Cynda Collins Arsenault has been named a Global Luminary by the UN Women’s Peace & Humanitarian Fund for her leadership in advancing women’s roles in peace and security. Through Our Secure Future, she champions policy change, trust-based philanthropy, and advocacy, amplifying women's voices in conflict resolution worldwide.
Cynda Collins Arsenault at the 2018 International Women’s Day Gala Luncheon and Seminar hosted by World Denver. Photo: Our Secure Future
NEW YORK, March 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United Nations Women's Peace & Humanitarian Fund (WPHF) has named Cynda Collins Arsenault, founder of Our Secure Future (OSF), as a 2025 Global Luminary in recognition of her exceptional work promoting women's organizations in peace and security. This prestigious honor comes as part of WPHF's newly launched Global Luminary Campaign, which aims to spotlight and support women peacebuilders and rights defenders working in crisis situations worldwide.
Advocating for the Women, Peace and Security Agenda
Collins Arsenault has over 45 years of experience in non-profit work including peace and justice, criminal justice, mental health, disability rights and environmental issues. As the founder of OSF, she has spearheaded efforts to implement the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda both in the United States and internationally. Her work challenges traditional notions of security, emphasizing the importance of women's perspectives in creating lasting peace.
"We are in a transition stage, and it will not be quick. But we are laying the foundation," she stated. "I am always surprised when talking to people who are not aware of the WPS agenda, so the more we can publicize it to the general public, the more hope we have."
Collins Arsenault's philanthropic approach focuses on long-term, systemic solutions to increase women's voices in peace and security. She has been a vocal advocate for trust-based philanthropy, especially for women-led organizations, recognizing the deep expertise women bring to the table in conflict resolution and peacebuilding efforts.
Strengthening Women’s Roles in Decision-Making
Collins Arsenault’s work with OSF has contributed to significant policy advancements, including the establishment of the first bipartisan Congressional Caucus on Women, Peace and Security in the United States.
Under her leadership, OSF has tirelessly worked to advance women's roles in decision-making and to implement the WPS agenda. The organization uses policy advocacy and strategic partnerships to strengthen the capacity of government actors to include women and implement their recommendations on pressing issues such as tech-facilitated gender-based violence.