Transformation Story Series

Kathryn Duval got the job as Development Director of MAG America (Mines Advisory Group), but left the interview convinced it was a flop. She had celebrated her mother for half of the interview when responding to the question: who inspires you? She credits her mother, Susan, not only for the job (ha!), but also for an incredible upbringing through the personal sacrifices she made for her family. Despite graduating as Valedictorian of her high school class, she didn't have the chance to get her advanced university degree until she was into her 60s, after which she landed her dream job at the Burchfield Penny Art Center in Buffalo, NY.

The only American-born child of three, Manivone's mother was pregnant with her when she immigrated from a refugee camp in Thailand. Leaving behind a war tom past in Laos, her family arrived in Denver, Colorado. Life in America challenged her to assimilate and simultaneously afforded her educational opportunities - a dual process that developed her notion of self and sense as an artist. And made her the versatile woman she is today. Now, a mother of two, Manivone lives in Brooklyn.

Starting with small arms at the Cluster Munitions Coalition to ban the use and stockpiling of cluster bombs in Laos, Laura's mission remains humanitarian disarmament, advocating for international commitment to avoid the use of heavy explosive weapons.

Starting with small arms at the Cluster Munitions Coalition to ban the use and stockpiling of cluster bombs in Laos, Laura's mission remains humanitarian disarmament, advocating for international commitment to avoid the use of heavy explosive weapons.