Annual Forum Delves Into Concept of Effective Government During 2016 National Business Women’s WeekTM

Annual Forum Delves Into Concept of Effective Government During 2016 National Business Women’s WeekTM

An all-female panel will discuss what makes democracy work the same night of the third presidential debate.

ST. PETERSBURG, FL (September 21, 2016) – Election years tend to spur questions about effective government. What does it take to make democracy work? How can citizens impact government policies, programs and representation? How do the three branches of government affect citizens at the local, state and federal levels? These issues, and more, will be explored at the annual working women’s forum hosted by Business and Professional Women/St. Petersburg-Pinellas (BPW), “From My House to the White House: Navigating the Crossroads of American Democracy,” on Wednesday, October 19, 2016, from 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. at The Studio@620 (620 1st Avenue South, St. Petersburg). The BPW forum, which will be in a panel format, will be held during National Business Women’s Week (October 17-21, 2016).

Local news veteran Rob Lorei of WEDU’s Florida This Week and WMNF Radio will moderate an all-female panel whose backgrounds span the local, state and federal levels of government: Deborah Clark, Pinellas County Elections Supervisor; Nikki Gaskin-Capehart, Director of Urban Affairs for the City of St. Petersburg; and The Honorable Myriam Irizarry, County Judge, Pinellas County.

The event begins at 5:30 p.m. with networking, light hors d’oeuvres and a cash-only bar. The panel discussion, followed by a question-and-answer session will begin at 6:00 p.m. Advance tickets are $25 for members, $30 for non-members. Admission at the door is $35. For tickets: http://new.bpwstpetepinellas.org/working-womens-forum/

“National Business Women’s Week™ during an election year provides BPW with a platform for working women to learn how to advocate for themselves in the realm of government,” said Jerri Evans, 2016-2017 President of BPW/St. Petersburg-Pinellas. “The BPW Working Women’s Forum features three accomplished women who will share their experiences on how government—good and bad—impacts our lives and what citizens can do to change the narrative.”

Major sponsors of the event include Healthy Start at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (Presenting Level) and Duke Energy (Gold Level).

About Business and Professional Women (BPW)/St. Petersburg-Pinellas

BPW/St. Petersburg-Pinellas is the local chapter of BPW/FL, which is affiliated with the national BPW Foundation. Founded in 1919 at the national and state levels, and in 1966 at the local level, BPW crosses generations, occupations and political parties. BPW’s mission is to achieve equity for all women in the workplace through advocacy, education and information. General membership meetings are held on the first and third Thursdays of each month at 400 Beach Drive Seafood and Tap House in Downtown St. Petersburg. Guests are welcome to attend and experience a meeting. For more information: www.bpwstpetepinellas.org.

Signature activities for 2016-17 include the Young Careerist and Individual Development Programs from October 2016 – January 2017, the Working Women’s Forum on October 19, the Unhappy Hour observing Equal Pay Day in April 2017 and the Equality Day Tea in August 2017. The 2016-17 President is Jerri Evans, legal assistant for Lisa A. Hoppe, PA, Attorney at Law.

About National Business Women’s Week™ (NBWW)

To recognize the achievements of American working women, Business and Professional Women’s Foundation celebrates National Business Women’s Week™ during the third week of October. Since 1928, NBWW has honored the contributions of working women and employers who support working women and their families. NBWW provides an opportunity to call attention to women entrepreneurs, facilitate discussions on the needs of working women, share information about successful workplace policies, and raise awareness of the resources available for working women in their communities. For more information: bit.ly/bpwfdnnbww.

About Business and Professional Women’s (BPW) Foundation

BPW Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization, works with women, employers and policymakers to create successful workplaces that practice and embrace diversity, equity and work-life balance. Through its research and unique role as a neutral convener of employers and employees, BPW Foundation leads the way in developing and advocating for policies and programs that “work” for both women and businesses. For more information: www.bpwfoundation.org.

Contacts: Lori Bremer (727) 501-6637 or Alizza Punzalan-Randle (727) 215-2699, forum@BPWStPetePinellas.org

 

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