Landmine Activist Jody Williams to Speak at Caltech

For Immediate Release April 17, 2000

PASADENA—Jody Williams, 1997 Nobel Peace Prize–winning coordinator of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, will speak at 8 p.m. April 21 in the Beckman Institute auditorium at the California Institute of Technology. The address is free and open to the public.

Massachusetts Representative James McGovern describes Williams as someone "who believes that people can move nations to take actions that benefit all humanity." Indeed, her work has led to the passage of agreements in 134 countries to prevent the use, storage, and production of landmines. Her efforts were recognized when she, as corecipient with the International Campaign to Ban Landmines, won the 1997 Nobel Peace Prize.

She began her career working for Medical Aid for El Salvador, a nonprofit group that helped war victims in El Salvador by delivering prosthetics to thousands of children who lost limbs to landmines.

Williams's presentation is part of the Social Activism Speakers Series, coordinated by the Caltech Y to provide resources and opportunities for enriching student life. It is sponsored by Caltech Institute Relations, the Caltech Y, and the President's Office. The Beckman Institute auditorium is at 400 South Wilson Avenue. Parking is available in the Wilson parking structures across the street.