The Alliance for Women, The League of Women Voters of South Carolina and The Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics will host “Pathways to Power”, Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 6 pm until 8 pm, in the First Citizens lobby and plaza, located on 1230 Main Street in Columbia. The reception, a non-partisan event, will honor women who have made a difference in South Carolina in political office -- elected or appointed -- or through public policy.
 
Female candidates representing federal, state, and local elected seats will be in attendance as well as women involved in the political process. Among those expected to attend are First Lady Jenny Sanford, SC House Representative Gilda Cobb-Hunter, SC House Representative Shannon Smith Erickson, and candidate for the US Congress, Linda Ketner.
 
 “Both the challenge and opportunity we have before us is to increase the number of women running for and serving in both appointed and elected positions in South Carolina. The state’s last-place status simply isn’t acceptable. The Alliance for Women is proud to honor the women leaders who have made a difference and continue to make a difference in South Carolina,” said Sheryl McAlister, Executive Director, The Alliance for Women at Columbia College.
 
“Women in South Carolina have made great strides, in all professions.  Yet we do not fully participate in the political process.  As a result, decisions regarding our education system, health care, economic security, community growth management and even family planning are largely determined by men.  We need more women to become involved in South Carolina politics,“ said Barbara Zia, President, League of Women Voters of South Carolina.
 
“The Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics is pleased to join with the South Carolina League of Women Voters, The Alliance for Women and our generous sponsors for this exciting event. It is our goal to provide opportunities for women in South Carolina to become more politically active,” said Donna Dewitt, Chair, Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics.
 
The event is sponsored by Nexsen Pruet Law Firm and First Citizens Bank. The reception is preceded by a campaign training school conducted by the Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics.
 
About the Organizations:
The Alliance for Women is the Columbia College partner in the unique public-private partnership between the Governor’s South Carolina Commission on Women and Columbia College. The Alliance for Women was established in 2004 to improve the status of women in the state through a network of colleges, universities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, corporations and individuals.  www.allianceforwomen.net
 
The League of Women Voters of South Carolina is a nonpartisan political organization that encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. www.lwvsc.org
 
The Southeastern Institute for Women in Politics is a non-profit organization which trains women to become active and powerful participants in the political and governmental process. One unique element of its capacity is demographic, electoral, and attitudinal research that provides realistic information to women candidates about where, and at what level, there is potential for running and winning legislative, county, and local elections. www.scelectswomen.com
 
 
For more information, please contact:
Rebecca B. Munnerlyn
Executive Director of Public Relations
Columbia College
803.786.3298
rbmunnerlyn@columbiasc.edu