| WHAT: The American Association of University Women will honor five outstanding women at the 2006 Women of Distinction Awards. The awards program, which began in 1985, recognizes those who have a commitment to women, international issues, and public service who have made an impact in the fight for women's equity. WHO: The 2006 AAUW Women of Distinction Awardees: - Rebecca Walker
As an internationally recognize author, she is best known for her book Black, White and Jewish: Autobiography of a Shifting Self, which details the struggle to find her identity in a society that judges. She also is cofounder of the Third Wave Foundation that works to help women ages 15-30 with health, education, and activism. - Consuelo Kickbush
An advocate on the forefront of advancing Hispanic leaders through Educational Achievement Services, she encourages opportunities for Hispanic students. - Beverly Tatum, Ph.D.
(President of Spellman College)
A clinical psychologist who specializes in racial studies and its impact in the classroom, she leads workshops in the development of racial identity. - Eve Ensler
Award-winning author of the Vagina Monologues, she is an activist who seeks to raise awareness and stop sexual harassment and genital mutilation internationally. - Bernice Sandler
(2006 NCCWSL Award for Achievement in Sexual Harassment Education)
A pioneer for educational equity, she is dubbed "the Godmother of Title IX", and was the first to file sex discrimination law suits against over 250 institutions. WHEN: June 8, 2006, 7:00 p.m. WHERE: Mary Graydon Center, American University, Washington, DC The Women of Distinction Awards are presented on the first night of the National Conference of College Women Student Leaders, an annual event which allows students to strengthen their leadership skills, advocacy, civic engagement, networking, and career planning while focusing on improving campus climate. For more information about Women of Distinction awardees and the National Conference of College Women Student Leaders visit http://www.aauw.org/nccwsl/2006/wod.cfm. For a press pass to attend the event or to arrange an interview with a Woman of Distinction, contact Ashley Carr, director of communications, (202) 785-7745 or carra@aauw.org ###
The American Association of University Women, with its nationwide network of more than 100,000 members,1,300 branches, and 500 college and university partners, has been a leading advocate for equity for women and girls since 1881. AAUW proudly celebrates its 125th anniversary this year a legacy of leadership. www.aauw.org Because equity is still an issueTM | 
