WomenVenture's 15th annual Fall Leadership Event November 12, 2010

WomenVentures 15th annual Fall Leadership Event
Themed Investing for Impact, this years event will be held November 12th at the Minneapolis Convention Center. Keynote speaker is actress and world-class athlete Geena Davis, with entertainment by motivational singer Jearlyn Steele.

WomenVenture unveils gala plans to celebrate
the 15th anniversary of its Fall Leadership Event
Change and innovation are nothing new to this organization, which continues to have a positive impact on our community

The way we do business here in the Twin Cities is evolving. Many of todays most influential leaders are actively seeking ways to network with the up-and-coming business professionals of tomorrow. This fall, women business leaders and professionals will once again gather for one of the biggest networking events of the year.
With the announcement of its 15th annual Fall Leadership Event, themed Investing for Impact, to be held November 12th at the Minneapolis Convention Center, St. Paul-based WomenVenture (www.womenventure.org) is once again proving its ability to combine innovation with inspiration to reach the top business leaders in our community. The Fall Leadership Event, presented by Wells Fargo, is expected to attract as many as 1,000 established professionals on the rise.
Were celebrating this landmark 15th anniversary by bringing new and exciting changes to this event, confirms newly-appointed WomenVenture President Deb Wilkens-Costello. This year, we are offering an exciting and interactive day designed specifically to meet the needs of businesswomen throughout our community.
Geena Davis is Keynote Speaker
Actress and world-class athlete Geena Davis will be the events keynote speaker, joining the illustrious ranks of past keynote speakers including Maya Angelou, Jehan Sedat and Yolanda King. Whether motivating audiences with her passionate message of why gender equity is empowering for both men and women, encouraging them to stand up for Title IX legislation prohibiting gender discrimination in educational institutions, or urging them to aim high in their personal and professional lives, Davis is a powerful speaker who never fails to enlighten, entertain and inspire.
New this year
Greater personal interaction: This year, the Womens Marketplace will be livelier than ever. With aisle after aisle of exhibits, this is the place to shop, sell and network.
Client Showcase: Nine businesses that have been helped by WomenVenture will be highlighted. This is the chance to see firsthand the impact that this organization has on our community, and to explore these businesses products and/or services.
Standout and Emerging Leaders Tables: This year, corporations and businesses can host a table at the luncheon recognizing their own high-potential women and/or emerging leaders. Those special women will be recognized by having their name and organization included in the event program. They also will receive a special name tag and ribbon, and a personalized certificate from WomenVenture recognizing their achievement.
Circle of Influence: Individuals who want to change the economic climate in our community, and to shape the breadth and depth of WomenVentures influence, may want to join this network. Membership includes participation in the Presidents annual strategic planning summit, as well as the opportunity to provide input and direction to help guide WomenVentures programs. The first members of the Circle of Influence will be introduced and acknowledged during this years Fall Leadership Event.
Annual Awards
During this years event, WomenVenture will continue its tradition of honoring women in our community who have made exceptional contributions. Awards will be given in four categories: Nothing Ventured/Nothing Gained, Lifetime Achievement, Pioneer and Unsung Hero.
Motivational singer Jearlyn Steele, always an audience favorite, also will be on hand to perform.
Funds raised at the Fall Leadership Event will have a major impact on thousands of women, empowering WomenVenture to provide programs and services to develop meaningful careers, navigate job loss and changes, to start and grow small businesses, and to effectively manage their economic resources, says Wilkens-Costello.
Early bird ticket prices for the WomenVenture Fall Leadership Event are $95 for individuals and $950 for tables of 10. After July 31st, prices are $125 for individuals and $1250 for tables of 10. To purchase tickets, and for additional information, go to www.womenventure.org.
Media Note: To arrange an interview with Geena Davis or a WomenVenture representative, contact Media Relations, Inc. at 612-798-7220.
15th Annual Fall Leadership Event
Friday, November 12, 2010, Minneapolis Convention Center
10:30 a.m. Marketplace and Client Showcase Opens
12:00 to 1:30 p.m. Program and Keynote Presentation
2:30 End of Event
About WomenVenture
WomenVenture is a non-profit organization that is dedicated to helping women gain economic prosperity. WomenVenture has helped more than 90,000 women succeed in business and in life during its three-decade history. WomenVenture fulfills its mission by teaching women skills to find careers with higher wages; navigate job loss and changes; start and grow small businesses and manage their economic resources.
Biography Geena Davis
Whether motivating audiences with her passionate message of why gender equity is empowering for both men and women, encouraging them to stand up for Title IX legislation prohibiting gender discrimination in educational institutions, or urging them to aim high in their personal and professional lives, Geena Davis is a powerful speaker whose appearances never fail to enlighten, entertain and inspire.
Few have achieved such remarkable success in as many different fields as Geena has. An Oscar and Golden Globe winning actor, world-class athlete (at one time the nations 13th-ranked archer), skilled musician, and successful film producer, Geena is one of the most respected women in Hollywood. As a passionate supporter of girls and women, Geena has founded The Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, focused on dramatically increasing the percentage of female characters and reducing gender stereotyping in movies, TV and other media aimed at kids 11 and under. She also spearheads GeenaTakesAim.com, which champions Title IX legislation and girls participation in sports.