FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
No. COC-06-082-SC
March 17, 2006
Scholarships to Leadership Conference Offered The City of Santa Clarita is offering 25 scholarships to attend the Women's Leadership Conference on April 11 to high school students interested in learning what it takes to be a leader. "The future of our community rests with the youth in this valley," notes Adele Macpherson, community services superintendent for the city. "The city is pleased to support student leaders who want to broaden their understanding of leadership by attending this important conference." The Women's Leadership Conference will bring together women from business and the community, as well as entrepreneurs, who want to learn more about how to be more effective leaders on the job or in their personal lives. Speakers include Jamaal Wilkes, former NBA Laker and president of Jamaal Wilkes Financial Advisors; a team of women scientists from the JPL-NASA Exploration Program; and Janet Choi, enterprise reporter for KTLA News. A full agenda with keynote speakers, breakout sessions and networking opportunities is planned for the event at College of the Canyons. "Women are a powerful and influential force in our community," Macpherson said. "Nationally, 60 percent of women participate in the U.S. labor force, representing 47 percent of the total labor force. One in every 11 adult women in the U.S. owns a business, and female entrepreneurship has been growing at twice the national average since 1977. Exposing our students to the important role of women leaders is critical to their future and to our community." Ann Kerman, executive director of the School and Business Alliance, agreed. "We are thrilled to bring the conference to junior and senior high school students in this valley," she said. "Fostering the development of our youth by connecting them with the other women leaders attending this conference is an innovative approach to preparing students for life beyond high school." The scholarships will be offered on a first-come, first-serve basis. Kerman noted that local companies can join with the city to offer student scholarships. Any company wishing to sponsor additional high school students at the conference can contact Kerman at (661) 259-0033, Ext. 776. For information about the conference, contact Agnes Eguaras at College of the Canyons at (661) 362-5034 or visit the conference website at www.cocwlc.org. | 
