YWCA of Calgary announces Gloria Steinem as the Keynote Speaker for their 2012 'WHYWHISPER' Gala

Iconic female activist WHYWHISPER Gala keynote speaker was announced at today's YWCA 2012 Annual General Meeting

CALGARY, June 20, 2012 /CNW/ - The YWCA of Calgary (YWCA) is thrilled to announce that iconic female activist pioneer, Gloria Steinem, will be the keynote speaker at the 2012 WHYWHISPER Gala held on November 15, 2012.

Gloria Steinem became nationally recognized as a leader and spokesperson for the women's liberation movement in the late 1960's and 1970's. She helped create both New York and Ms. magazines and the National Women's Political Caucus. A prominent writer and political figure, Steinem has founded many organizations and projects and has been the recipients of countless awards and honours as well as author of many books.

"Having Gloria Steinem as our keynote speaker for our second annual WHYWHISPER Gala is a true honour," said Sue Tomney, CEO of YWCA of Calgary. "We are very excited to be hosting such a legendary female activist and as a champion of women's rights, Steinem was an obvious choice for the 2012 gala."

The YWCA of Calgary has been speaking up and speaking out for the city's most vulnerable for the past 100 years. The gala will help draw attention to the prevailing issues around family violence and poverty.

The YWCA of Calgary proudly announced Gloria Steinem at their 2012 Annual General Meeting on Wednesday, June 20, 2012. This year's AGM was dedicated to the celebration of the year's achievements; the YWCA honoured community partners, supporters, volunteers, individuals, and corporate donors who have helped support the organization in their mission to intervene, empower and lead when and where women need them most.

About the YWCA of Calgary
YWCA of Calgary is one of the longest serving social service organizations in Calgary.  During its more than 100 year history, the organization has touched tens of thousands of lives and has evolved its programming to meet the changing needs of women in the community.  Although other agencies focus on women's poverty and domestic violence, the YWCA of Calgary also provides a continuum of services focused on moving women from a position of vulnerability to one of sustainable strength and opportunity.   The YWCA of Calgary represents one of the largest social agencies in the city, serving more than 10,000 Calgarians in 2011 alone.

Sophie Pilon
Brookline Public Relations
t: 403-538-5641 ext. 110
c: 403-815-7340
[email protected]