FRESNO, CA (KMJ) – Tickets for the 31st Central California Women’s Conference go on sale Thursday.
Organizer Jan Edwards says they are expecting a quick sellout with icon Maria Shriver as their keynote speaker.
Maria Shriver is a trailblazer for empowering women and is one of the world’s leading advocates for women and Alzheimer’s. Maria serves as an inspiration for others to become “Architects of Change” and make the world a better place. Her life is driven by her fervent belief that everyone has the ability to make a difference. -CCWC
“I’ve always enjoyed my time in Fresno and I look forward to returning there on September 25,” said Shriver. “I am pleased that I will get to engage with so many women in the Central Valley who are seeking to make a difference in their lives, in their community, and in the world.”
Shriver is the mother of four, an Emmy and Peabody Award-winning journalist, a seven-time New York Times bestselling author, an NBC News Special Anchor, and the founder of Shriver Media and The Women’s Alzheimer’s Movement. Her new book is I’ve Been Thinking…Reflections, Prayers and Meditations for a Meaningful Life. As the former First Lady of California, Shriver coordinated Women’s Conferences from 2003 to 2010 that set the bar for all other conferences.
CCWC Board president Nené Casares shared, “We are using a special Q&A format for the luncheon this year so attendees will get new insight into Maria’s life-changing ideas.”
The theme of this year’s CCWC is Be the Difference. Attendees will celebrate their differences and be inspired to move forward in making a difference in all areas, including careers, relationships, and, most importantly, their own personal growth.
The morning Warm-Up Session kicks off the conference by honoring 20 under-served young women who will receive the Wells Fargo/CCWC College and Career Preparation Scholarships. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of need, promise and the students’ commitment to create positive change.
Also in attendance at the conference will be the five AT&T/CCWC/Central California Education Opportunity Center (CCEOC) Re-Entry Scholars.
The morning keynote speaker is Mallika Chopra. Chopra, a media entrepreneur, author, and the founder of Intent.com, speaks to audiences around the world. Her most recent book is Living With Intent: My Somewhat Messy Journey to Purpose, Peace and Joy. She is also the founder of The Chopra Well, a premiere YouTube channel she launched with her brother, Gotham Chopra, and father, Deepak Chopra.
Attendees choose three breakout sessions to attend throughout the day from 21 options. Topics include career development, health and fitness, money and finance, relationships, courage, service and activism, and strength and change.
“This year’s lineup is so diverse and rich in valuable information,” said Casares. “This unforgettable conference will be a day of information, networking, fun, great food, and ‘retail therapy’ for our hard-working women of this Valley.”
Attendees also have the opportunity to visit the conference Marketplace and Community Corner where more than 175 businesses and non-profits share information about their products and services. Visitors will be treated to samples, gourmet tastings, information and shopping.
“There’s really no other event like this in the Valley,” said long-time conference-goer June Boyce. “I love it – I come at 7:15 a.m. and leave at 5:30 p.m. and I really feel pampered all day long – and this year includes Maria Shriver – WOW!”
The day winds down with the Cool-Down Session where women enter to win prizes, kick off their shoes and relax. This year’s Cool-Down speaker is Karen Mills. Mills has been a nationally touring comedian for 25 years. Even her experience with ovarian cancer couldn’t stop her from turning pain into punchlines. Diagnosed in 2013 after a routine checkup, Karen was determined to take on the disease with hope and humor. Now cancer free, her mission is to love, laugh and take on everything life hands you with a positive attitude.
Tickets are $125 each, limited to the first 3,500 attendees. Admission includes continental breakfast, all seminars, the celebrity keynote speaker luncheon and the afternoon reception.
Major sponsors include Cumulus Media, and many more.
CCWC has given $1 million during its 31-year history to community benefit organizations supporting women and children in the Valley.
CCWC is the largest women’s event in the region and will be held from 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 25, 2018 at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center.
Visit www.CCWC-Fresno.org
Click to listen to the report by KMJ’s Liz Kern:
