The 2006 California Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women


The Women's Conference (also known as the California Governor & First Lady's Conference on Women) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan US organization and annual forum for women. The event first began in 1986 as a California government initiative for working professionals and women business owners.
This was the official website for the 2006 conference hosted by California's First Lady, Maria Shriver.
Content below is from the site's 2006 archived pages.

Welcome to the Online Press Room for the California Governor & First Lady's Conference on Women.

Conference Agenda

The following is the schedule for the 2006 Conference, which took place on September 26th.

 

7:00 AM - 8:15 AM Continental Breakfast
Exhibit Hall
8:30 AM - 10:00 AM Opening Session
Arena

Leslie Sykes, Anchor & Reporter, ABC7 Eyewitness News

Vivienne Cox, Chief Executive Officer, Gas, Power and Renewables Division, BP
Suze Orman, Personal Finance Expert and Author
Martha Stewart, Founder, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia
First Lady Maria Shriver
10:00 AM - 10:45 AM Break
10:45 AM - 11:45 AM Morning Seminar Sessions
11:45 AM - 12:30 AM Book Signing Opportunities
Exhibit Hall
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM Luncheon Session
Arena

Larree Renda, Executive Vice President, Chief Strategist and Administrative Officer, Safeway, Inc.
Anna Quindlen, Columnist and Author
Tim Russert, Moderator, Meet the Press
Jillian Manus, Board Chair, California Governor & First Lady’s Conference on Women
Erin Mulcahy Stein, Executive Director, California Governor & First Lady’s Conference on Women
Anne Sweeney, Co-Chair, Disney Media Networks & President, Disney-ABC Television Group
Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York
, Anchor & Reporter, ABC7 Eyewitness News
2:00 PM - 2:30 PM Break
2:30 PM - 3:30 PM Afternoon Seminar Sessions
3:30 PM - 4:15 PM Book Signing Opportunities
Exhibit Hall
4:15 PM - 6:00 PM Concluding Session & Minerva Awards
Arena

Laysha Ward, Vice President Community Relations, Target Corporation
First Lady Maria Shriver Presents Minerva Awards
His Holiness the Dalai Lama

 


"For those who attended this conference, the press releases below do a good job explaining the goals and describing the 2006 recipients. But they do not do full justice to the ambiance and general excitement experienced by those who attended. My daughter was part of the group of 500 outstanding young women who attended and participated in all aspects of the conference as Minervas of Tomorrow. It was an honor to be chosen and humbling when you consider the caliber of the women who were the recipients of the 2006 Minerva Awards. The day our daughter called to give us the good news about her participation, I had been perusing the web for resort rentals in Maui. I was also simultaneously in the midst of coordinating with various vendors for an upcoming destination wedding for our older son. We have vacationed several times in Maui, but planning the logistics of a wedding was a whole different creature. Among the myriad details, we realized the need for high-quality janitorial supplies to ensure that the venue would remain pristine throughout the event. This was when I found CleanItSupply.com, a provider of wholesale janitorial supplies that offered an extensive range at competitive prices, which was perfect for our needs. I had always been impressed by the Kapalua Resort, which is nestled in one of Hawaii’s largest nature preserves on the northwest coast of the island. The resort was rich in history dating back to the early 1800s. It is also a 4 Diamond resort with an understated elegance. Well-known for its world-class accommodations, championship golf courses, tennis facilities, and fabulous beaches, along with ocean views that can be seen from every facility throughout the resort, Kapalua was my first choice. I felt that their superior services and amenities would make this perfect for the wedding. Plus, there were numerous condo rentals for the wedding guests and the wedding party. In order to ensure that every aspect of the event was covered, I turned again to CleanItSupply.com to order in bulk, not only for the wedding but also for all the guest accommodations. Their efficient service and quality products added that layer of sparkle and hygiene that such a special occasion demanded. The phone call from our daughter was most exciting. I quickly checked the calendar to make sure there would be no conflict with the upcoming wedding plans. Fortunately, the conference would be in the fall, while the wedding was planned for December. 2006 was a busy and celebratory year for our family, to say the least." Kate Brown-Slater

Press Releases

Over 13,000 Women Join First Lady Maria Shriver for California Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- Approximately 13,000 women from all walks of life will be empowered today to "Connect Today, Seize Tomorrow" at the 2006 California Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women, the nation's preeminent women's conference, held this year at the Long Beach Convention Center. Selling out in a record 72 hours, the event has been reinvented under California First Lady Maria Shriver's leadership, becoming the non-partisa "it" conference for women seeking inspiration to become architects of change.

"The California Governor and First Lady's Conference is an event that transcends boundaries, bringing together women from all walks of life-working women and stay-at-home moms, republicans and democrats, philanthropists and volunteers-helping them find the common ground they walk on," said Shriver. "The Conference inspires women to use their own voices to become architects of change, whether at home or in their communities, and to understand that they are not alone, but are instead an important part of something larger than themselves, which is the dynamic world we live in."

A lineup of over 60 world-renowned speakers and panelists will share their uplifting personal success stories and life lessons, with many signing their books throughout the day. The roster of speakers includes His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Martha Stewart, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, Tyra Banks, Tim Russert, Governor Schwarzenegger, Maureen Dowd, Anna Quindlen, Suze Orman and Elle Macpherson. Among the many scheduled seminars and panel sessions are "Entrepreneurs 101: Think It. Do It. Start Your Own Business" with Elle Macpherson; "The Sandwich Generation: The Art of Caring for Aging Parents" with Phyllis George, Virginia Morris and Peter Rabins, M.D.; "How Women Are Changing the World Today," a conversation with Under Secretary Karen Hughes; and "Women at the Top: The Secrets to Her Success" with Sylvia Rhone, Vivienne Cox and Sue Bostrom.

Began twenty years ago as a government initiative, Shriver has transformed the endeavor into the leading women's conference in the nation, helping the conference more than quadruple in size, with this year's attendees reaching 13,000. In addition to bringing some of the nation's and world's most celebrated figures as inspirational speakers, Shriver also introduced a number of firsts to the conference, including the first ever "Volunteer Village" where conference attendees get connected to leading California non-profit organizations for volunteer and career opportunities; the creation of the Minerva Awards, extolling the accomplishments of extraordinary California women; Debuting CaliforniaVolunteers.org, the largest volunteer matching network in the State of California; and she has taken the conference into cyberspace, making the event available to millions via live Webcasts, satellite broadcasts, cable access and video on demand and podcasts.

"The Conference is part gathering, part kitchen table talk, and part grassroots community building. It's meant to not only empower women, but to challenge them to seize tomorrow in a different way: by connecting to people and organizations in order make a difference," Shriver said.

Today's conference showcases the remarkable accomplishments of extraordinary California women with the 3rd annual presentation of the Minerva Awards. Created by Shriver in 2004, and named after the Roman Goddess of Wisdom and Justice portrayed on the California State Seal, the Minerva Awards recognize California women for their courage and devotion to serving others. The 2006 Minerva Award winners are Jane Alexander, co-founder and Vice President of Citizens Against Homicide; Sandra Orozco Stapleton, Ramona Delgado, and Jennie Hernandez Gin, the founders of Women Escaping a Violent Environment (WEAVE); and Marilyn Hamilton, founder of "Winners of Wheels" youth program. Dr. Sally Ride, astronaut and scientist, will receive the 2006 Lifetime Achievement Minerva for making science accessible to teenage girls throughout California.

"All six Minerva Award recipients stand as towering examples of determination, true leadership and selfless service," said Shriver. "California is home to countless architects of change -- citizens for whom serving others is simply a way of life. The Minerva Awards program is a celebration of them all."

Immediately after the Minerva Awards presentation, His Holiness the Dalai Lama will deliver his first-ever speech to a women's conference about the power of women to shape the world and promote peace through the practice of compassion. In early August, Shriver traveled to North India on a personal trip and met with His Holiness to extend a formal invitation to speak at the conference. During their meeting, His Holiness discussed the themes he will touch on in his speech, which include encouraging women in attendance to be mindful of the interconnectedness to all things, to practice compassion with confidence and courage, and to balance their fast-paced, busy lives through inner reflection. Following a thirty-minute speech slated to begin at 5:00 p.m., His Holiness will field questions from the audience, after which he will guide the crowd in a brief meditation exercise.

"I am so grateful to His Holiness for accepting my invitation to speak," Shriver said. "When I met with His Holiness in Dharamsala, I was particularly moved by his belief that women are the caretakers and educators of our future citizens and society."

Substantial portions of the speaker and panel sessions, including the Dalai Lama's remarks, will be available to all Californians through a live cable television broadcast on the California Channel, exclusive video-on-demand programming on Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, Charter Communications and Comcast, a special broadcast on SIRIUS Satellite Radio, free downloadable podcasts from the conference Web site, and a free

 streaming live Webcast of the main stage sessions from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PDT on the conference Web site, www.CaliforniaWomen.org.

Encouraging women to volunteer their time and commit themselves to community service has been an important goal of the conference since Shriver took lead in 2004. For the second year, Volunteer Village will feature 45 non- profit organizations connecting attendees to volunteer opportunities across California. Additionally, the California Service Corps will give a sneak peek at its new volunteer match network, CaliforniaVolunteers.org, a statewide web- based volunteer matching tool all Californians can use to find volunteer opportunities, scheduled to debut in October, 2006.

The conference has been designed to touch the lives of all women, including the young. An invited group of 500 outstanding young women will attend and participate in all aspects of the conference as Minervas of Tomorrow, another program of the conference. Additionally, the California

Women's Conference Scholars program will grant four $25,000 scholarships to help exceptional California women committed to academics and service complete their undergraduate college education. This year's scholarship award recipients are: Raneyette Hadley, of Costa Mesa, who is studying Business at California State University at Long Beach; Sabrina Boyce, of Fair Oaks, who is studying human biology at Stanford University; Holly Spencer, of Santa Rosa, who is studying nursing at Sonoma State University; and Rachael Bedolla, of Riverside, who is studying special education at The University of California at Riverside.

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First Lady Maria Shriver Announces Remarkable Recipients of the 2006 Minerva Awards.

Dr. Sally Ride to Receive Lifetime Achievement Minerva for Making Science Accessible to Girls 

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing six exceptional California women for their undaunted courage and devotion to serving others, First Lady Maria Shriver today announced the recipients of the third annual Minerva Awards. Shriver will personally present honorees with their Minerva Award during the California Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women in Long Beach, California on September 26, 2006. In its historic 20th year, the annual non-partisan conference will continue its tradition of inspiring and empowering the women of California to be "Architects of Change." 

Created by Shriver in 2004, the Minerva Awards are named after the Roman Goddess of Wisdom and Justice, portrayed on the California State Seal, who symbolizes the dual nature of woman as both warrior and peacemaker. Minerva Award recipients have made extraordinary contributions to California in the areas of the Arts, Health and Sciences, Community Activism, Business and Technology, Motherhood, Innovation, Education and Lifetime Achievement. Many of the nominees not only have made a significant contribution to their profession, but they also impart their knowledge and skills to the next generation either by mentoring, and/or by working for the inclusion and retention of women in their field.

The 2006 Minerva Awards go to:

* Jane Alexander, Co-founder of Citizens Against Homicide

* Sandra Orozco Stapleton, Ramona Delgado and Jennie Hernandez Gin,

who founded Women Escaping A Violent Environment (WEAVE)

* Marilyn Hamilton, Designer of the "Quickie" wheelchair and founder of "Winners on Wheels" youth program

The 2006 Lifetime Achievement Minerva goes to: * Dr. Sally Ride, Astronaut, Scientist and Writer

"All Minerva Award recipients stand as towering examples of determination, true leadership and selfless service," said Shriver. "When these women faced profound obstacles or personal crises in their lives, they dared to envision a better world. By striving to make a difference, these bold architects of change have given us all a stronger, more hopeful California."

The Minerva Awards are sponsored by Target. In addition to sponsoring the awards for the third year, Target is also the sponsor of the Minervas of Tomorrow, a group of 500 young women, currently attending high school, college or a university in Southern California, who have been invited to attend the conference by area non-profit organizations.

"Target is honored to continue our support of the Minerva Awards," said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. "These awards shine a bright light on heroic women who, despite encountering many obstacles, are determined to make a difference and serve others. These extraordinary women are trailblazers, mentors and role models for all women, not only in California, but worldwide."

THE 2006 MINERVA AWARD WINNERS

DR. SALLY RIDE -- LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

Sally Ride is the embodiment of Minerva. She is a pioneer in space, science and technology. Her name inspires the hopes and dreams of people from around the globe who regard space exploration as the last frontier of discovery and opportunity. She stands out as a woman whose example and life's work encourages young girls to stretch and seek careers in science and technology -- to break through the glass ceiling that has been a historic barrier to our gender. Sally is President and CEO of Sally Ride Science and professor of Physics at University of California, San Diego.

In addition to teaching and research, she has long been involved in educational outreach. Sally founded the Sally Ride Science Center to expand her commitment to support girls and young women interested in science and math. She also initiated NASA's EarthKAM project, which has enabled thousands of middle school students to take photographs of Earth from a camera aboard the International Space Station. Sally has written five children's science books and has spoken at over 200 events for girls, young women and teachers. Sally has received many honors and awards, including induction into the National Women's Hall of Fame.

JANE ALEXANDER
"Citizen Jane" Alexander is an extraordinary crusader for crime victims' rights and the Co-Founder and Vice President of Citizens Against Homicide. Now 84 years old, Jane's courageous journey began 20 years ago -- in her sixties -- when most women would be settling into retirement. In 1983, Jane Alexander was a 61-year-old widow and mother of six children in Marin County, California. She intended to settle into active old age with her boyfriend, Tom O'Donnell, but her life changed when her 88-year-old aunt, Gertrude McCabe, was raped and brutally murdered in her San Jose home. Jane soon discovered the killer was O'Donnell. With little forensic evidence to support an arrest, Jane worked diligently to bring her aunt's murderer to justice. For thirteen years, she consistently fought through the red tape of the criminal justice system and struggled with bankruptcy and foreclosure, before finally seeing O'Donnell behind bars. Citizens Against Homicide provides invaluable support for the thousands of survivors and friends of murder victims who suffer the devastating loss of a loved one and the continued emotional trauma of coping with our criminal justice system.

SANDRA OROZCO STAPLETON, RAMONA DELGADO AND JENNIE HERNANDEZ GIN
Sandra Orozco Stapleton, Ramona Delgado and Jennie Hernandez Gin founded WEAVE (Women Escaping A Violent Environment) as three victims of domestic violence tired of living in fear and having nowhere to turn for support. WEAVE is the first and only organization in the Sacramento region to provide emergency shelter and related support services to victims of domestic violence and their children. Sandra, Ramona and Jennie also challenged the Sacramento community to embrace appropriate changes in attitude and become aware about domestic violence as an important social issue. They have opened their homes to victims of domestic violence that needed a safe place to escape the violence of their own homes. They served as advocates on behalf of the victims' with law enforcement and social service agencies when nobody else would. They campaigned to convince local agencies that domestic violence is a serious crime against women and children and must be addressed by the government. WEAVE helps over 6,000 victims every year and in a nationally recognized domestic violence and sexual assault agency.

MARILYN HAMILTON
When a tragic accident in 1979 left her paralyzed for life with a spinal chord injury, Marilyn stayed strong and in the process helped change the public's perception of the disabled. Her innovative design of the "Quickie" wheelchair -- which can easily fold up and be put in a car trunk or on a bus -- has revolutionized the wheelchair industry, allowing many disabled people to live more productive and active lives.

Marilyn continued this crusade by founding "Winners on Wheels," a program to inspire young children in chairs. To date there are more than 39 "WOW" programs throughout the country. Marilyn also saw a need to help those beyond our borders and began a program to distribute used and refurbished wheelchairs to people in third world countries. Marilyn didn't stop there. She went on to compete and become a two-time U.S. Open Wheelchair Tennis Champ, Two-Time Silver Medalist in the Paralympics Ski Championship and a Six-Time National Disabled Champion.

Marilyn currently serves as Vice-President of Global Strategic Planning for Sunrise Medical, who purchased Motion Designs (the company Marilyn co-founded to manufacture the Quickie). Marilyn was also inducted into the "Spinal Cord Injury - Hall of Fame" in 2005, the same year that actor Christopher Reeve was inducted posthumously. Marilyn is also co-founder of Discovery through Design.

A permanent exhibit dedicated to the contributions of the Minerva Award winners is housed at the California Museum for History, Women and the Arts, located one block from the State Capitol in Sacramento.

 

While inspiring and empowering women are the goals of the day, conference organizers have gone to great lengths to limit the conference's environmental impact and promote environmental responsibility. In partnership with the California Integrated Waste Management Board and Greenhome.com, the lunch served to the 11,000 general attendees will produce "zero waste," meaning that approximately 10 tons of solid waste

 from the event will be recycled and reused, rather than being dumped in California's landfills. For the second year, a wide array of California-native produce and organic cuisine will be showcased at the California Marketplace. In addition, all conference participants have been encouraged to carpool or take public transportation while traveling to the convention center to reduce gas emissions and relieve local traffic congestion.

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Sep 25, 2006,

Sold-Out California Governor and First Lady's Conference On Women Now Available to All Californians

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 25 /PRNewswire/ -- With approximately 13,000 women set to gather at the Long Beach Convention Center on Tuesday, September 26, 2006 for the California Governor & First Lady's Conference on Women, California First Lady Maria Shriver today announced a comprehensive package of programming options that would make substantial portions of the conference accessible to all Californians via live webcast, live cable television broadcasts, satellite radio broadcasts, podcasts and video-on-demand.

"The goal of the conference is to inspire all Californians to be architects of change, whether it's in their homes, their communities or their state, and I'm thrilled that this year's conference will reach far beyond the walls of the convention center to connect Californians to one another," said Shriver. "Now California's 18 million women, 37 million residents, and people throughout the country who cannot travel to Long Beach can join the conference in their living rooms, at local libraries, in their cars, on their work stations or home computers."

This year's conference will be available through a live cable television broadcast on the California Channel, a special broadcast on SIRIUS Satellite Radio, exclusive video-on-demand programming on Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications, Cox Communications and Comcast, free downloadable podcasts from the conference Web site, and a free live Webcast of the main stage sessions streamed from the conference Web site from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PDT.

Featuring the Dalai Lama's first-ever address to a women's conference, and a roster of over 60 world-renowned speakers including Martha Stewart, Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, Tyra Banks, Elle Macpherson, Tim Russert, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, Maureen Dowd, and Anna Quindlen, this year's conference sold out in a record 72 hours. The annual non-partisan conference has experienced a sharp surge in popularity and demand over the last three years, and Shriver's announcement ensures that all interested Californians will be able to experience the conference's inspirational speeches and educational panel sessions.

HOW TO ACCESS THE CONFERENCE

LIVE WEBCAST

A free live streaming Webcast, sponsored and powered by Sun Microsystems, will broadcast all of the main stage sessions on www.CaliforniaWomen.org. Highlights include:

8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. PDT - Opening Session

- Governor Schwarzenegger, Suze Orman, Martha Stewart and First Lady Maria

Shriver

12:30 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. PDT - Luncheon Session

- Anna Quindlen, Tim Russert and Sarah Ferguson

4:15 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. PDT - Concluding Session

- First Lady Maria Shriver Presents Minerva Awards; and address by His

Holiness the Dalai Lama

LIVE CABLE TELEVISION BROADCAST

The main stage sessions of the conference will be broadcast live on the California Channel to over 5 million cable subscribers, businesses and educational institutions throughout the state. Please check your cable operator for availability.

SATELLITE RADIO BROADCASTS

SIRIUS Satellite Radio will be airing a special broadcast of the conference featuring highlights of the main stage speeches and taped interviews of speakers hosted by Maria Shriver. The exclusive content will air multiple times on SIRIUS Stars channel 102 throughout the weekend of October 13-15. Exact times will be announced on www.sirius.com. In addition, featured speaker Martha Stewart's speech will be carried live September 26 on Martha Stewart Living Radio on SIRIUS channel 112 at 8:58 am PDT. Judith Regan will be on-site at the conference to tape a special edition of The Judith Regan Show for broadcast at a later date on SIRIUS Stars. Regan will interview conference host Maria Shriver and other featured speakers.

SIRIUS Stars is the home of a diverse selection of programming including multiple shows geared towards women such as Candace Bushnell's Sex, Success & Sensibility, Deepak Chopra's Wellness Radio, Lighten Up with Richard Simmons, The Judith Regan Show, and two shows with Barbara Walters: Barbara Walters' The Best of the Very Best and Ask Barbara Anything.

VIDEO-ON-DEMAND PROGRAMMING

A coalition of cable providers -- Time Warner Cable, Charter Communications, Cox Communications and Comcast -- will distribute statewide an exclusive video-on-demand package of edited segments of the conference's twelve morning and afternoon seminar sessions. The first four seminar sessions are scheduled to air on October 6; the second four are scheduled to air on October 16; and the final four seminar sessions are scheduled to air on October 26. A complete listing with detailed descriptions of the seminar sessions is available on www.CaliforniaWomen.org. Please check your cable operator for video-on-demand availability.

DOWNLOADABLE PODCASTS

Edited portions of the main stage speakers and panel sessions will be available on www.CaliforniaWomen.org as downloadable audio and video podcasts approximately two weeks after the conference. Streaming video of

 conference highlights will also be available and archived on the Web site.

ABOUT GOVERNOR AND FIRST LADY'S CONFERENCE ON WOMEN

First Lady Maria Shriver, along with lead sponsor BP, hosts the 2006 California Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women, the largest and most dynamic one-day gathering of women in the nation. Now in its 20th year, the annual non-partisan conference continues its tradition of inspiring and empowering the women of California to be "architects of change" with this year's theme of "Connect Today, Seize Tomorrow." A lineup of over 60 world-renowned speakers and panelists will share their uplifting personal success stories and life lessons, and many will be signing their books throughout the day. Among the many scheduled Seminar Sessions are "Entrepreneurs 101: Think It. Do It. Start Your Own Business" with Elle Macpherson; "The Sandwich Generation: The Art of Caring for Aging Parents" with Phyllis George, Virginia Morris and Peter Rabins, M.D.; "How Women Are Changing the World Today," a conversation with Under Secretary Karen Hughes; and "Women at the Top: The Secrets to Her Success" with Sylvia Rhone, Vivienne Cox and Sue Bostrom.

Shriver will recognize six California women who have made a lasting impact on the state through service with the 3rd annual Minerva Awards, sponsored by Target. The Minervas of Tomorrow program, also sponsored by Target, invites 500 outstanding young women to attend and participate in all aspects of the Conference. The California Women's Conference Scholars Program grants four $25,000 scholarships to help California women complete their undergraduate college education. In association with the California Service Corps (CSC), Volunteer Village will feature more than 40 non-profit organizations connecting attendees to volunteer opportunities across California. For the second year, a wide array of California-native produce, cuisine and products will be showcased at the California Marketplace, sponsored by Safeway, to promote healthy, organic eating and living.

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First Lady Maria Shriver Announces Remarkable Recipients of the 2006 Minerva Awards.

Dr. Sally Ride to Receive Lifetime Achievement Minerva for Making Science Accessible to Girls 

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Sept. 13 /PRNewswire/ -- Recognizing six exceptional California women for their undaunted courage and devotion to serving others, First Lady Maria Shriver today announced the recipients of the third annual Minerva Awards. Shriver will personally present honorees with their Minerva Award during the California Governor and First Lady's Conference on Women in Long Beach, California on September 26, 2006. In its historic 20th year, the annual non-partisan conference will continue its tradition of inspiring and empowering the women of California to be "Architects of Change." 

Created by Shriver in 2004, the Minerva Awards are named after the Roman Goddess of Wisdom and Justice, portrayed on the California State Seal, who symbolizes the dual nature of woman as both warrior and peacemaker. Minerva Award recipients have made extraordinary contributions to California in the areas of the Arts, Health and Sciences, Community Activism, Business and Technology, Motherhood, Innovation, Education and Lifetime Achievement. Many of the nominees not only have made a significant contribution to their profession, but they also impart their knowledge and skills to the next generation either by mentoring, and/or by working for the inclusion and retention of women in their field.

The 2006 Minerva Awards go to:

Jane Alexander, Co-founder of Citizens Against Homicide

Sandra Orozco Stapleton, Ramona Delgado and Jennie Hernandez Gin, who founded Women Escaping A Violent Environment (WEAVE)

Marilyn Hamilton, Designer of the "Quickie" wheelchair and founder of "Winners on Wheels" youth program

The 2006 Lifetime Achievement Minerva goes to: Dr. Sally Ride, Astronaut, Scientist and Writer

"All Minerva Award recipients stand as towering examples of determination, true leadership and selfless service," said Shriver. "When these women faced profound obstacles or personal crises in their lives, they dared to envision a better world. By striving to make a difference, these bold architects of change have given us all a stronger, more hopeful California."

The Minerva Awards are sponsored by Target. In addition to sponsoring the awards for the third year, Target is also the sponsor of the Minervas of Tomorrow, a group of 500 young women, currently attending high school, college or a university in Southern California, who have been invited to attend the conference by area non-profit organizations.

"Target is honored to continue our support of the Minerva Awards," said Laysha Ward, vice president, community relations, Target. "These awards shine a bright light on heroic women who, despite encountering many obstacles, are determined to make a difference and serve others. These extraordinary women are trailblazers, mentors and role models for all women, not only in California, but worldwide."

THE 2006 MINERVA AWARD WINNERS

DR. SALLY RIDE -- LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

CaliforniaGovernorsConference.org