Saint Joseph Academy Announces First Annual Women's Leadership Symposium

CLEVELAND: 041608: Audrey Menard, Principal of Saint Joseph Academy in Cleveland, Ohio, announced that its first annual Women’s Leadership Symposium will take place on Monday, April 21, 2008, for students at the Academy.  “We are thrilled to offer our students access to so many distinguished women leaders in a single day,” said Menard.  The keynote speaker for this event is Barbara Danforth, President and Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA of Greater Cleveland, a noted expert and frequent speaker on the topic of women’s leadership.

There will also be a panel discussion about women leaders in the public service sector featuring Saint Joseph Academy graduate and Mayor Eileen Ann Patton of Fairview Park, Mayor Pamela E. Bobst of Rocky River, and Mayor Deborah L. Sutherland of Bay Village. AP Government students will interview the mayors on their experiences as female leaders of their respective communities.

The Class of 2008 will also hear from two distinguished women, Jacklyn Chisholm, Ph.D., the Vice President of Planning and Institutional Relations at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum and Sherri Crahen, Ph.D., Dean of Students at John Carroll University, who will share their insights on college readiness.

In addition, all students will attend breakout sessions throughout the day where they will learn about career options and success requirements from other local women leaders.  Mary Ann Corrigan-Davis, President of Saint Joseph Academy and the 2007 recipient of the  Athena Award recognizing women in leadership, said “The symposium is an important aspect of our 21^st century education initiative. These women leaders are role models to our students. When they share their experiences in an interactive format, they provide real-world lessons that truly inspire future leaders. Our mission includes educating young women for compassionate leadership and service in a global society.”

Founded in 1890, Saint Joseph Academy is the premiere Catholic high school for girls in the city of Cleveland.  Sponsored by the Sisters of the Congregation of Saint Joseph, a Saint Joseph Academy educational experience offers young women an awakening to faith, mind and the world while reflecting and celebrating God, community and oneself.  For more information contact:  Director of Communications and Public Relations, Mr.Ron Perger at 216.619.1937.