This lecture will be presented by Mrs. Nana Fosu-Randall, Founder of Voices of African Mothers and Former CFO of the United Nations. Mrs. Nana Fosu-Randall was born in Kumasi, Ghana. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in accounting and an MBA in finance. Nana retired from the United Nations after nearly 30 years, the last 18 years as the Chief Financial Officer. She served in countries such as Tanzania, Namibia and the Ivory Coast. She also served with the Peace Keeping Missions responsible for the rebuilding and clean-up efforts following war and conflict situations in places such as Liberia, Israel and Lebanon, and in Kuwait and Iraq during the Gulf War. She saw much suffering during her service with the UN and grew to believe that there is an alternative to war – the promotion of peace, the sharing of resources and the creation of understanding among all people.

A passionate advocate for causes she champions, her life's work is driven by compassion and an experienced world-view. Nana has always believed that education leads to empowerment, peace and better lives.

During her years with the UN, she saw global gaps in educational opportunities that she wanted to try to close; thus, the John William Montessori School (JWMS) was established in Kumasi, Ghana by Nana and her husband, John, in 1997. JWMS was named for her late husband, John, a professor, and her son, William, the "main supports" in her life.`

After she obtained her master's degree, she met a United Nations Ambassador, who supported her application to join the world peace organization in 1974.

Recently, Nana was honored with an appointment to the board of Tanoso Community Hospital in Kumasi, Ghana “in appreciation of (her) tremendous contribution to the hospital and the community as a whole.” In 2014, Mrs. Randall was presented with a Special Recognition by the Westchester County Board of Legislators and The United Nations Association of Westchester for Women's History Month and honored for her promotion of peace for the women and children of Africa. This Special Recognition was visibly highlighted by the Declaration of March 28, 2014 as "Nana Fosu-Randall Day" in Westchester County, NY.

Over the years, she has been involved in community and civic organizations both in Ghana and New York. In New York, she is a past member of the Nepperhan Community Center Board of Directors in Westchester County; and a current member of the National Council of Negro Women of Hudson Valley (NCNW-HV, NY).

A passionate advocate for causes she champions, her life's work is driven by compassion and an experienced world-view. Nana has always believed that education leads to empowerment, peace and better lives.

It is Nana’s fervent belief: “Wars do not build nations; Wars destroy them. Wars bring unnecessary pain, hunger, distress and suffering. There is an alternative to war: the promotion of peace, the sharing of resources and the creation of understanding among all people.”

This lecture is part of the Cornell Institute for Public Affairs (CIPA) Fall 2015 Colloquium Series. CIPA offers a two-year, interdisciplinary Master degree program in Public Administration (MPA).