September 12, 2010

Vision 2020 announces with pride the special guests for its “Celebration of American Women” on Oct. 21, 2010: Geena Davis, Mae Jemison and Jane Seymour. The three celebrities will participate in a 90-minute program focusing on women’s equality. Tickets go on sale Sept. 13.

The event is a cheerful pause in the midst of two days of serious debate and discussion about women’s equality during Vision 2020’s national conference: An American Conversation about Women and Leadership at the National Constitution Center. The celebration will pay tribute to women throughout history who have dedicated their lives to gender equality; applaud women’s successes; and anticipate a future where true sharing of leadership between men and women will inspire an unprecedented dimension of American excellence.

Geena Davis is an Academy Award-winning actress known for her portrayal of strong women characters in movies, including Thelma and Louise and A League of Their Own, as well as in the television series Commander-in-Chief. She is the founder of the Geena Davis Institute for Gender in the Media, which informs the public about the need to improve the representation of girls and women in media in children’s programming. Davis is also on the board of directors of The White House Project, a Vision 2020 National Ally.

Mae Jemison was the first African-American woman in space. She is also founder and president of two medical technology companies. Prior to joining NASA, Jemison worked in both engineering and medicine. She is a powerful voice for women and girls in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields.