This year I had the wonderful opportunity to attend The Women’s Conference held at the Long Beach Convention Center on October 27, 2009. Many people might not know what the Conference is so first let me explain a bit more historical information behind the conference. The women-focused event began originally in 1986 as an initiative by the state of California for working women. In 2004, The Women’s Conference leadership came under the direction of Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and First Lady Maria Shiver. The Conference over the last six years, under the direction of Maria Shiver, has become one of the largest events for women in this country, and had hosted major news makers and leaders in all fields.
The program is divided into segments with presenters and panels on various topics ranging from work to personal life issues. The main stage hosted amazing speakers this year as did the breakout sessions held throughout the event.
In the morning session, speakers included Paula Zahn, Geena Davis, Eve Ensler, and a courageous woman, Somaly Mam. I was so impressed with Ms. Mam, a former sex slave from Cambodia; she now works to help other young girls who are being forced into a life in the brothels. She has set up a safe house and an education center.
The morning panel was moderated by Robin Roberts of Good Morning America, and focus on a conversation regarding leadership during difficult times, which included Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Sheila Bair (Chairman of FDIC), and Sir Richard Branson. The conversation included how does one make tough decisions and what one needs to be a successful leader in today’s world.
After the morning main session ended, the breakout conversations or sessions began. I attended the workshop on the topic of how to manage your health so work and stress don't kill you. The workshop featured Dr. Mehmet Oz, author of the YOU book series. His insights on how to best take care of your health was great and his statements on why we need universal health care were awesome.
The afternoon main session included two panel discussions and a great speech by Katie Couric. Although I’m not a Couric fan it was awesome to hear her story and how she worked very hard putting in many hours to achieve her dreams.
The first panel discussion was moderated by David Gregory from NBC News, and “Meet the Press,” on the topic of how a women’s nation changes everything, which included former Secertary of State Madeleine Albright, Amy Holmes, a political analyst for CNN News, Valerie Jarret, Senior Advisor to the President, and Clair Shipman of ABC News. The focus of the conversation was in regards to the groundbreaking study recently released, called, The Shiver Report, which in a powerful look into the role of women in today’s society. After hearing these amazing women speak, I will admit that I’m now a huge fan of Sec. Albright, she is an awesome woman who has seen the role that women play in this society change drastically in her lifetime and we truly benefit from her groundbreaking struggles in a perceive man’s world.
The next panel was a once-in-a –lifetime experiences. Maria Shiver, herself; spoke about her own grief regarding the lost of her mother Eunice Kennedy Shiver, and Uncle Ted Kennedy. Ms. Shiver then hosted a panel about grief that included Elizabeth Edwards and Susan Saint James, two women who have lost sons by tragic accidents as well as Lisa Niemi, Patrick Swayzne’s widow. This part of the conference was I believe the most moving and amazing experiences of the day. It was affirming to hear mothers speak about their grief and feelings of lost in regards to losing children. Too often in this society those are that grieving hear the message of “get over it” and deal with those feelings of sadness in privacy. This concept holds many of us women back and this was a great reminder of needing to share those feelings of lost with those around us.
At various parts of the day the main Exhibit Hall featured women friendly businesses, non-profits that support women or women’s issues, as well as a bookstore that sold many of the books from the people at the conference. At one end of the Exhibit Hall authors were holding book signings. I was fortunate enough to be able to met with Elizabeth Edwards and have her signed a copy of her book, “Resilience.” I asked her to sign the book in honor of Ikaika, and I had brief conversation about grief and lost with her. I first thanked her for giving grieving mothers a voice that we so lack in this world. She was so kind and asked me when I lost my child. I was able to share the story of Ikaika with her and she shared with me a story about her son Wade’s birth (Wade is the son she lost 14 years ago in a tragic car accident when he was 16 years old). She said she remembers the day that Wade was born the woman in the room next to her delivered a stillbirth baby and she said she never forgot the sounds of the cries of that woman and her family. A very brief encounter with a remarkable woman and I’m profoundly moved by her kindness.
I also had the opportunity to have Madeline Albright sign a copy of her new book, “Read my Pens.” She was a true woman of character and I’m honored to have her signature in my new book.
At the end of the day, the conference ended with awarding four truly inspirational women the Minerva Award. The Minerva Awards were created in 2007, are named after the Roman Goddess of Wisdom and Justice, who is also portrayed on the California State Seal. The winners of the award have made contributions to California in various areas of life, from the arts, sciences, business world and beyond. This year’s winners included Dr. Jane Goodall, Agnes Stevens, Helen Waukazoo and Dr. Kathy Hull. This award ceremony was very moving and hearing the stories of these women made me feel that I have so much more to contribute to the community I serve.
The night ended with a wonderful performance by Alicia Keyes. Her single performance left me wanting to hear more and I know really want to attend one of her concerts.
My best friend, Barbara, attended the conference with me and it felt great to spend a day together surrounded by so many amazing women as well as to share this experience with her. One of the major lessons I took away from this day is how much women need to support one another. Life continues to become more stressful and instead of walking around me guilt that we are not living up to the expectations we place on ourselves we need to honor and support one another.
