United Nation Foundation

by blog contributor Lizzie Davis I was honored to attend the Mom Social Global Conference with the United Nations Foundation in TriBeCa last week. It was one of those days where the babysitter was late & the rain was pouring & the traffic was terrible, but the minute I arrived I was so incredibly inspired & grateful to be there. The conference focused on motherhood, technology, & improving children's & mother's health around the world. Smart & passionate panelists spoke throughout the day on various topics from how to help children remain free from vaccine-preventable diseases, the importance of mothers, and empowering women. I especially enjoyed listening to Jennifer Lopez & her sister Lynda Lopez of the Lopez Family Foundation speak on The Power of Moms to Change the World. Jennifer Lopez talked about how when women come together there is great power. She discussed being a good example to your children, using your voice, getting involved, doing your part, & supporting each other. She was a wonderful speaker & I found myself nodding along. However the highlight for me was hearing Robbie Parker, father of Emilie Parker, speak. Emilie Parker was one of the kindergarteners who was tragically killed in the Newton, Connecticut Sandy Hook School shooting. Robbie Parker spoke eloquently & tenderly of his daughter. He spoke of the power our children have to change us for the better. He spoke about his experience as a NICCU doctor & his observation of what strong fighters the female babies are on the floor. He advised us to get to know our children personally & to always keep the big picture.

His discussion was incredibly moving & when we got up to walk off stage, the room gave him a heartfelt standing ovation. I have been thinking of his words ever since. Thanks to the United Nations Foundation, Johnson & Johnson, The Huffington Post, BabyCenter, 92Y, & the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation for coming together to launch this amazing conference.