Paul Miller (DJ Spooky), Doren Pinnell, and Sharon London
Paul Miller (DJ Spooky), Doren Pinnell, and Sharon London
Katie Goldsmith, Alexandra Hews, and Mary Frances Szoradi
Katie Goldsmith, Alexandra Hews, and Mary Frances Szoradi
Silbi Stainton introduces Peter Bergen
Silbi Stainton introduces Peter Bergen
Spencer Keep, Brittanie Rockhill, and Blaine Wesner
Spencer Keep, Brittanie Rockhill, and Blaine Wesner
Steven and Clare Evert Shane and Blaine Wesner
Steven and Clare Evert Shane and Blaine Wesner
The guests take their seats
The guests take their seats
Silbi Stainton
Silbi Stainton
Peter Bergen, Dan Baer Silbi Stainton, and Alexa Wesner
Peter Bergen, Dan Baer Silbi Stainton, and Alexa Wesner
Heather Steenge-Hart and Michelle Bryan
Heather Steenge-Hart and Michelle Bryan
Alessandra Lembo, Kimberly Bloom, and Dana Presutti
Alessandra Lembo, Kimberly Bloom, and Dana Presutti
Bisque Jackson and Jillian Livingston
Bisque Jackson and Jillian Livingston
Brian Beazley and David Raife
Brian Beazley and David Raife
Catherine Anne Provine and Lisa Baker
Catherine Anne Provine and Lisa Baker
Cory Potter and Natalia Catan
Cory Potter and Natalia Catan
Danielle Givens
Danielle Givens
Eric Kuhn, Dan Baer, and Spencer Keep
Eric Kuhn, Dan Baer, and Spencer Keep
Farida Ahmad and Dipika Rai
Farida Ahmad and Dipika Rai
Nando Gutierrez and Kendra Lauren
Nando Gutierrez and Kendra Lauren
During a private tea on July 16, Silbi Stainton, the founder of Marshall Direct Fund spoke about the impetus for creating the nonprofit in 2007. “We had military solutions to fight terrorism but not enough diplomacy and economic solutions,” Stainton explained. MDF was born to fight global problems with “soft power.” The focus is on Pakistan. In 11 years, MDF has partnered with other organizations to build schools, educate youth, (especially young women), and to provide vocational training to women, creating economic opportunities and shifting culture, community by community.
During the annual reception the following day at the home of Alex Wesner and Blaine Wesner, guests heard from journalist Peter Bergen who has covered Pakistan for 25 years. The best-selling author, CNN national security analyst and documentary producer spoke frankly about the threat of terrorism and specifically about our historically troubled relationship with Pakistan, giving important context to the grassroots efforts made by MDF.
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