March 6, 2015 – Estonian artist Jaanika Peerna was awarded with a Certificate of Recognition by the Society of Foreign Consuls. Jaanika Peerna is an Estonian-born artist living and working primarily in New York since 1998.
Her work encompasses drawing, video, installation, and performance, often dealing with the theme of transitions in light, air, water and other natural phenomena. Jaanika’s works are currently presented in the Kentler International Drawing Space and she will be presenting her first book of art at the New York Public Library on March 13th. She is an active community member in cultural events and her committed artistic endeavor has been a great support in promoting Estonian modern art in New York.
On the occasion of the International Women’s Day, twenty women from all over the world were awarded with a Certificate of Recognition for their outstanding achievements and contribution to community empowerment in the USA. Annual Award Ceremony by The Society of Foreign Consuls in New York took place in Banquet Hall, Grand Masonic Lodge.
“As the President of SOFC, I wish to start by appreciating the Consulate General of Slovakia for organizing the Society of Foreign Consuls in New York annual International Women’s Day event. I must also congratulate the twenty Women being recognized today, for their amazing and outstanding achievements. Their contributions to the development of the USA and the honor that accrue to their countries of origin is immense,” said Ambassador Habib Habu, Consul General of Nigeria.
Consulate General of Slovakia in New York was the host country this year. “It is a great pleasure and honor to host the event. These special ladies are wonderful role models, with their outstanding professional achievements they contribute significantly to the America’s society, and they give back to their own communities with their leadership, mentoring, charity work, and professionally linking their countries with the USA,” said Hon. Jana Trnovcova, Consul General of Slovakia.
Initiated in 2011 by Consul General of the Republic of Kazakhstan Raushan Yesbulatova, the reception in celebration of Women’s Day was so successful that it was established as an annual celebration. Since then, every year the Consulate General of the Republic of Kazakhstan graciously carries the flag of the organizers. Participating countries this year include Barbados, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Georgia, Germany, Indonesia, Italy, Kazakhstan, Mexico, Philippines, Qatar, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, South Africa, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Uruguay. All participating countries contribute to the reception with their national specialties.
The event is collaborated with EPN (Entrepreneurs and Professionals Network), whose founder Magdaline Delany was also this year’s MC for the ceremony. PR of this event is managed by Katarina Novakova, director of relations at Blue Horizon International in New York, last year’s recipient of the award.
Since its founding in 1925, The Society of Foreign Consuls in New York has been representing the world’s largest diplomatic community. This unique organization, whose members are gathered from the 113 NYC-based Consulates General, is steered by an Executive Committee made up of elected members representing all countries via regional groupings. The Society strives to promote good relations between the NYC Consular Corps and our hosts, New York and the United States of America. The Society arranges useful forums and briefings with local, state and federal authorities and regular charitable and social events for members and guests.
The Society has regularly held fundraising events and have a long and proud philanthropic record. Since November 1988 when the Society honored former US President Jimmy Carter and made a substantial contribution that year to Habitat For Humanity, other beneficiaries of the more than $850,000 raised in recent years have included Special Olympics, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Paul Newman’s Hole In The Wall Gang Camp, the children’s programs of CARE International and the American Cancer Society.
Estonian Consulate General
