Tickets Going Fast for Signature East Bay Women's Conference

This past summer the Atlantic magazine raised eyebrows with a cover story called "The End of Men." It asserted that modern postindustrial society may lead to the kind of female power of which 19th century suffragettes and 1970s feminists only dreamed. 

"Earlier this year," the story's subhead read, "women became the majority of the workforce for the first time in U.S. history. Most managers are now women too. And for every two men who get a college degree this year, three women will do the same. For years, women’s progress has been cast as a struggle for equality. But what if equality isn’t the end point? What if modern postindustrial society is simply better suited to women? A report on the unprecedented role reversal now under way— and its vast cultural consequences." 

So goes the Atlantic story (Very interesting read. Check it out.) But you probably will see evidence of women's progress—girl power!—at the 2011 East Bay Women's Conference hosted by and San Ramon's Chevron Corp. 

The one-day event on Monday at the San Ramon Marriott gives East Bay women opportunities to meet, mingle and participate in workshops on personal and professional enrichment and development. Now it its sixth year, the conference has been sold-out to the tune of more than 500 people per event.

This year's keynote speaker is award-winning playwright, activist and author Eve Ensler, best known for her play The Vagina Monologues. 

Other motivational speakers include women such as Robyn Benincasa, a San Diego firefighter and two-time world champion Eco-Challenge Adventure Racer. Her topic will be "Why Women Win."

Christy Kaplan, director of Ambulatory Women's & Children's Services at John Muir Health, will talk about "Achieving Small Successes to Create Lasting Change in Your Personal Health."

And, local best-selling author Kristine Carlson, the widow of "Don't Sweat the Small Stuff" author Richard Carlson, will give a talk that expands on ideas her late husband first articulated in his popular books about finding success, emotional strength and empowerment even in challenging times. 

Registration for the all-day conference is $165 and pre-registration is required by phone or online. To register, contact the Walnut Creek Chamber of Commerce at www.walnut-creek.com or 925-934-2007.