WFWPI Honors Leaders Anne Bellavance and Young Sun Choi
By Mion Tsuchiaka
WFWP International hosted a deeply moving virtual Appreciation Ceremony on June 11, 2025, to honor two of its most beloved visionary leaders, Anne Bellavance, former Regional President of Asia Pacific 2, and Young Sun Choi, former Regional President of WFWP Korea.
The global online gathering welcomed participants from every corner of the world, each joining to share heartfelt gratitude, cherished memories, and sincere admiration.
WFWPI President Moriko Hori opened the ceremony with a message of profound appreciation, emphasizing the extraordinary impact both women have made on the organization through their decades of leadership, unwavering dedication, and nurturing, motherly spirit.
Young Sun Choi, who led WFWP Korea for an impressive 29 years, is as the "heart and motor" of the movement. Her legacy includes pioneering community initiatives, promoting peace on the Korean peninsula, expanding educational outreach, and building international solidarity through acts of compassion. Notably, her leadership was instrumental in building libraries in Cambodia and earning national accolades in Korea. Mrs. Hori warmly recalled Mrs. Choi's quiet strength and mentorship, which deeply guided her in her own leadership journey.
Reflecting on her life's work, Choi shared: "This mission has been my life's work and my greatest blessing. I am humbled by your warm hearts today. Let us continue to bring peace through the unity of women."
Anne Bellavance, who oversaw the Asia Pacific 2 region, was recognized for her instrumental role in elevating WFWP into a globally respected, professional organization. With her background as a science and mathematics teacher, she brought a structured, strategic approach to leadership development. Her emphasis on shared resources, planning, and real-world impact empowered women across nations to build stronger communities and raise WFWP’s visibility.
In her reflection, Mrs. Bellavance shared: "WFWP has been my heart’s calling. I am deeply grateful to every person I’ve walked with on this journey. As a teacher and a volunteer, I saw the need to raise the capacity of our leaders, not just in heart but in professional skills. Strategic planning, shared resources, and genuine action were essential to branding WFWP as a credible and impactful organization. My hope was to build something more than a 'mother’s club', a movement with integrity that attracts like-minded, capable women who are already living for the sake of others. That is the kind of foundation that brings real change."
Heartfelt tributes came from all over the world. Carolyn Handschin commended Choi for always including the UN office in her broad vision and hailed Bellavance as a trailblazing mentor. Lilly Tadin praised Anne as a role model for women in leadership and thanked Choi for her grace and enduring maternal leadership. Dr. Susan Kone, Go Eun Kim, Brigitte Wada, and many more shared personal stories of inspiration, partnership, and legacy.
A special tribute video highlighted messages from members and friends across the Philippines, Malaysia, Portugal, Africa, Korea, and beyond. Dr. John Bellavance, Anne’s husband, offered an emotional tribute, describing his wife’s leadership as "a trendsetter for global women’s peace leadership," and noting her elegance, strength, and lasting influence.
The ceremony concluded with a group photo, capturing the unity and shared joy of the global participants. One attendee commented, "Your examples will remain in our hearts forever."
Dr. Paris Moon, WFWPI Secretary General, closed the program with a powerful call to action: "Let us carry forward the legacy of Mrs. Bellavance and Mrs. Choi not just in memory, but in action. Their love, leadership, and life of service continue to guide us."
