Governor Rendell and PA Commission for Women Host Seventh Annual Pennsylvania Governor's Conference for Women

Thousands of Attendees Embrace Theme of 'Your Time is Now,' Seeking Opportunities for Personal and Professional Growth

PITTSBURGH, Oct. 14 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Thousands of women from across the state gathered today at Pittsburgh's David L. Lawrence Convention Center for the seventh annual Pennsylvania Governor's Conference for Women, co-hosted by Governor Edward G. Rendell and the Pennsylvania Commission for Women.

"In today's challenging environment, we are reminded why a forum like this exists," said Governor Rendell. "The women's conference not only offers the encouragement to tackle today's setbacks, but the tools, skills and networking opportunities to overcome it."

Keynote speakers included Ellen Alemany, CEO of Citizens Financial Group, Inc. and RBS Americas; author Kelly Corrigan; Eve Ensler, award-winning playwright and author of the "The Vagina Monologues"; Jessica Herrin, founder and CEO of Stella & Dot; and, the first female astronaut of color, Mae Jemison.

The Pennsylvania Governor's Conference for Women is a non-profit, non-partisan, one-day event that features more than 60 renowned speakers sharing inspirational stories and leading seminars on the issues that matter most to women, including health, personal finance, business and entrepreneurship, work/life balance, the environment and more.

The conference also included a Career Fair led by Tory Johnson, "Good Morning America" workplace contributor and CEO of Women For Hire.

The career fair featured workshops on career development and advancement as well as practical advice including one-on-one resume critiquing and "speed mentoring" with local career coaches and executives.

"This year's theme, 'Your time is now!' is perfect for the women of Pennsylvania. This one-of-a-kind event provides a great return on investment for the thousands of women looking for the opportunity to continue to grow, learn and succeed," said Leslie Stiles, executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women.

The co-presenting sponsors for this year's conference were UPMC Health Plan and Citizens Bank.

"As a co-presenting sponsor, UPMC Health Plan could not be prouder to partner with Citizens Bank and the Pennsylvania Governor's Conference for Women to offer the women of the commonwealth such exceptional opportunities for networking and professional growth," said Diane P. Holder, President and CEO of UPMC Health Plan. "We hope attendees leave today more assured of their goals and the path they need to follow to achieve them."

"Citizens Bank is honored to serve as co-presenting sponsor of such a comprehensive and enlightening event," said Daniel K. Fitzpatrick, President & CEO for Citizens Bank in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware. "We are particularly proud that Citizens Financial Group's Chairman and CEO Ellen Alemany participated as a keynote speaker, and we wish today's attendees success in all their future endeavors as they apply the new skills learned today."  

Many other corporations generously supported today's event, making a difference in the lives of Pennsylvania women by giving them the tools they need to succeed both personally and professionally.

For more highlights of the event, visit www.pagovernorsconferenceforwomen.org.

Media contacts:

Hannah Calvert, 512-791-1641 (cell)

Arden Anlian, 202-286-1361 (cell)

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor