During a year of profound grief and set-backs, we also had much joy.

We celebrated the marriage of our grandson Teagan to Meagan and we wish them every joy.

I was honored to be named ‘Ethical Business Thought Leader‘ by AI Global. A Forbes Councils member, I earned ‘Editor’s Choice’ as I keep writing articles.

As we face multiple disastrous tragedies, including the devastation of wars, climate change, economic disparity, political polarization, it is easy to fall into a downward cycle of despair. Instead, we move out of winter’s solstice time, the darkest days of the year, when people globally celebrated the power of light over darkness. Jews celebrate Chanukah’s ‘miracle of the lights’; Christians celebrate Christmas’ birth of Christ ‘the light of the world’; some Muslims celebrate Yalda Night’s birth of Mithra ‘the goddess of light’; some Hindus celebrate Pongol to thank the sun god Surya, others celebrate Pancha Ganapati for the great angel Ganesha remover of obstacles and bringer of good luck. Whatever your tradition, in 2025 let’s work for a more peaceful, just world in these times of so much tragedy and celebrate our ability to have a positive impact even in the darkest moments.

We voted by absentee ballot from Switzerland

Jerry and I voted for a different outcome but we’re determined to keep hope alive. I shared my sentiments on pre-election blog and post-election blog.

Carolee Lee & Andrea Pfeifer co-presenters

I continue to speak at conferences online and in person as Lausanne XI.

my brother, his new wife, their family

Visiting family or them visiting us is a treasure and we cherish each moment.

Jerry’s birthday in Paris

We were in Paris for Jerry’s 89th birthday and will celebrate his 90th this May.

With family and friends dying, we reflect on lifelong relationships like with Coretta Scott King, recalling Jerry at MLK Jr father Daddy King‘s funeral.

Jerry at Daddy King’s funeral Ebenezer Church

Please share what’s happening in your life, joyous or tragic. Each moment is precious; my husband Jerry Dunfey and I would like to be there for you. Wishing you love, light and blessings, XO, – Nadine

 

{ 50 comments… add one }
  • Ceri Newton-Sargunar January 23, 2025, 1:02 pm

    Gorgeous!

    Here’s to much more light, life and vibrancy in 2025.

    Sending much love and hopefulness to you, Jerry and your beautiful family Nadine <3

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 23, 2025, 1:27 pm

      Thanks, Ceri! You always bring love and hope wherever you go and I’m so happy that you’re my friend!

      Reply
  • Ahmad Bakdad January 23, 2025, 2:44 pm

    Thank you for sharing this uplifting reflection. Your message about hope, light, and the power of unity across traditions is both inspiring and timely. It’s wonderful to see how you continue to advocate for positive change and celebrate meaningful connections. Wishing you continued success and impact in 2025!

    Reply
  • Pamme Boutselis January 23, 2025, 3:01 pm

    Nadine,
    I always enjoy your perspective and appreciate your positive mindset. Thank you for sharing these important moments. Sometimes, when I’m feeling down with the world around me, I look through my camera roll over the past months, years, and it reminds me of all of the blessings that surround me and how fortunate I am.

    Wishing you much love and light through these wintery days and beyond. Spring is coming and if we all focus on doing good in our lives and communities, we can bring that light forth for others.

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 23, 2025, 4:54 pm

      Pam – I truly appreciate your clear insights and your willingness to share your myriad gifts with folks from many walks of life as a gifted writer and ‘serial volunteer’. I guess we have a mutual admiration society!

      Reply
  • Steve Reno January 23, 2025, 3:20 pm

    Thank you, Nadine, as one who is a relative newcomer to GCC, I appreciate so much the insights and reflections of the long-timers. Indeed, bring an umbrella!

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 23, 2025, 4:40 pm

      Steve – with your years heading the University System of New Hampshire and then Leadership NH, you are uniquely well suited to know just what type of umbrellas will protect human dignity.

      Reply
  • James McKim January 23, 2025, 3:23 pm

    Thanks, Nadine, for reminding us that live must go on and we must focus on what we can control holding fast to what makes us human.

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 23, 2025, 4:46 pm

      Jim – being a champion of learning and organizational development and digital transformation for three decades, you help organizations reach ‘Ignition point’ in their strategic planning and DEI initiatives. Also, your years heading the NH chapter of the NAACP give you a valuable perspective on what makes us human.

      Reply
  • Jerry Dunfey January 23, 2025, 4:34 pm

    YES–OVER 40 YEARS AGO–WITH ATLANTA’S MACK WILBURN -CA.TOM HAYDEN AND JANE FONDA–THEN–ON “REV.DR.MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. HOLIDAY”- WATCHING ON TV –ALL THAT I COULD–OF NEW PRESIDENT -DOING ALL HE SAID HE WOULD DO–MY / OUR DREAMS ARE NOT GONE–WE HAVE TO “KEEP HOPE ALIVE”–AND;– “KEEP-ON–KEEPING-ON”—MAY GOD HELP OUR NEW & OLD PRESIDENTS–SUPREME COURT—-BOTH HOUSES & CABINET–HOPEFULLY “THE RICH –WON’T GET RICHER–AND THE POOR WON’T GET POORER—

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 23, 2025, 4:56 pm

      Jerry – you are my hero for always ‘keeping hope alive’ no matter what is happening around us. Your optimistic spirit is matched by your clear-eyed take on what needs to be made better and your willingness to do the work.

      Reply
  • Theo Spanos Dunfey January 23, 2025, 5:30 pm

    I feel blessed to call you my mentor, my colleague, my friend, my sister and my mother. You inspire me to always keep moving forward despite setbacks. Your example of holding relationships at the center of all that you do is one that I learn from and try to emulate. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 23, 2025, 9:00 pm

      Dearest Theo – I can’t even begin to tell you how deeply I love you and how grateful I am that you are my daughter-in-law, daughter-in-love, friend, colleague and so much more. I thank you back from the bottom of my heart.

      Reply
  • Carlos January 24, 2025, 1:24 am

    Wow. You and Jerry have lived a full life, leading a life aligned to your values. Being a beacon for light and love. Good for you.

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 24, 2025, 8:28 am

      Thanks, Carlos. I’m inspired by your work with the Leadership Circle and Love Walks in Australia. Keep up these great efforts.

      Reply
  • Nancy Vawter January 24, 2025, 2:26 am

    I’m so glad I read this. At this very moment. Beautiful. And much needed. Thank you!

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 24, 2025, 8:00 am

      Thank you, Nancy. I hope that you and Brian are thriving. I can’t wait to see the digitized video of the film you took during 1998 Global Citizens Circle delegation to South Africa.

      Reply
  • Recep Karaca January 24, 2025, 3:36 am

    Your blog post was the highlight of my day. Thank you for brightening my inbox with your thoughtful insights.

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 24, 2025, 8:31 am

      A journalist specializing in global politics and economics, your opinion means a lot to me.

      Reply
  • Kate Trafford January 24, 2025, 10:36 am

    Such a hopeful review and reset as we head into an unpredictable and challenging year. You and Jerry have such a profound history of demonstrating the power of hope – moving forward in faith, navigating obstacles as they arise and never losing sight of the best in humanity. I feel so blessed to count you as my friend.

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 24, 2025, 10:44 am

      Kate – your wonderful book, ‘Get There: Love Here’ has terrific practical advice on how to navigate obstacles while maintaining health, relationships and wellbeing (https://www.katetrafford.com/gettherelovehere). I too feel blessed that starting as a co-writing buddie, we’ve become fast friends!

      Reply
  • Linda Lee Hopkins January 24, 2025, 11:20 am

    Hello my Dear. Thank you for sharing this awesome testimony. You both are amazing people and I am glad that I had the chance to meet you. Continue making a difference in the world. May you and your family continue to be blessed.

    Sending you loads of love from Paris.

    Linda Lee Hopkins

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 24, 2025, 12:50 pm

      Linda – Jerry and I will always treasure our evening with you at The Speakeasy. Your singing brings joy to so many https://lindaleehopkins.fr Love back to you in Paris from us in Switzerland, XO

      Reply
  • Nicola Winzenried January 24, 2025, 11:23 am

    Thank you for this lovely newsletter. Just what I needed in this beginning of year where short days and political unrest started to get the better of me. Thank you for the light you just brought to my day and hope to see you soon.

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 24, 2025, 12:51 pm

      Nicola – I’m glad my message was ‘just what the doctor ordered’ to bring you light! Hope to see you in 2025.

      Reply
  • Tobe Levin von Gleichen, PhD January 24, 2025, 1:03 pm

    Congratulations, Nadine. And I love your kashmiri crewel coat — a twin to one of mine;-) I should add that kashmiri crewel attracts devotion; I actually bonded with Peggy McIntosh through our mutual love of the craft.

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 27, 2025, 10:18 am

      Tobe – I bought that Kashmiri coat while working on a multi-sector partnership to address child malnutrition in India. Whenever I wear it, I remember the extraordinary people I met in the field. And, I always get compliments on its beauty.

      Reply
  • Shepard Forman January 24, 2025, 1:34 pm

    Thanks, Nadine, for the uplifting message. It helps us all through these rough times.
    We had a wonderful year, including a family return to a Timor-Leste after fifty years to present our proof of concept of the digital archive of 1973-74 field materials that we are preparing to repatriate to the Makassae among whom we lived and studied. I was also humbled and privileged to receive the Order of Timor-Leste from President Jose Ramos Horta
    Timor struggles on, a model of a young, committed democracy. We should all take heart.
    All best to you and Jerry, She

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 25, 2025, 12:33 pm

      Shep – we first met when you were first advocating for the rights of the people of Timor-Leste. I treasure the friendship Jerry and I have had with you and Leona since the. Committed democracies give all of us hope.

      Reply
  • Theresa de Langis, PhD January 24, 2025, 2:56 pm

    Thank you for a wonderful reminder that the darkest nights have the brightest stars. Keep on shining, dear Nadine!

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 24, 2025, 3:04 pm

      Theresa – your work in conflicted-affected regions including Cambodia, Myanmar, Timor-Leste, Nepal, Afghanistan, the Philippines, Papa New Guinea is so impressive. As a specialist in human rights and genocide, you shine a light in very dark places to help improve life for countless people.

      Reply
  • Phoebe de Larrabeiti January 24, 2025, 3:03 pm

    Your reminder to “celebrate our ability to have a positive impact even in the darkest moments” came at the perfect time for me Nadine. Very grateful to have you in my life!

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 24, 2025, 4:23 pm

      Dearest Phoebe – having you in my life is one of life’s greatest blessings!

      Reply
  • Amy and David Marchinda January 24, 2025, 4:04 pm

    You are an amazing woman of God!! We are so inspired by your love.

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 24, 2025, 4:15 pm

      Amy and David – you have done so much to spread God’s love so your words are extremely meaningful to me!

      Reply
  • Sharon Nelson January 24, 2025, 4:04 pm

    Hello Nadine,
    Excellent column! What a great first quarter you are having!! Congratulations!! You never disappoint and I continue to be inspired by your level-headed, pragmatic sagacity.

    As Womens history month is upcoming, I would like to draw your attn to Dr. Opal Lee, a true unsung National American Treasure! She is the Grandmother of Juneteenth and her advocacy led to the recognition of June 19th becoming a federal holiday. In the awkwardness of the Trump era, the sourcing and celebration of American History is paramount! I welcome your feedback and comment on Dr. Lee’s activism and relevance in today’s panacea of world cacophony.

    Reply
  • Bruce Harris January 24, 2025, 4:08 pm

    Ethical Business Leader of the Year— very impressive and congratulations . Unfortunate with this Trump administration that ethics appear to have been thrown out the window.

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 24, 2025, 4:20 pm

      Bruce – administrations come and go but it is citizen activism that will save our nation and our world. As the famous anthropologist Margaret Mead said, “Never underestimate the power of a small group of committed people to change the world. In fact, it is the only thing that ever has.”

      Reply
  • Guenter Schmittberger January 24, 2025, 4:55 pm

    Hope is praying or energy in frontier & emerging markets, faith of GE4A is bringing Green Energy to All. https://ge4a.com/

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 25, 2025, 12:36 pm

      Gunter – thank you for everything you do to advance the SDGs (UN Sustainable Development Goals)!

      Reply
  • Ennis January 24, 2025, 6:42 pm

    Dear Nadine –

    It’s always wonderful to hear from you, and I wish you continued success. Your efforts are recognized and they help us to maintain our hope and courage.

    Please send Jeff and Bruce my best wishes, as well. And hopefully they will remember me.
    Thank you.

    With kind regards,
    Ennis

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 25, 2025, 12:38 pm

      Ennis – with our friendship of more than 60 years, I will share yur good wishes with my brothers Jeff and Bruce (who’s pictured in this post with some of his children and grandchildren). They will certainly remember you and your sister who shares my namesake. XO

      Reply
  • Marguerite Mariama January 24, 2025, 10:41 pm

    Thank you Nadine! Your sentiments echo my own. The LIGHT will always prevail. It’s just a matter of time. FAITH is the key.
    Sending LOVE to you and Jerry!

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 25, 2025, 12:48 pm

      Dearest Marguerite – you have brought LIGHT to so many around the world as an Arts Envoy for the US State Dept. One great example, of countless others, was when you co-led a Global Citizens Circle ‘Inhabiting Hope: Artivism, our Universal Language’ https://bit.ly/3pl7yyj

      Reply
  • Jackie Jenkins-Scott January 25, 2025, 1:09 pm

    Good morning, Nadine,
    Thank you for sharing these beautiful memories/events. You have inspired me this morning to have HOPE and FAITH that there will be a better tomorrow!
    Happy early birthday to Jerry
    With gratitude and admiration,
    Jackie

    Reply
  • Jyoti Srivastava January 26, 2025, 4:16 pm

    It’s so comforting to read anything you post – I always look forward to receiving news from you and Jerry. You both look incredible – we miss you in NY.
    Please let me know when you’re back in NYC, Bob, Anjali, Lina and I would love to see you and Jerry.
    Thank you for all you do and Happy New Year!

    Reply
    • Nadine B Hack January 26, 2025, 5:13 pm

      Thanks, Jyoti, I’ll let you know next time in NYC. It will be me solo as, Jerry will be 90 in 4 months and he no longer takes transatlantic flights. So, if you want to see him, you’ll have to visit us here as Lina did.

      Reply

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