Diana Peterson, a Utah mother, humanitarian and education activist, was recently honored at the Lincoln Center Institute's Annual Benefit Gala in New York City.
Peterson has been serving on the board for the Lincoln Center Education for the past four years and received her honor for her continued diligence in pushing for child education. She has also served as a member of Children’s First Utah, an organization that strives to provide a quality education for low-income and at-risk children across Utah.
“I certainly had no thought of any honor or award. It’s just been something that I have been passionate about since I was a little girl,” Peterson said. “I couldn’t really help it. I was raised by a mother and a father who prized education and music above all else. Those were the highest values of our family. In every fiber, it’s what I care about.”
Peterson is also serving as a board member for the Gifted Music School in Salt Lake City. The Gifted Music School is a nonprofit children’s school that works toward promoting the importance of musical education in the U.S.
“There are always needs. When you show up ready to help, however they need help, relationships begin and understanding of new things begins,” Peterson said. “It’s almost always started with music. People need music in their lives.”
Peterson had the opportunity to serve as chairwoman of Choice Humanitarian. While serving as chairwoman, she led the U.S. division of the French organization, Action Autonomie Avenir, which provides orphans and other underprivileged children in Nepal with opportunities for better homes, education and careers.
“I’m so grateful for the music in my life,” Peterson said. “It shapes your ability to do hard things and cooperate with other people and appreciate what people can do together, each playing their small part.”
Of all her achievements, Peterson considers being a mother her most important calling. She and her husband have been married for 42 years. Together they have seven children and 20 grandchildren, with two more on the way.
“Being in a family and supporting each other is what life is all about,” Peterson said. "Growing up, I looked forward to being a wife and mother. Those were my main goals. It all just happened by following what I care most about.”
Peterson stresses the importance of family and motherhood. Her own mother passed away a couple of months ago. The Sunday morning after the funeral, the bishop of the LDS ward asked all of the extended family to stand and sing “I Believe in Christ.”
Peterson has been a part of the BYU A Cappella Choir and the Mormon Tabernacle Choir of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, but she said that this was, by far, the most amazing experience she has ever had singing.
“It’s great to do other things, and of course while we are here, we are to contribute to the improvement of our world,” Peterson said. “But when you can see what you’ve been able to be a part of because you are a mother, and you see your children becoming parents, everything else pales.”
Email: mswensen@deseretnews.com