Jacquiline Touba is a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction

Senator Betty Little today announced that Dr. Jacquiline Touba of Glens Falls has been recognized as a New York State Senate "Woman of Distinction." Dr. Touba was honored at a ceremony in Albany on Wednesday, June 10 along with 15 other women from across New York State.

"Jacquiline Touba’s creation of a museum here in Glens Falls to educate children and adults about cultural diversity has truly been a labor of love," said Senator Betty Little. "The museum is a testament to a lifetime of learning, teaching and sharing. Jacquiline’s long list of accomplishments is inspiring, and I am very pleased to have this honor of recognizing her as a New York State Senate Woman of Distinction."

"I am deeply honored to be chosen by Senator Little as a Woman of Distinction from the 45th Senate District," Touba said. "I feel that this honor goes far beyond me for many people have been involved in the establishment of our Museum and my success throughout the years. I shall cherish the memory of this occasion."

Dr. Jacquiline Touba is the founding executive director of the World Awareness Children’s Museum, an educational institution located in Glens Falls which fosters knowledge and appreciation of world cultures through exhibitions, interactive programming, the International Youth Art Exchange and educator-led tours. She is also a Museum Assessment Program Reviewer for the American Association of Museum.

Dr. Touba’s diverse and extensive experience, both here and abroad, as a curator, published author, independent scholar, university professor and sociologist inspired her to initiate the International Youth Art Exchange and to help create the museum in 1995 with a mission to foster awareness and understanding of worldwide cultural diversity for children and adults.

The museum’s International Youth Art collection today features more than 6,000 works of children’s art from 69 countries as well as over 3,000 artifacts and educational objects.

Touba received her Master of Science and Doctorate degrees in Sociology from Purdue University. Prior to attending Purdue, she studied at Leiden University and the International Institute of Social Studies, The Hague, The Netherlands and worked for the Planning Service of South Holland. Her work led to a law in the parliament which designated a forever green area to keep Rotterdam and Gouda separate.

From 1970 to 1980, she taught sociology and conducted research as Head of the Comparative Sociology Section of the Institute for Social Studies and Research at Tehran University in Tehran Iran. While overseas she also served as a consultant to the Joint Study of Widows with USHEW and the University of Cairo in Egypt and conducted research on many social issues affecting Iranian women and children.

Upon returning to the United States in 1980, Touba taught at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs and entered into private business. In 1984, she founded the International Arts and Culture Association in Glens Falls, which led to the creation of the International Festival of the Adirondacks, International Youth Art Exchange and cultural outreach programs for children.

Touba is a published author and her extensive research and writings have been featured in many national and international publications and meetings.

Professional organizations she currently belongs to include the American Association of Museums, Association of Youth Museums, National Art Education Association and New England Museum Association.

An active member of her community, Touba is a member of the Rotary Club of Glens Falls, , Lower Adirondacks Regional Arts Council, Lake George Arts Project and North Country Arts Center, the Hyde Collection and the Chapman Museum.

She is the recipient of many awards and honors, including the Purdue University Distinguished Alumni Award, School of Liberal Arts, Zonta International Peace Award and Lower Adirondack Regional Arts Council Apple Award for Outstanding Contribution to Arts in Education, Girl Scout Woman of Distinction and the Soroptimist’s Making a Difference for Women Award.

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