A group of seven McConnell Scholars, including myself, and two McConnell Center staff members attended the annual Women4Women luncheon at the Galt House on Friday, September 17. We heard from keynote speaker Sally Helgesen, an expert on leadership development for women.
The luncheon had audience members (nearly 1,200 people attended) participate in an interactive quiz about issues facing women and girls. We found out, among other things, that access to higher education is declining and that the United States ranks 73rd in the world for women in elected offices, behind Pakistan and China. Kentucky ranks 47th out of the 50 states in that same category.
The luncheon was a great opportunity to see what the Louisville community is doing to try to help its women and girls. I was proud the McConnell Scholars had a presence at this important community function with notables such as Mayor Jerry Abramson, Attorney General Jack Conway and University of Louisville Provost Shirley Willihnganz. And, I hope that the day's events will inspire the young women who attended to leadership in the community.