Celebrating 80 Years of the United Nations Charter

Last week, our founder Zellipah Githui had the honor of co-chairing the United Nations Association of St. Louis 80th Anniversary Celebration, alongside Riz Khan, President of Little Angels Foundation. The evening brought together an inspiring community of leaders, advocates, and change-makers, all committed to advancing the UN’s mission of peace, justice, and sustainable development.

Zellipah delivered a heartfelt speech sharing her personal story of growing up in poverty and how that experience continues to guide her life’s work through Gitzell Fair Trade. Her mission aligns closely with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 1: No Poverty) and (SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth) — empowering women artisans across Africa through her Fair Trade Federation partnerships that create sustainable livelihoods and lasting impact.

The event was filled with stories of resilience, collaboration, and global citizenship. It featured inspiring voices like Gilberto Pinela, Director of the Office of New Americans under Mayor Cara Spencer, who is helping make St. Louis a thriving, welcoming home for immigrants and refugees, and Kris Le, who represented Congressman Wesley Bell and read his congratulatory message.

The evening also brought together Carlos Suarez, and fellow members of the UN St. Louis Board, who reflected on how collective action continues to carry forward the UN’s legacy of harmony, equality, and progress.

✨ Events like this remind us that change begins at both the local and global levels. From artisans’ workshops in Africa to community leadership here in St. Louis, we each have a role to play in shaping a fairer world.