GIRLS COALITION OF SOUTHWESTERN PENNSYLVANIA FOURTH ANNUAL CONFERENCE FOR PROFESSIONALS WHO WORK WITH GIRLS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 26, 2012

Media Contact:
Heather N. Mediate
412-805-7633
hnmediate@mac.com

Pittsburgh, PA--The Girls Coalition is excited to announce the Fourth Annual Conference for Professionals Who Work with Girls, "Elevate the Conversation. Inspire Collaboration and Action," to be held on March 28, 2012. The event will feature two keynote speakers, Madeline Di Nonno, Executive Director, Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media, and Rebecca Collins, Director of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion Program, RAND Health.

In partnership with WQED, and through the Women and Girls Lead project, the 2012 Girls Coalition Conference is constructed as a day of professional development for executives, managers, and staff of girl and youth-serving organizations, as well as concerned parents, educators, policy makers, and others who work with women and girls. The event also will include members of the Girls Coalition sharing their experiences with PROGRESS, and how they are working to empower all girls with the skills they need to negotiate throughout their lifetime.

Not only will the keynote speakers share their expertise about the impact of media on the development of girls and young people, but the breakout sessions will integrate film clips as a catalyst for discussion. Session topics include: gender stereotypes and athletics, music and messaging, online gaming, girls and the juvenile justice system, redefining business and beauty, and data driven decision making. Social work CEUs will be available through sponsorship by the University of Pittsburgh.

Full conference details, including online registration, can be accessed via the Girls Coalition website at www.girlscoalitionswpa.org. Cost is $90 or $75 for Girls Coalition members

About the Girls Coalition of SWPA
Since 2008, the Girls Coalition of Southwestern Pennsylvania has been helping girl-serving organizations connect, collaborate, and create a better place for girls to grow up right here in southwestern Pennsylvania.

Media and Interviews
Media is invited to attend the event and to schedule interviews with the keynote speakers, session panelists, and members of the Girls Coalition. Contact Heather Mediate at 412-805-7633 or hnmediate@mac.com.