Maria Shriver Opens Registration for the 2005 Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women & Families: 'Lessons on Leadership, Activism and Family'

Maria Shriver Opens Registration for the 2005 Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women & Families: 'Lessons on Leadership, Activism and Family'

Registration Begins Today!

LOS ANGELES, July 5 /PRNewswire/ -- On a mission to highlight Lessons on Leadership, Activism and Family, Maria Shriver will open registration for the 2005 Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women and Families today. Tickets, which can be purchased by signing onto www.californiagovernorsconference.org, are expected to sell out quickly for this day-long event scheduled to be held at the Long Beach Convention Center on October 27. Shriver promises the 19th annual conference for women and families is guaranteed to be better than ever-before.

"I am truly honored to be a part of this extraordinary conference that empowers and inspires millions of California women," said Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "California is home to some of the most talented and enterprising women in the entire world and I am so proud that this conference will showcase their amazing achievements and contributions to our state."

This year's prestigious panels of speakers represent more than 60 diverse and prominent national leaders in their fields. Award-winning journalist Tom Brokaw, CNN foreign correspondent Christine Amanour, Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O'Connor and Pulitzer Prize-nominated poet Maya Angelou are just a few of the speakers scheduled to appear.

"I am thrilled to serve as host to this historic and powerful day-long event that brings together tens of thousands of California's multi-cultural and multi-tasking women. Whether you are a stay-at-home mom, a scientist, a teacher, nurse practitioner, journalist or engineer you will end your day inspired and energized by the many courageous speakers who struggle daily to live life to its fullest and to give back by serving those around them," said Maria Shriver. "This year's conference will continue to honor California's remarkable women through the 2nd Annual Minerva Awards ceremony and for the first-time we will showcase a wide-array of our state's produce and products at the newly created California Marketplace, promoting healthy eating, California style."

Conference participants can give a special welcome to the new 2005 Minervas of Tomorrow program, granting 500 young women the chance to interact with dynamic role models and mentors. Students involved with Minervas of Tomorrow are invited to attend the conference general sessions and seminars, as well as the Minervas of Tomorrow Youth Leadership Session, specially designed for their needs. The program provides young women with an opportunity to share in this inspirational and educational day, celebrating women leaders of the past and those creating a vision for the future. Also, new this year, Governor Schwarzenegger will preside over the Minerva Scholars Award ceremony, presenting four students pursuing a bachelor's degree in the fields of nursing, business, math, science or special education, a twenty-five thousand dollar scholarship to pay for costs associated with completing their education.

Volunteerism and service will continue as focal points for the conference Shriver often refers to as the "Conference with a Conscience." The 2004 Governor's Conference on Women debuted the highly successful Volunteer Village, which will be expanded to play an even more prominent role this year -- including exhibits sponsored by 45 outstanding not-for-profit organizations.

The day will also include Pastor Rick Warren, author of The Purpose Driven Life; Dr. Agatston, author of the South Beach Diet; renowned author and spiritual leader Dr. Deepak Chopra; award-winning journalist Linda Ellerbee; Chairman of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, Dana Reeve; diet and fitness expert Suzanne Somers; acclaimed entertainment writer Nora Ephron; personal finance guru Suze Orman; television personality Lisa Ling; and Chairman and CEO of Young and Rubicam, Ann Fudge. Mary J. Blige will close the day with the second annual Remarkable Women's concert.

More information on the California Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women and Families and tickets are available at www.californiagovernorsconference.org. The Honorary Premier Sponsor for the 2005 California Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women and Families is BP. Presenting Sponsors include Safeway/Vons. Sponsorship packages and ticket sales information are available online. Conference material including digitally recorded panel sessions, "Tips" books and other conference material will be available after October 27, 2005.

Contact: Jaime Sarachit MS&L 323-866-6018

Source: California Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women and Families

CONTACT: Jaime Sarachit, of MS&L, +1-323-866-6018, for the California Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women and Families

Web site: http://www.californiagovernorsconference.org/

------- Profile: Ent