Oscar winner to speak at Miami University

Academy Award winning actress Geena Davis will present the keynote address at Miami University’s inaugural Women in Leadership Symposium at 5 p.m. April 3 in the Pavilion of the new Armstrong Student Center.

The symposium has a theme of “Making our Mark” and is intended to inspire and empower women to leave their mark on the world through leadership and giving back, according to a news release from the university.

Davis’ lecture is free and open to the general public, but advance ticket reservations are required. Tickets will be available through Miami’s box office in early March.

The full symposium, which is open to the public, will also take place in the Armstrong Student Center. The event includes the keynote address on Thursday evening, and participants can also attend their choice of presentations, an alumnae panel and the annual Women’s Leadership Luncheon on April 4.

The Women’s Leadership and Male Ally Awards will be presented following the luncheon; these awards will include a Miami Alumna of the Year. Additional programming and networking opportunities will be sponsored by the Miami women’s center and office of career services in the afternoon.

While participants can attend the symposium at no charge, registration is required. More information about registration and events can be found at www.MiamiOH.edu/MIAMIWomen.

Davis’ Hollywood successes include acclaimed roles in “The Accidental Tourist,” for which she won the Best Supporting Actress Oscar, “Thelma and Louise” and “A League of Their Own.”

In addition, Davis is a strong advocate of women and girls. Her Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media and its programming arm, See Jane, engages film and television creators to dramatically increase the percentage of female characters — and reduce gender stereotyping — in media made for children ages 11 and younger.

About the Author