The Young Women’s Leadership Academy Foundation (YWLAF) will host Odyssey 2011 Luncheon & Awards Ceremony, Tuesday, May 10, 2011 from 12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Chattanooga Convention and Trade Center. The keynote speaker for the event is award-winning CNN Anchor and Special Correspondent Soledad O’Brien.
Ms. O’Brien, whose most recent book, The Next Big Story: My Journey Through the Land of Possibilities debuted last November, is the anchor of CNN's In America documentary unit. Most known for her special reporting in the critically acclaimed documentary series, Black in America and Latino in America, O’Brien’s latest documentaries include: Rescued, in which she tells the story of people affected by the earth quakes in Haiti; and New Orleans Rising (August 2010), in which she surveys the effects of Hurricane Katrina five years later.
“This will be Ms. O’Brien first trip to the Scenic City and we are extremely thrilled and fortunate to have her,” said Lynda Childress, president and CEO of Luken Holdings and chair of the Special Event Steering Committee for YWLAF. “We are anticipating a great turnout due to her overwhelming popularity as one of America’s leading female television journalists.”
In addition to the luncheon will be a ceremony honoring a woman in a STEM career (science, technology, engineering and math). Local businesses in Chattanooga will have a chance to nominate women in their company for the award. The nomination process for the award will be announced at a later date.
An award will also be presented to a middle school and high school student at CGLA for her outstanding academic accomplishments in STEM.
Tickets for general seating to the luncheon will go on sale in March; however, limited corporate sponsorship opportunities are currently available. To learn more about corporate sponsorships – including an exclusive meet-and-greet with Soledad O’Brien - call 423-468-4105 or visit www.cglaonline.com
Odyssey 2011 is presented by the Young Women's Leadership Academy Foundation, founding sponsor of Tennessee’s first all girls public charter school, Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy.
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PHOTO & MEDIA INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES WITH
SOLEDAD O’BRIEN
12:00 – 12:05 pm Welcome and Opening Remarks – Maxine Bailey & Sue Anne Wells, Co-Founders of the Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy.
Awards Presentation
12:17 -- 12:29 pm Candid shots/video of Soledad O’Brien presenting Supernova Award to 2011 winner.
12:29 --12:37 pm Candid shots/video of Soledad O’Brien presenting Rising Star/Shining Star Awards to CGLA students.
Media Interviews
1:45 -- 2:15 pm Media Interviews with Soledad O’Brien (immediately following luncheon & awards ceremony).
Location: Media interviews will be conducted in the Rebman Board Room located in the Chattanooga Trade & Convention Center.
2:30 – 3:15 pm Additional Opportunities Candid shots/video of Soledad O’Brien touring Chattanooga Girls Leadership Academy. Location: 1200 Grove Street
Additional photo/media opportunities include:
Students/teachers reactions to Soledad O’Brien’s visit.
