I just got off the phone with California first lady Maria Shriver. She provided me with a partial list of speakers for her 2009 California Governor and First Lady's Conference for Women Oct. 26-27 in downtown Long Beach. The list is embargoed until 11 a.m., so check back then. Tickets go on sale Monday. Last year, they sold out in three hours.
In the meantime, for information on ticket sales, read Andrew Shortall's story from today's paper at http://www.presstelegram.com/news/ci_12772808
This year's Women's Conference comes at a time when the entire nation is in financial turmoil. Now more than ever, the speakers should be more dynamic than ever. Not since the great depression have so many families been harshly affected in areas that exist as a result of this crisis. Areas such as..Education, housing, health, jobs to name a few. I read that Kate Gosselin, (television mother of 8)is scheduled to be speaking at this years conference. If this is true,(and I hope it's not) I have to wonder what makes her especially qualified. This is not the time for a wealthy,sudo celebrity mother to take the stage..better a regular mother who has had to do it the hard way could enlighten us . Please I ask you to reconsider having Kate Gosselin at the podium.
Good luck and much success with this years Women's Conference. Sincerely, Judy Bodnar