The Central California Women’s Conference (CCWC) is an annual one-day conference serving women of all generations, ethnicities and backgrounds in Fresno, California.
The conference serves as a forum for women of all generations and backgrounds to share practical ideas on how to succeed in their careers while juggling the demands of life. Traditionally the conference attracts a sold-out crowd of 3,500 women. The conference is held annually in mid-September and includes a luncheon keynote speaker, twenty-seven sessions, and a tradeshow with about 175 vendors. The conference empowers women in all stages of their lives.
History The late State Senator Ken Maddy founded the Central California Women’s Conference in 1988. This conference was designed with the plans to educate, motivate and inspire women so they can excel in their professional and personal lives.
Topics for the conference address issues relevant to women and are led by national, regional and local experts.
The conference draws a crowd of 3,500 or more women and is one of the largest women’s conferences in the state of California.
Keynote Speakers Each year the conference hosts a luncheon with a keynote speaker. The first speaker was Rita Moreno in 1988. 2019 - Tyra Banks 2018 - Maria Shriver 2017 - Amy Purdy 2016 - Lisa Ling 2015 - Leeza Gibbons 2014 - Valerie Bertinelli 2013 -Helen Hunt 2012 –Jamie Lee Curtis 2011 –Geena Davis 2010 – Marie Osmond 2009 – Robin Roberts (newscaster) 2008 – Suze Orman 2007 – Goldie Hawn 2006 – Nancy Brinker 2005 – Joan Lunden 2004 – Star Jones 2003 – Erin Brockovich 2002 – Peggy Fleming 2001 – Cokie Roberts 2000 – Marcia Wallace 1999 – Suze Orman 1998 – The Honorable Ann Richards 1997 – Paula Zahn 1996 – Vicki Lawrence 1995 – Lynn Sherr 1994 – Nancy Snyderman 1993 – Jehan Sadat 1992 – Gail Sheehy 1991 – Debbie Reynolds 1990 – Sherry Lansing 1989 – Wilma Rudolph 1988 – Rita Moreno
Giving Back
CCWC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit and has donated more than one-half a million dollars to charities that are for the support of women and children. Past donations have gone to support causes such as emergency and homeless shelters, domestic violence and sexual assault, treatment and prevention, parenting classes and family counseling. Previous recipients include Encourage Tomorrow, Evangel Home, Inc., Family Services of Tulare County-Rape Crisis, Focus Forward, Holy Cross Center for Women, Majaree Mason Center, Naomi’s House, Parent Resource Center, Pregnancy Care Center, Samaritan Women and Sisterhood of Survivors.
References
Sources Central California Women's Conference: ccwc-fresno.org Facebook: facebook.com/CCWC.Fresno/info Women's Conference Portfolio: ccwcfresno.wordpress.com