“The National Women’s Leadership Summit is an opportunity to Honor, Celebrate, and Create. Today, we will honor you for your contributions, celebrate our mutual successes, and energize and inspire each other as we create ways to move forward. You will work with women from across the country to support visions, work out practical solutions, and collaborate [on]... existing programs... By working together, and by supporting each other, we can expand upon our success and enhance the lives of even more women and girls.”
-- Women’s Bureau Director Shinae Chun, in her opening remarks

Opening Plenary


         Karen Kerrigan, CEO of WE, Inc.

The Opening Plenary included a panel of high level women leaders from government and the private sector and was moderated by Karen Kerrigan, CEO, WE, Inc.

• The Honorable Ellen Sauerbrey, U.S. Representative to the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women, provided a global perspective of women and an update on the status of Beijing +10.
  
  
• The Honorable Dina Powell, Assistant to the President for Presidential Personnel, discussed women in government and gave a short overview on the process of filling over 4,000 political appointments.
  
  
• Ms. Maria Brennan, Executive Director, American Women in Radio and Television, discussed women in the media and the importance of involving media in events like this National Women’s Leadership Summit and other events taking place across the nation that focus on working women’s issues.

Delores Crockett, Field Coordinator for the Women’s Bureau, served as the moderator for the morning session.

Leadership Luncheon

The Leadership Luncheon highlighted two prominent women in high-level government positions. Their presence spoke volumes, saying to the audience that women who have the skills and experience can serve our country in a high-level capacity and also speak to the issues working women face.

• Karen Czarnecki, Director of the Department of Labor's Office of the 21st Century Workforce, discussed the importance of both internal and external partnerships and how her office has partnered with the Women’s Bureau over the last four years. She described the series of Women’s Entrepreneurship in the 21st Century Summits and the women's business portal, www.women-21.gov.

• The Honorable Frances Townsend, White House Homeland Security Adviser, was the keynote speaker. She described her career path leading up to her current position, noting that because of an early life experience that impacted her greatly, she pursued a law degree as a means to help others through government service. She discussed her responsibilities as Homeland Security Advisor, how she works with the President and other senior officials, and how having a very supportive boss (the President) helps her find the flexibility to do a very demanding job while also raising two children.

Closing Plenary

Karen Furia, Women’s Bureau National Office Coordinator, summarized the Breakout Sessions and pointed out that by working together and supporting each other, we all can build upon our successes and enrich the lives of working women. The outline of the Women’s Bureau’s Strategic and Performance Plan for Fiscal Years 2003-2008 was also shared with the audience.

The Women’s Bureau is proud to support working women as they strive to be leaders, mentors, partners, and entrepreneurs in their community.

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Statements of or attributions to private sector speakers or participants may not necessarily reflect Department views.

For More Information About WB, Contact:
U.S. Department of Labor
Women's Bureau
200 Constitution Avenue, NW - Room S-3002
Washington, DC 20210
Telephone 1-800-827-5335 or (202) 693-6710
Fax (202) 693-6725