Jody Williams, 1997 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, will present “The Power of One: An Individual’s Impact on Social and Political Change” at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 8, in the Elam Center.

Her appearance is co-sponsored by Honors Programs, the Freshman Experience, the Division of Academic Affairs, the Division of Student Affairs, the Student Activities Council and the Student Government Association.

The event is free and open to the public.

Williams won the Nobel Peace Prize for her campaign against landmines.

She is one of 10 women who have received the Nobel Peace Prize and only the third woman from the United States.

Williams is an outspoken advocate for peace and human rights issues.

She founded the International Campaign to Ban Landmines (ICBL) and has overseen its growth into more than 85 countries.

Working with governments, the United Nations and the International Red Cross, the ICBL has achieved an international treaty banning antipersonnel landmines.

Prior to beginning the ICBL, Williams worked to develop humanitarian relief projects for El Salvador and other Central American countries.

She has taught English as a second language (ESL) in Mexico, the United Kingdom and Washington, D.C.

Williams received a master’s degree in International Relations from Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, a master’s in Teaching Spanish and ESL from the School for International Training and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Vermont.

“Jody Williams shows us how one person can change the world,” said Dr. William Zachry, professor of psychology and director of honors programs.

“Her message is an inspiration to anyone who wants to make a positive difference in people’s lives.”

The Academic Speakers program annually brings distinguished scholars, writers and performers to UTM. All lectures end with a brief question and answer period.

For more information, contact Dr. Zachry at zachry@utm.edu.