Dr. Maya Angelou To Be Keynote Speaker At Olivia Travel Equality And Leadership Summit

SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Olivia Travel, the world's largest travel company that offers chartered cruise, resort, adventure and luxury vacations especially for the lesbian community, announced today that one of the most renowned and influential voices of this generation, Dr. Maya Angelou, will be the keynote speaker for the group's Equality and Leadership Summit. The gathering will take place on a seven-day (Feb. 1-8, 2014) chartered eastern Caribbean cruise and will highlight other nationally recognized individuals including civil rights pioneer Edie Windsor, Florida Congresswoman and Chair of the Democratic National Committee Debbie Wasserman Schultz and Executive Director of the National Center for Lesbian Rights, Kate Kendell. Entertainment will include Grammy-winning Indigo Girls and comedians Judy Gold and Karen Williams. For a complete list of participants and entertainment, please visit Olivia.com.

"This year we have already seen groundbreaking progress for LGBT rights and equality and we felt the time was right to hold a gathering with influential women whose words and actions carry a powerful message of leadership and success," said Judy Dlugacz, founder and president of Olivia Travel. "By having Dr. Angelou lead the summit as our keynote speaker, followed by messages of strength from our other invited guests, we are expecting that the 1900 women who will be taking part in the cruise will leave invigorated and inspired to take on the world in new ways."

A celebrated poet, memoirist, novelist, educator, dramatist, producer, actress, historian, filmmaker and civil rights activist, Dr. Angelou is hailed as a Global Renaissance woman. From her legendary work with Malcolm X and the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., to her heartfelt memoirs including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings (1970), The Heart of a Woman (1981), Phenomenal Woman: Four Poems for Women (1995) and Letter to My Daughter (2008), she certainly has left her mark on history. Dr. Angelou has been awarded over 30 honorary degrees, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Presidential Medal of Arts, and 2008 Lincoln Medal and has received three Grammy awards. She is a civil rights and feminist icon and an inspiration to us all.

The Equality and Leadership Summit will take place on Holland America's ms Westerdam, a fully chartered ship that highlights the latest industry and environmental technologies, stunning atrium and sophisticated decor. Most of the staterooms have ocean views and many have private verandahs. Restaurants range from casual to elegant and the ship features a luxurious spa, fitness center, culinary arts center, casino, shops and more.

SOURCE Olivia Travel