FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FORMER LIEUTENANT GOVENOR OF MISSOURI TO SPEAK MARCH 25 ON EMPOWERING WOMEN

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo., March 15, 2002 – Harriett Woods, former lieutenant governor of Missouri, will present the keynote address at an “Empowering Women to Overcome Adversity” seminar on March 25, featuring a special video address by Sen. Jean Carnahan.

The seminar presented by Women in Public Life will be held on the campus of Southeast Missouri State University in Glenn Auditorium of Robert A. Dempster Hall from 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Women in Public Life is an organization at Southeast dedicated to providing women with the skills and training necessary to be active and successful in public life. The organization was founded as the Southeast regional chapter affiliated with the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life in St. Louis.

“It is our second year for this very exciting event,” said Dr. Ginny Moore, coordinator of the Women's Studies program at Southeast and faculty advisor to Women in Public Life. “Well over 200 participants from the region attended last year's seminar where Rep. Jo Ann Emerson was our keynote speaker. This year we are looking to have as many or more participants for another great event.”

Continental breakfast and registration is scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. The seminar will begin at 8 a.m. with a special presentation honoring heroines of Sept. 11. Women from the region's local fire departments, police stations, Red Cross and military will be honored.

The rest of the morning's activities are to include panel discussions on overcoming physical adversity, overcoming emotional adversity and overcoming professional adversity. The seminar will conclude with a luncheon at noon featuring the keynote address by former Lt. Gov. Woods.

To register or for more information, call Dr. Moore at (573) 986-6121. Registration also is available online at www5.semo.edu/wipl/registration.htm.