EAST BRUNSWICK, N.J. – Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Susan Bass Levin today hosts the 2006 Governor’s Conference for Women from 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Hilton.  Speakers include New Jersey Governor Jon S. Corzine, TV Journalist and CNN Co-Anchor Soledad O’Brien and Rutgers Women’s Basketball Head Coach C. Vivian Stringer. 

“I am proud to be a part of such an important effort to empower New Jersey’s women and encourage them to continue pursuing leadership roles throughout the state,” said Governor Corzine.  “The immense influence that women have had -- from medicine to government to media to business -- has transcended historical gender divisions and made New Jersey a better place to work, a better place to learn and a better place to live.”

More than 1,200 attendees and 130 speakers will come together in support of this year’s conference theme – “Make Your Mark” – which is designed to encourage women to make a difference through advocacy and leadership.  Attendees will participate in 27 workshops on leadership, networking, technology, lobbying, retirement, domestic violence, mental health, cancer, volunteerism, education and much more.

“As women, we bring unique perspectives to the world around us,” Commissioner Levin said.  “Whether you are a doctor, a mother, a senior citizen or a student, we all have important stories to tell.  The 2006 Governor’s Conference offers an exciting opportunity to empower women, as we are able to share in each others’ experience and learn from our triumphs and challenges.”

Conference highlights include a kick off by Governor Corzine at 8:30 a.m.  During lunch at 1:30 p.m., Soledad O’Brien will recount her life story and journey on becoming a leading television journalist.  At 5 p.m., Coach Stringer will receive the 2006 Women of Excellence Award. 

The 2006 Governor’s Conference for Women is hosted by the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs’ Division on Women.  The conference is self-sustaining, funded entirely through sponsorship opportunities and registration fees. 

About the Division on Women
The Division on Women was established in 1974 by law to serve as state government’s central permanent agency for the coordination of programs and services for women. The Division works to create, promote and expand the rights and opportunities for all women in New Jersey. It conducts research leading to public policy to support the development, coordination and evaluation of programs and services for women.