Washington – The American Association of University Women announced today the speakers for the annual National Conference for College Women Student Leaders in Washington, D.C. The conference is a two-day event focused on important, contemporary leadership issues. It will provide women students with opportunities to build leadership, advocacy, networking, financial management, and other skills as campus leaders.
This year’s keynote speakers include Zainab Salbi and Courtney D. Lynch. Salbi is an acclaimed author, social entrepreneur, activist, and philanthropist. She is founder of Women for Women International, where she has encouraged tens of thousands of women to help women survivors of wars and civil strife rebuild their lives. Salbi has been honored by Forbes and Time magazines for her philanthropic and humanitarian achievements.
Courtney D. Lynch was a Marine Corps captain and business professional before she established her own leadership consulting company. Her company, Lead Star, is dedicated to sparking a national dialogue on the topic of women and leadership. Lynch is co-author of a best-selling leadership book for women, Leading from the Front.
In addition, the Women of Distinction Awards are presented each year at the National Conference for College Women Student Leaders. This program pays tribute to women leaders who have made extraordinary accomplishments in their professions or their communities. With their commitment to women, international issues, and public service, these women are inspirational examples to women everywhere and serve as important role models for women college student leaders. Past awardees include playwright, performer, and activist Eve Ensler; Rep. Linda Sanchez (D-CA); Olympic medalist Dominique Dawes; and Consuelo Castillo Kickbusch, founder and president of Educational Achievement Services.
This year, the Women of Distinction awardees include:
- Deborah Bial, President and Founder of the Posse Foundation
- Alison Malmon, President and Executive Director of Active Minds, Inc.
- Caryn Mathes, General Manager, WAMU 88.5 FM
- Asra Nomani, Author of Standing Alone in Mecca
- Maria Otero, CEO or ACCION International
To learn more about the conference’s keynote speakers and the 2007 Women of Distinction, visit the website.
The conference is presented by AAUW’s Leadership and Training Institute in partnership with NASPA’s Center for Scholarship, Research, and Professional Development for Women. Themed “Leadership for Today and Tomorrow,” the conference will be held June 7–9, at American University in Washington, D.C.
For more information about the conference, please visit our website or contact Andrea Minkow at 202/785-7741, minkowa@aauw.org.
To schedule an interview with the keynote speakers or the 2007 Women of Distinction awardees, please contact Rebecca Leaf at (202) 785-7738 or leafr@aauw.org; or Ashley Carr at (202) 785-7745 or carra@aauw.org.
