A somewhat belated happy birthday to one of the most impactful humans in my life William R. Pace. Bill Pace is one of those people who has had a profound impact on every person they meet, whether it be an intern, a UN diplomat, or the UN Secretary General.
I’m so fortunate to have worked for Bill for for almost ten years at the World Federalist Movement and the Coalition for the International Criminal Court. Bill was more than a boss, he was a father figure to me, guiding, advising, and modeling for me how to be an activist, an organizer, and a leader.
Bill taught me how to speak truth to power, the value of coalition-building, and how to find common ground among competing interests. I’m still not great at any of those things, but any skill I have is because of him.
Bill Pace has never adequately received the accolades he deserved for decades of behind-the-scenes work to promote human rights and justice. But those of us who know, know.
Happy Birthday, Bill.
