I am so pleased to be able to share with you some of the exciting plans which are unfolding for PBWC this year. We have lined up an incredible roster of speakers for our 12th Annual Conference to be held in San Jose on May 2, 2001. So far our list includes: Terry McMillian, Author, "A Day Late and a Dollar Short," and "Waiting To Exhale;" Jerri Nielsen, M.D., cancer survivor from Antarctica and Author, "Ice Bound: A Doctors Incredible Battle for Survival at the South Pole;" the noted educator, Dr. Lorraine Monroe, Executive Director, Center For Educational Innovation and Author of "Nothing's Impossible;" Guy Kawasaki, CEO, Garage.com; Eve Ensler, Founder of Vday and Author of "The Vagina Monologues;" Yvonne Cagle, M.D., Lieutenant Colonel, USAF, NASA Astronaut; Peggy Orenstein author of "Flux: Women on Sex, Work, Love, Kids and Life in a Half-Changed World;" and Yolanda Nava, Broadcast journalist and author of, "It's All in the Frijoles." We will also be unveiling our completely redesigned web site at the conference. With many new and interactive features, we are working hard to bring more resources and connections to you in response to your requests. Visit our Cyber Café, sponsored by Apple Computer this year, and try us out!

Another exciting announcement at this year's conference will be the 2001 PBWC Breakthrough Award recipient. This year's selection committee is headed up by PBWC board member Norma Lynn Fox. The award honors a women who has not only reached great heights in her career, but who has also taken the time to advance women in the workplace and give back to her community.

One of the most gratifying aspects of our conference is the PBWC's young women's program. Each year, thanks to our corporate sponsors and the efforts of our board members Kimberly Davis and Judi Henderson, we are able to support hundreds of high school girls coming to the conference. After a very productive focus session last month with young women, we have designed a special track of sessions this year dedicated to their needs.

Collaboration continues to be a hallmark of our organization. Take a look at our calendar of events below and you will see that in March we are partnering with three organizations to bring you some wonderful events. Come and hear from author and visiting Stanford professor, Debra Meyerson, on March 8th in San Jose, from Sheila Wellington of Catalyst in San Francisco on March 20th, or attend UCSF's Women's Health Conference on March 31st.

None of our programs would happen without the support of our sponsors and the hard work and creativity of our board of directors. Be sure to join us on May 2nd for a day of education and inspiration. I look forward to seeing you there!

Lydia I. Beebe
President