Day 3 - Maria Bello

Maria Bello is an accomplished actress known for her work in films such as "Thank You for Smoking," "The Jane Austen Book Club," and "Towelhead."  In 2004, she was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for her performance in “The Cooler," and two years later she earned another Golden Globe nomination for her role in “A History of Violence." Bello has used her celebrity to raise awareness about the genocide in Darfur in a myriad of creative ways.

Bello has spoken often and publically about the mass sexual violence too often perpetrated against women during times of war and genocide, particularly in Darfur, and highlighted the ongoing sexual violence in Darfur during a recent interview on CNN’s Charter Communications local edition along with Niemat Ahmadi, the Save Darfur Coalition’s Darfuri Liaison Officer. After choosing to fast for three days in protest of the suffering inflicted on the people of Darfur by their own government, Bello blogged for the Huffington Post to highlight the purpose of her activism.  

In addition to speaking out on the importance of integrating women into peace negotiations and increasing protection, Bello has found creative and unique ways to draw attention to the cause. At the 2007 Critics Choice Awards, where she was nominated for Best Supporting Actress, Bello decorated the back of her vintage Galanos dress with the words “Peace in Darfur," drawing press attention from fashion magazines and media outlets that had not previously covered the conflict in Darfur.  In April 2009, Bello played an instrumental role in bringing together the First Ladies from numerous African states for a 2-day summit on health and human right's issues.

In September 2009, Variety Magazine honored Bello as a Power of Women Lifetime Impact Honoree for her work with the Save Darfur Coalition. When asked why she became involved in Darfur advocacy, Bello stated that “in 2003, when the genocide started happening, I thought it was my duty and my privilege as a human being, as a woman living in a democracy, and as a public figure to speak out and use my voice to talk about the injustice.” For her relentless and sustained effort to bring public attention to the challenges facing women and girls in Sudan, Maria Bello is one of our 16 Leaders this year.

This fall, Yvonne White, an L.A. based candle, accessories and furnishings designer, teamed up with the Save Darfur Coalition to develop a line of candles inspired by elements of the Sudanese landscape. The fragrances and colors are inspired by the sands of Darfur and ingredients range from sandalwood to ginger to hibiscus. All extracts are made from 100% natural essential oils and have a coconut and soy wax base. With the winter holidays approaching, these candles are a gift that gives in multiple ways – all proceeds from the candles support Save Darfur’s advocacy efforts on behalf of women and families in Sudan. Visit Connection:Darfur to learn more about this partnership and the incredible blends Yvonne has developed.