The J. Jobe Soffa and Marguerite Jacqmin Soffa Distinguished International Visitor Fund
The J. Jobe Soffa and Marguerite Jacqmin Soffa Distinguished International Visitor Fund supports regular lectures on contemporary issues of global significance. Marguerite Jacqmin Soffa (‘46 BA L&S) established this fund to bring renowned women from across the globe to lecture. The speakers have included well-known leaders in the struggle for human rights and understanding.
On November 15, 2010, the J.Jobe Soffa and Marguerite Jacqmin Soffa Distinguished International Visitor Fund welcomed Dr. Luz María de la Mora Sánchez to UW-Madison. Dr. Luz María de la Mora Sánchez, an expert in foreign trade relations and internal public policy, lectured on Latin American investment strategies, economic growth, political stability, as well as a women’s roles and environmental issues. Dr. Sánchez stated “Latin America today is seen as a safe place to do business, with economic stability being one reason.”
ARCHIVES:
March 18, 2010 – Yakin Ertürk, former UN special rapporteur on violence against women.
September 30, 2008 — Virginia Vargas, Peruvian activist, author, professor, and sociologist.
October 10, 2007 — Ana Teresa Bernal Montañez, commissioner on Colombia’s Commission on Reparations and Reconciliation
October 4, 2006 — Asha Hagi Elmi, a member of Somalia’s transitional parliament; founder of Save Somali Women and Children (SSWC)
October 27, 2005 — Ruth Ojiambo Ochieng, director of Isis-Women’s International Cross-Cultural Exchange
Other Past Speakers in the Lecture Series Include:
- 2004–Veena Das, Krieger Eisenhower Professor of Anthropology at Johns Hopkins University
- 2003–Mary Burton, commissioner of the South African Truth and Reconciliation Commission, former president of the anti-apartheid organization Blask Sash
- 2001–Estela Barnes de Carlotto, president of Abuelas de Plaza de Mayo, Buenos Aires, Argentina
