Governor Rendell, First Lady Join Commission for Women to Celebrate Women's History...

Governor Rendell, First Lady Join Commission for Women to Celebrate Women's
History Month

HARRISBURG, Pa., March 13 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Celebrating March as
Women's History Month, Governor Edward G. Rendell, First Lady Judge Marjorie
O. Rendell and PA Commission for Women Executive Director Leslie Stiles today
honored eight inspirational Pennsylvania women and three essay contest-winning
Milton Hershey School students during the commission's annual celebration in
the Capitol Rotunda.

"These eight women represent only a few of the many women in Pennsylvania who
make a positive difference every day," Governor Rendell said. "Outstanding
women throughout the commonwealth deserve our continuing recognition and
appreciation for their lasting contributions to business, public service, the
arts, and our families."

The following women were nominated by Pennsylvania Commission for Women
commissioners for consistently helping their communities and affecting change
across the state:

-- Barbara Attie, producer/director, Attie & Goldwater Production;
-- Blondell Reynolds Brown, councilwoman, Philadelphia City Council;
-- Janet Goldwater, producer/director, Attie & Goldwater Production;
-- Thora Jacobson, chief operating officer, Philagrafika;
-- Senator Jane Clare Orie, Pennsylvania Senate District 40;
-- Aida Spino, humanitarian;
-- Rose S. Tucker, former Luzerne County commissioner; and
-- Eleanor Rand Wilner, poet, writer, professor and editor.

In keeping with the event's theme, Women's Art: Women's Vision, PA Commission
for Women essay contest winners and Milton Hershey School students Kayvon
Asemani, Kyreise Pope and Isma Terrence read their winning essays about
notable Pennsylvania women.

International folk music trio Simple Gifts also performed.

Women have always been visionaries with an uncanny capability to understand
the world around them and, subsequently, move to strengthen others," said
First Lady Judge Rendell. "We owe a debt of gratitude to these women of the
past, and we admire today's eight honorees who have taken up this mantle; with
that same unremitting strength of spirit to elevate others throughout the
communities of our commonwealth."

"This year's theme, Women's Art: Women's Vision gives us another perspective
on women across this state and across the ages who have given so much of
themselves to help others," said Leslie Stiles, Pennsylvania Commission for
Women executive director. "Their accomplishments are, indeed, works of art."

The mission of the Pennsylvania Commission for Women is to identify and
advance the diverse needs and interests of Pennsylvania women and girls; to
inform, educate and advocate for its constituents; and to provide
opportunities to empower women and girls to reach their highest potential.
For more information, visit www.pcw.state.pa.us.

The Rendell administration is committed to creating a first-rate public
education system, protecting our most vulnerable citizens and continuing
economic investment to support our communities and businesses.To find out more
about Governor Rendell's initiatives and to sign up for his weekly newsletter,
visit his Web site at: www.governor.state.pa.us.

CONTACT:
Chuck Ardo
717-783-1116

SOURCE Pennsylvania Office of the Governor

Chuck Ardo of the Pennsylvania Office of the Governor, +1-717-783-1116