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Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson participated in the 9th annual International Women-In-Diplomacy Day event in Los Angeles on March 10, 2025. The gathering was held at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints' Los Angeles Temple Visitors’ Center, with more than 120 women attending.
“As women, we are part of a global sisterhood,” President Johnson addressed the audience. “I know that when the hearts of women are knit together in unity and love, we can change the world, one life at a time.”
President Johnson served as the keynote speaker for the event, which coincided with International Women’s Day observed globally on March 8. She stated, “Imagine what would happen if we, as women in leadership roles, could unleash the full power of women to transform their personal inspiration into organized action.”
The event included panel discussions and activities attended by women diplomats and international leaders. President Johnson also moderated one of these panels.
The initiative was started nine years ago by Mame Toucouleur Mbaye, honorary consul of Senegal in Los Angeles. “Nine years ago, I was almost alone here as a diplomat,” Mbaye noted about growing interest in the event.
This year’s focus was on mental well-being for women worldwide. Mbaye expressed gratitude for President Johnson's participation: “I was so grateful and thankful that she was able to come because she enlightened a lot of women here.”
President Johnson has led the Relief Society since April 2022 and has nearly three decades of experience as a lawyer. She is also a mother and grandmother.
“I speak to you today in my capacity as the President of the Relief Society,” she said during her address.
“Each of our communities depends upon ordinary women for human flourishing as they perform their unique roles as leaders, teachers, nurturers, healers, mothers, daughters, sisters and peacemakers,” she continued.
“If ordinary women are to accomplish their unique roles, they themselves need to be inspired, nurtured, healed, empowered and have sound mental well-being,” she added.
“I strive to be a disciple of Jesus Christ,” she told attendees. “Christ’s most important requirement for me as His disciple is to recognize immediate individual needs around me and respond with patience and love.”
President Johnson highlighted her role leading one of the world's largest women's organizations representing nearly 8 million members. She also oversees humanitarian efforts addressing basic needs for women and children globally. In recent years, about $100 million has been donated by the Church towards improving health and well-being worldwide.
She urged attendees not to overlook those within their immediate care circle: “We cannot reach every person in the world no matter how well funded our programs or well penned our policies or developed our diplomacy. But through our global sisterhood we can reach every single soul.”
