Constance Morella presents her perspective on the American woman’s journey in “Tripping Along in Heels: Women’s Progress Despite the Potholes and High Hurdles” at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct.17, in the Leffler Chapel and Performance Center. Morella’s talk, part of the Leffler Memorial Lecture series, explores the past, present and future of the unique journey and the struggle and successes of American women.
Morella served as the U.S. ambassador to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development from 2003 to 2007 and represented Maryland’s 8th District in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1987 to 2003. As a leading advocate for women, children and families, Morella instituted legislation for domestic violence cases and child support during this time. She also chaired the Congressional Caucus for Women’s Issues to promote access to micro-enterprise capital for women in developing countries. Since 2009, Morella has been Ambassador-in-Residence at American University School of Public Affairs where she teaches “Women, Politics and Public Policy” and in 2010, President Barack Obama appointed her to the American Battle Monuments Commission.
Not only was Morella chosen as this year’s Leffler Lecture, she also was asked to be a keynote speaker at Bowers Writers House, where she was chosen as the 2013-2014 Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow. Her relevance to the lecture program, through her work with women, families and children, prompted the joint request.
“The emphasis is to be on speakers that discuss women and children and focus on enhancing the lives of women and children,” said Caroline Lalvani, director of Elizabethtown Community Affairs and College Special Events. The series’ fund was set aside specifically for lectures, fellows and programs that support further understanding of issues related to women and gender studies.
The Lecture series, as a whole, was established with the intent of relieving the cost of bringing high-profile guests to campus and facilitating real-world education among the campus community. Suggestions for Lecture series guests are filtered through the Provost office, the women and gender studies department, and the development office before selections are approved to ensure that guest speakers will contribute to campus and community learning.
Other speakers in the Lecture series include Marion Wright Edleman, David Levin, and Kieu Chinh. Edleman is the CEO and founder of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), and an advocate for disadvantaged children. The CDF was a precursor to other charities focusing on children and families. Levin is the co-founder of the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP), a system of education for children from low-income families committed to fostering a strong culture of achievement and college preparation. The KIPP schools provide a completely different environment for kids and a safe haven, with transport to and from school and meal plans. Chinh made a name for herself in South Vietnam as an actress. She became an activist for women’s education when she moved to the United States after Vietman’s reunification. She establishes schools in Vietnam, particularly for girls and young women.