'Go Lead' Gathers Professionals & Politicians from across Idaho to Advocate for Advancement of Women in Leadership

GO LEAD EVENT GATHERS PROFESSIONALS AND POLITICIANS FROM ACROSS THE STATE TO ADVOCATE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT OF WOMEN IN LEADERSHIP 

 Professionals from Idaho are encouraged to participate in Go Lead, a one-day conference on May 2011 aimed at empowering the nation’s most un-tapped resource – women

Boise, Idaho – (May 17, 2011) – Idaho’s women have many reasons to be proud. According to a report by American Express, Idaho ranks 25th in the nation for growth of women-owned companies, and 15th in the nation for their revenue growth since 1997. Approximately $4.2 billion is pumped into Idaho’s economy each year by the roughly 36,300 women-owned businesses headquartered here and combined, these companies boast more than 33,000 employees.

However, when it comes to state government, Idaho’s women are fiercely under-represented, holding just under 28 percent of the legislative seats. According to Rutgers, only six women have been elected as statewide officials since the beginning of Idaho’s history.

These statistics, mirrored across the nation, led to the inception of The White House Project (www.thewhitehouseproject.org), the nationally recognized, not-for-profit organization that aims to advance women’s leadership in all communities and sectors, including the U.S. presidency.

The White House Project is bringing its award-winning Go Lead Training to Idaho on May 21 at the Boise State University Student Union Building. 

Led by regional experts, this nonpartisan, intense, one-day seminar offers insight, skills and trainings in public speaking, leadership development and board/commission appointments to empower Idaho’s women to take on stronger leadership roles in their communities.

“The genesis of this project locally should be credited to the Treasure Valley Public Policy Project, Idaho Women Lawyers, and a handful of very influential women in our communities,” said Britt Ide, local businesswoman and lead coordinator. “We saw a real need to give women the confidence and knowledge they need to go after leadership positions in their businesses and communities and in policy and politics here in Idaho.”

The first annual event will take place Saturday, May 21, 2011 from 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at the Boise State University Student Union Building.  To register, please visit www.GoLeadIdaho.org.  The cost is $50.00 and includes lunch. Scholarships may be available by contacting the White House Project.

Speakers include Lieutenant Governor, Brad Little; U.S. Attorney for Idaho, Wendy Olson; Boise City Council President, Maryanne Jordan; Idaho State Representative, Cherie Buckner-Webb; Director of the Idaho Department of Agriculture, Celia Gould; Boise City Councilwoman, Lauren McLean; Director of the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation, Nancy Merrill and more.