International Women's Day 2002 Luncheon

The city of Phoenix, Phoenix Women's Commission and the International Women's Day Steering Committee host an annual celebration of International Women's Day that commemorates the continuing struggle of women to improve their lives and raises money for scholarships for women to continue their education. Proceeds from this year's celebration, with the theme "Women Inspiring Women: Celebrating New Opportunities," funded $28,000 in scholarships to 10 local colleges and universities.

This year, to mark the 11th annual International Women's Day Luncheon, we were proud to host keynote speaker Lisa Ling, a seasoned reporter and co-host of ABC Daytime's The View. Ling has reported from more than two dozen countries including Afghanistan, India, Cambodia, China, Colombia, Iraq and Vietnam. She has gone to the front lines of civil war where she interviewed members of the Taliban and served as a freelance correspondent for the weekend edition of ABC News. She took this year's crowd of nearly 1,400 luncheon attendees on a journey that expanded their view of the world. Bettye Harris-Jackson, president and CEO, Jackson Airport Enterprises, Inc., was this year's honorary chair.

In the past seven years, more than $300,000 has been raised for scholarships that were awarded to 10 local colleges benefiting 375 women. Platinum sponsors of the event include KTVK 3TV/Mas Arizona, ARAMARK, Arizona Public Service, city of Phoenix, Philips Semiconductor, Today's Arizona Woman and Wells Fargo. Gold sponsors include America West Airlines, Arizona Diamondbacks/Phoenix Suns and city of Phoenix Finance Department.

The 2003 event will be March 13 at the Phoenix Civic Plaza. For sponsorship opportunities, contact the city of Phoenix Equal Opportunity Department at 602-261-8242/voice or 602-534-1557/TTY.

2002 Luncheon Photo Gallery

	The colorful International Parade of Flags kicked off the event with a celebration of global diversity.
Seasoned reporter Lisa Ling took the attendees on a journey that expanded their view of the world.
	Bettye Harris-Jackson, president and CEO, Jackson Airport Enterprises, Inc., was this year's honorary chair.
	Phoenix City Councilwomen Peggy Neely, who represents District 2, and Peggy Bilsten, who represents District 3, lent their support to this year's event.
Jesse McGuire, local trumpet player, inspired the audience with his renditions of The Star Spangled Banner and God Bless America.
	A representation of the 75 recipients of the 2001 International Women's Day Scholarship awards program offered to nine local colleges and Lisa Ling, television talk show co-host and keynote speaker.
(l. to r.) Community Relations Director KTVK 3TV Marlene Klotz Collins, Commissioner Brenda Sperduti, Honorary Event Chair Bettye Harris-Jackson, keynote speaker Lisa Ling and Commission Chair Amy Mancuso honor all women who are committed to reaching their goals.
	(l. to r.) Equal Opportunity Specialist LaVina Horne, Deputy City Manager Andrea Tevlin, City Councilwoman Peggy Neely, Assistant City Manager Sheryl Sculley, Commission Chair Amy Mancuso, Commissioner Brenda Sperduti, keynote speaker Lisa Ling, Equal Opportunity Deputy Director Carolyn Gall, City Councilwoman Peggy Bilsten and Equal Opportunity Director Carole Coles Henry, celebrate another successful event.