, LLC, brings more than 38 years of military service, beginning as a young nurse in Vietnam and culminating as a U.S. Army Major General. A nationally recognized expert in terrorism preparedness and disaster response, she has advised federal agencies on chemical, biological, and nuclear threat readiness and commanded the 350th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital.
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Ms. Celina Stewart, CEO of the League of Women Voters of the United States, leads one of the nation’s most influential nonpartisan voting rights organizations. Under her leadership, the League reached more than 30 million voters during the 2024 election cycle. Her career includes roles as Chief Counsel and Senior Director of Advocacy at the League, as well as legal counsel to Georgia Minority Leader Stacey Abrams and legislative work in the Michigan Legislature.
Their stories, spanning diplomacy, military leadership, and civic engagement, reminded us that women have long been at the forefront of strengthening democracy, safeguarding national security, and expanding the promise of participation for all.
AAFSW extends heartfelt thanks to AFSA President John Dinkelman and his team, whose gracious support made it possible to host this program on very short notice. His partnership ensured that this important conversation could take place at a pivotal moment.
As the program concluded, Ambassador Boide praised the long, determined struggle of American women who fought for their rights and continue to defend them today. She spoke movingly about how much she has learned from her exposure to American women during her diplomatic tenure, lessons she carries with her and shares with young women back home in Mauritania. Her words reminded us that women’s progress anywhere strengthens women everywhere.
Our guests expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity to gather, learn, and celebrate the women who continue to shape our shared future. In their spirit, we move forward—strong, steady, and undeterred. AAFSW is grateful for this program filled with energy and purpose, because women must never be silenced.
