UVU Rotaractors speak about their visit to the United Nations;
(L to R): Janessa-Michelle Purcell, Ana Caballero Ferreyro, Cade Bloomer, McKay Jones and Louyoko Nianza.
On Wednesday, April 9, 2025, a special afternoon occurred at the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club, to learn from UVU Rotaractors about their visit to the 69th session of the Commission on the Status of Women. It was held in the warm and welcoming setting of Golden Corral, as it often is. This gathering marked an important moment for our delegation. We recently returned from a trip to New York, where we had the honor of participating in the 69th session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women.
Invited by the club that sponsored our journey, we had the opportunity to share our experience with a dedicated group of Rotarians. As the main speaker, I was accompanied by my colleagues Janessa-Michelle Purcell, Cade Bloomer, Ana Caballero Ferreyro, and McKay Jones. Together, we presented the highlights of those intense three days, as well as how our participation translated into concrete actions within our respective communities, both here in Utah and beyond.
Members of the Oreem-Lindon Rotary Club in the audience
Each of us spoke to give a personal overview of the statement we supported during the UN session, along with our continued commitment to promoting gender equality and the empowerment of women. This presentation was not just a recap of our trip but a testimony to our desire to be changemakers.
I highlight several essential points on which my statement was based. First, I emphasize my involvement in both the local community in Utah and international efforts to support marginalized groups, particularly mountain women and girls in DRC, Soudan, and elsewhere in the continent of Africa, I shared the personal impact of war in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where I lost both of my parents at the age of 5 years, to shed light on the harsh realities faced by women in conflict zones. I stress the importance of recognizing women as powerful agents of change, rather than just victims, and advocate for their inclusion in decision-making processes.
I also highlighted my involvement in initiatives at UVU, like the Student-Engaged Learning (SEL) model and environmental advocacy, which has empowered me and my peers with new skills in promoting mountain women and girls as part of the gender equality and environmental sustainability. I discussed the positive impact of UVU Rotaract’s community service, both locally in Utah, and mentioned the fact that my friends of Africa and I have provided scholarships for students in Chad.
The afternoon continued with a dynamic Q&A session. Among the most memorable questions was one from Clark Merkley, who asked about our future projects. I shared my academic ambition of attending Harvard while also emphasizing my deep desire to be present in the field and learn through real-world experience.
It was a moment rich in exchange, where club members not only listened with great interest but also offered valuable advice and encouragement. Their ongoing support is a strong source of motivation for us to continue our commitment with passion and determination.
Louyoko Nianza speaks about the visit to the United Nations
This presentation at the Orem-Lindon Rotary Club will remain etched in our memories as a powerful moment of recognition, gratitude, and reinforcement of our shared mission: to serve above self.
About the author
Louyoko Nianza, hailing from the Congo, is currently pursuing his education in political science in the United States. With a deep commitment to fostering transformative leadership, Louyoko is the proponent of "smart-africanism," a concept he envisions as the cornerstone for a new era of true leadership in Africa. His academic pursuits and innovative ideas aim to inspire and cultivate a generation of leaders dedicated to the advancement and prosperity of the African continent. Louyoko Nianza is a Visionary Rotaractor.
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POWERPOINT OF THE PRESENTATION
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STUDENT REFLECTIVE ESSAYS
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Sharing Global Insights Locally: My Role in the CSW69 Presentation to the Rotarians
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