Stonecrest community development director cites family, perseverance in Women’s History Month remarks

Shawana Kawi, the Division Director for Community Development for the city of Stonecrest, used remarks recorded in the meeting transcript to mark Women’s History Month and to reflect on family influences and leadership. "Personally, Women's History Month means perseverance, patience, and prosperity," Kawi said.

Kawi framed the observance as personal and generational, saying her 98-year-old grandmother "is current on all events and can tell you a story or 10 about growing up in her day and time," and that family calls of encouragement drove her public service. "Women's History Month is my mother's constant call to encourage me knowing the trails and tribulations of this world," she said.

Kawi tied those personal histories to professional milestones, saying that women once barred from basic financial and civic participation later became national leaders and that she herself became "the first female community development division director for the city of Stonecrest." She urged young women to know themselves and to hold to their values: "Be who you are when the world is watching, but be who you are when you take solace in your own peace."

She also offered guidance for leaders, saying character, morals and values should ground leadership and warning against attractive but harmful options: "Always be prepared to know when you are being served poison that is all bright and glittery. Just be prepared to know your comfort. You are what you accept."

Kawi closed her remarks by connecting courage to life experience and by identifying herself to the audience: "I am Shawana Kawi, the Division Director for Community Development. I am Stonecrest proud."