Walsh University’s Center for Business Collaboration will welcome national author and motivational speaker Consolee Nishimwe and Director of Community Relations at WEWS-TV News 5 Moreen Bailey Frater on Friday, October 5, from 4 to 6 p.m., in the Barrette Business and Community Center. The topic for their discussion will be “Everyone has a story to tell – why not tell yours?” This event is free and open to the public.

Author Consolee Nishimwe is a survivor of the 1994 genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. She went through the horrors of genocide at the age of 14 when she and her family were forced to leave their home in Rubengera, Kibuye, and go into hiding when the genocide started. Unfortunately, during the course of the three-month-long genocide, her father and three young brothers were murdered along with many other close relatives.

In 2012, Consolee released her memoir Tested to the Limit: A Genocide Survivor’s Story of Pain, Resilience and Hope. Her horrible story is sharply contrasted by her resilience and message of love.  Rather than vengeance, she instead relies on tolerance, faith and love. Consolee Nishimwe refused to let the inhumane acts she suffered strip away her humanity, zest for life and positive outlook for a better future. In recognition of her courage and accomplishments, Consolee was awarded the 2013 ASALH Living Legacy Award and the NSANGA STEP UP Service Award. She has been featured on FOX 5 TV New York, The Huffington Post, and has appeared as a panelist and speaker at the United Nations and at a number of educational institutions of higher learning including Yale, NYU, Columbia, Lehigh, Marquette, Brandeis and Georgetown Universities.

Moreen Bailey Frater is Director of Community Relations for the local ABC affiliate, WEWS News 5. She worked in local radio as a reporter, talk show host and as news & public affairs director prior to joining News 5 as a Reporter/Producer. Moreen then moved into the role of Community Relations Director and later spearheaded the station’s diversity program in addition to her duties in Community Relations. One of her key roles is to ensure that News 5 is in compliance with FCC regulations. In addition, she produces News 5’s weekly public affairs program, Kaleidoscope and Spotlight 5, a daily two-minute commercial segment. She is the station’s liaison for Academic Challenge and works with the News 5 Creative Services Department on community partnerships and station sponsorships.