The event, "Women of Influence, Women of Impact," will be held from 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m., on Monday, August 2 at the Hy-Vee Conference Center in West Des Moines. Registration will begin at 7:45 a.m.
"Women have a tremendous impact and influence on our society, whether it be as homemakers, mothers, professionals or activists," Grassley said. "Barbara and I hope that Iowa women will leave this conference with a bit of knowledge that will help them make even more of an impact."
Grassley said that Iowa native and morning news anchor at WHO-TV, Brooke Bouma, will serve as the moderator for the day.
The featured speakers are:
Dr. Peggy Whitson — Dr. Peggy Whitson is an astronaut with the National Aeronautics Space Administration who, in 2002, spent 6 months on the International Space Station. Dr. Whitson was born in Mt. Ayr, Iowa, raised in Beaconsfield, Iowa, and graduated from Iowa Wesleyan College.Joe Piscatella — Joe Piscatella is the President of the Institute for Fitness and Health, which helps organizations support healthy, balanced lifestyles of employees. Today, Joe Piscatella is one of the country's leading authorities on changing behavior to increase health and productivity. Mr. Piscatella is the author of best-selling books including: Don't Eat Your Heart Out; Choices for a Healthy Heart; and Fat-Proof Your Child. Mr. Piscatella is the host of three PBS television specials. He is a frequent guest on television and radio programs, including CNN, The Today Show, and Good Morning America.
Eileen Gannon and Wicker Van Orsdel — Eileen is a financial consultant with Smith Barney in Des Moines, specializing in private wealth management. She regularly gives seminars on financial empowerment for women. As a co-host of an upcoming television series, "Feather Your Nest Egg," Eileen presents financial information in a way that women will find especially relevant.
Wicker is a lifestyle expert who joins Eileen Gannon as a co-host of the TV series, "Feather Your Nest Egg." She will focus on the emotion of money and how it affects all aspects of women's lives.
Farah Pandith — Farah Pandith is the Chief of Staff for the Bureau for Asia and the Near East for the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). Farah's responsibilities include implementing and monitoring advancements in women's rights in Afghanistan. Regularly traveling to Afghanistan, Farah will offer a perspective on the condition of women in the country prior to, during, and after the Taliban rule and how the United States government is involved in improving those conditions.
Panel on Volunteerism — Six Iowa women will share their experiences as volunteers in their communities and encourage others to become involved as well. Staff members from the United Way will offer practical steps to take in becoming a volunteer.
Iowans interested in participating in the event should call Sen. Grassley's Des Moines office at 515/288-1145 for more information. The registration fee is $25, which includes a continental breakfast, lunch, and all conference materials.