PA Governor's Conference for Women Announces Keynote Lineup

UPMC Health Plan and Citizens Bank to Serve as Co-Presenting Sponsors of the Seventh Annual Event in Pittsburgh, Oct. 14

PITTSBURGH, July 21 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pennsylvania Governor's Conference for Women, co-hosted by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Pennsylvania Commission for Women, today announced that American playwright Eve Ensler, astronaut Mae Jemison, author Kelly Corrigan and Citizens Financial Group CEO Ellen Alemany will be part of the 2010 keynote lineup.

The Seventh Annual Conference is set for Oct. 14 at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh.

"The Pennsylvania Governor's Conference for Women continues to be the state's premier leadership forum for women across the state," said Governor Rendell. "This year's theme – 'Your Time is Now!' – captures the Conference's investment in the future of Pennsylvania by helping provide the opportunity for women to make positive changes in their own lives and communities."  

Ensler is a playwright, performer and activist. She is the award-winning author of "The Vagina Monologues," which has been published in 45 languages and performed in more than 130 countries. She is also the founder of V-Day, the global movement to end violence against women and girls, which has raised $70 million and educated millions through art and activism. Ensler's latest book, "I Am An Emotional Creature," was released in February 2010. She will direct the film adaptation of her play, "Necessary Targets," in 2010.

Jemison launched into orbit aboard the space shuttle Endeavour in 1992, as the world's first woman of color to go to space. The founder and president of two technology companies, she also founded and chairs The Dorothy Jemison Foundation for Excellence, which hosts an annual international science camp. Prior to joining NASA in 1987, Jemison worked in the fields of engineering and medicine. She was a general practitioner in Los Angeles with the INA/Ross Loos Medical Group. She also served as a Peace Corps medical officer in Sierra Leone and Liberia in West Africa in 1980s.

Corrigan is an accomplished author and columnist. Her book "The Middle Place" spent six months on The New York Times bestseller list and her columns have appeared in Glamour and Good Housekeeping. She is now a contributor to O, The Oprah Winfrey Magazine. Corrigan is also the founder of CircusOfCancer.org, a website dedicated to helping friends and family of cancer patients cope and learn how to help and support patients.

Alemany is chairman and chief executive officer of Citizens Financial Group, Inc. and RBS Americas, the North and South American operations and subsidiaries of The Royal Bank of Scotland Group plc. Recognized by Forbes Magazine and U.S. Banker Magazine as one of the most powerful women in banking, Alemany is the first district representative on the Federal Advisory Council, directly consulting with and advising the board of governors of the Federal Reserve System. She is a member of the boards of directors of The Financial Services Roundtable and The Clearing House Payments Company.

This year, the conference will once again partner with Women For Hire to host a career fair for attendees. Led by Women For Hire CEO Tory Johnson, who is also workplace contributor on ABC's "Good Morning America," the career fair features resume critiquing and the "Mentor Match" program, helping attendees to strengthen skills and advance in their careers.

UPMC Health Plan and Citizens Bank will serve as co-presenting sponsors of Pennsylvania Governor's Conference for Women.

"As a co-presenting sponsor, UPMC Health Plan is proud to partner with Citizens Bank and the Pennsylvania Governor's Conference for Women to offer the women of the commonwealth this exceptional line-up of presenters not often found in events open to the public," said Diane P. Holder, President and CEO of UPMC Health Plan. "We encourage women to seize this extraordinary opportunity for self-development."

"Citizens Bank is honored to serve as co-presenting sponsor of such a comprehensive symposium," said Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, President & CEO of Citizens Bank in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. "The keynote speakers – including Citizens Financial Group's Chairman and CEO Ellen Alemany – will make this signature event both inspirational and informative."  

The conference will feature dozens of experts leading seminars on the issues that matter most to women, such as professional development, business and entrepreneurship, health and work/life balance.

To register or learn more about the seventh annual Pennsylvania Governor's  Conference for Women, visit www.pagovernorsconferenceforwomen.org.

Media Contacts:

Hannah Calvert, 512-791-1641 or Fay Fitzsimons, 512-432-1795

Anne Bale, Commission for Women; 717-783-2666

SOURCE Pennsylvania Governor’s Conference for Women