For Immediate Release
April 24, 2009
Contact Information

Terrilyn Simmons
404-270-5822
tsimmons8@spelman.edu

(BPRW) TOP POLITICAL STRATEGIST DONNA BRAZILE IS PREMIER SPEAKER AT 2009 SPELMAN COLLEGE LEADERSHIP AND WOMAN OF COLOR CONFERENCE

(BLACK PRWIRE) ATLANTA, April 23, 2009 – Donna Brazile, renowned political pundit, syndicated columnist and author of “Cooking with Grease,” will headline the discussion on President Obama’s first 100 days in office at the Spelman College Leadership and Women of Color Conference, May 14 in Atlanta.

The 2009 conference, themed “Building a Community for Change,” held May 13 and 14 will assemble a diverse group of thought leaders to address the issue of community engagement during a time of financial adversity. Brazile will provide the keynote address during the “Women, Change, Analysis and Action” session that will examine President Barack Obama’s policies affecting change. Jamal Simmons, political strategist and media consultant and Shaun Robinson, Emmy Award-winning journalist, “Access Hollywood” and “TV One Access,” will also lead discussions on civic responsibility.

“President Barack Obama has urged all Americans to participate in a new era of service and community involvement in the United States,” said Jane E. Smith, Ed.D., executive director, LEADS at Spelman College. “Leadership and civic engagement are proven methods to help realize the goals of building stronger and more productive communities. This conference will help attendees develop the strategies necessary to facilitate and lead positive change in their workplaces, homes and neighborhoods.”

Through workshops, forums and facilitated discussion, the conference will address critical questions such as:
• How do we build collaborative, durable and diverse communities — within, across and outside of our organizations and institutions — that survive during crisis and thrive during calm?
• What are the leadership skills and emotional competencies of those who will conduct this vital work of change?
• How can women acquire and apply the skills necessary to sustain ourselves and our communities during this period of unprecedented job loss and economic distress?

Spelman will also recognize individuals and organizations that have helped shape and enhance the role of past, current and future generations of leaders at its signature event, the “Legacy of Leadership Awards” dinner on May 13. This year’s honorees include five organizations that focus on economic issues:

• Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Georgia
• Atlanta Business League
• Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Georgia Women’s Business Council
• Metro Atlanta Chamber of Commerce

For additional information on registration, schedules and speakers, visit www.spelmanwomenofcolorconf.com.