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Be Inspired At The Central California Women’s Conference

FRESNO – Tickets are now on sale for a day of inspiration, growth and knowledge planned for women across the Valley at the 30th Annual Central California Women’s Conference (CCWC).

CCWC is the largest women’s event in the region and will be from 7:15 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 19, at the Fresno Convention & Entertainment Center.

The theme of this year’s event is “Embrace Your Journey.” Attendees will celebrate and be inspired to embrace their lives in areas including careers, relationships, and, most importantly, their own personal growth.

Amy Purdy, world-class snowboarder, 2014 Paralympic Medalist, and founder of Adaptive Action Sports, is this year’s keynote speaker. She is also an actress, model, dancer, clothing designer, New York Times bestselling author, and product spokesperson.

Some might not recognize Amy Purdy’s name, but often remember her from the popular show, Dancing with the Stars.

At the age of 19, Amy contracted Meningococcal Meningitis, a vaccine preventable bacterial infection, and was given a less than two percent chance of survival. As a result of the infection, doctors had to amputate her legs below the knee. Amy also needed and successfully received a kidney transplant from her father.

Just three months after the transplant, she entered the USASA National Snowboarding Championship where she won medals in three events.

Amy is the only double leg amputee competing at the world-class level, and in 2013 she was named as one of the top 15 most remarkable para-athletes in the world by the International Olympic Committee. Today, she is one of the top ranked adaptive snowboarders in the world and was the 2014 Paralympic Bronze Medalist.

“We researched dozens of top speakers to headline CCWC’s very special 30th anniversary, and Amy’s name kept coming up,” said CCWC Board president Nene Casares of Purdy’s selection. “Regardless of age or nationality, people just loved and identified with Amy’s sheer grit to live and prevail in her journey against all odds. Our 3,500 attendees will never be the same after hearing Amy Purdy.”

The morning Warm-Up Session kicks off the conference by honoring 20 under-served young women who will receive the Wells Fargo/ CCWC College and Career Preparation Scholarships. The scholarships are awarded on the basis of need, promise and the students’ commitment to create positive change.

Also in attendance at the conference will be the five AT&T/CCWC/Central California Education Opportunity Center (CCEOC) Re-Entry Scholars. In addition, the 2nd Annual PG&E “She Makes A Difference” Award winner will be announced.

Morning keynote speaker Dr. Jacqueline Del Rosario (a.k.a. “Dr. Jacquie”) will then take the stage as the 30th annual event begins. She will share her formula for strong relationships of all kinds.

Dr. Jacquie is the author of youth-centered curricula and workbooks and the producer of positive team media. She has appeared on CNN, testified in front of the United States Congress, serves as an educational specialist for WPLG Channel 10 in Miami and worked as a motivational speaker both nationally and internationally.

Also considered as the go-to expert for marriage and relationship advice, Dr. Jacquie, known as “America’s Marriage Coach,” has been featured on multiple TV platforms such as KTLA, The Hallmark Channel, and Fox News. An educator, author, advocate, and counselor, Dr. Jacquie holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Education, and a Doctorate of Education in Organizational Leadership.

Attendees choose three breakout sessions to attend throughout the day from 20 options. Topics include career development, health and fitness, money and finance, family and parenting, spirituality and courage, service and activism, and strength and change.

“This year’s lineup looks like one for the ages,” said Jan Edwards, CCWC’s Director of Marketing and Development. “Our board and team are so excited to present one unforgettable conference. It will be a day of information, networking, fun, great food and ‘retail therapy’ for the hard-working women of this Valley.”

Attendees also have the opportunity to visit the conference Marketplace and Community Corner where more than 175 businesses and non-profits share information about their products and services. Visitors will be treated to samples, gourmet tastings, information and shopping.

“There’s really no other event like this in the Valley,” said long-time conference-goer June Boyce. “I come at 7:15 a.m. and leave at 5:30 p.m. and I really feel pampered all day long. It’s a must-do for my girlfriends and me.”

The day winds down with the Cool-Down Session where women enter to win prizes, kick off their shoes and relax. This year’s Cool-Down speaker, Kerri Pomarolli, is a stand-up comedian, actress and author based in Los Angeles. She has toured with comedy greats such as Jim Carrey and Carol Channing, appeared in more than 75 stage productions, published four books, and been featured on a host of TV shows – including 29 appearances on the Tonight Show. Kerri is also a sought-after corporate motivational speaker, working with clients such as Ford Motor Company, Chrysler, and Cisco Systems.

This year’s event is expected to be an exceptionally early sellout. Tickets are on sale now at $110 and will go up to $120 on August 20. Tickets include continental breakfast, all seminars, the celebrity keynote speaker luncheon and the afternoon reception. Tickets are limited to the first 3,500 attendees. Early registration is encouraged. Visit www.CCWC-Fresno.org for tickets and additional information.

The conference is made possible through the support of national and Central Valley businesses. The presenting sponsor is Wells Fargo. Founding sponsors are The Fresno Bee and ABC 30. Community Medical Centers is the Keynote Speaker Sponsor bringing in Amy Purdy. Major sponsors include Saint Agnes Medical Center, Valley Children’s Healthcare, Chukchansi Gold Resort & Casino, Fresno Acura, Macy’s, Fresno State, AT&T, Cumulus Media, Chick-fil-A, Univision Radio, Pepsi, Fresno Trade Bindery, The Brownie Baker, Pacific Gas & Electric Company, Central Valley Toyota Dealers and many more.

Sponsorships and exhibit booths are still available. For sponsorship information contact Jan Edwards jan@ccwc-fresno.org; for exhibit booth information contact Mary Stabelfeld at mary@ccwc-fresno.org.

More information about the conference and speakers is available at www.CCWC-Fresno.org.

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