YWCA Silicon Valley “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” Event

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/26/2013 -- Public officials, businessmen and students "stepped-up" and walked in women's high heel shoes through Downtown San Jose to raise awareness regarding the issue of sexual assault in our community. The YWCA Silicon Valley Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® takes a light-hearted approach to the very serious issue of sexual assault and calls attention to these staggering statistics, 1 out of every 6 American women and 1 out of every 33 American men has been the victim of an attempted or completed rape in their lifetime.

For more than a decade, hundreds of men have participated in the YWCA Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® to show their support for survivors of sexual assault and heighten awareness regarding this taboo issue. This year's YWCA Walk a Mile event was led by honorary co-chairs Jeff Rosen, (District Attorney of Santa Clara County), Chuck Reed (Mayor, City of San Jose) Larry Esquivel (Acting Police Chief, City of San Jose), William McDonald (Fire Chief, City of San Jose), and Pete Decena (Police Chief, San Jose State University Police Chief). County of Santa Clara Supervisors, corporations, such as Lockheed Martin Space Systems and students from San Jose State University were among the hundreds of men walking in high-heels to raise awareness and funds to assist in supporting the YWCA Silicon Valley Rape Crisis Center.

About YWCA Silicon Valley
For more than 108 years of service, the mission of the YWCA Silicon Valley has remained steadfast to empower women, children and their families, and to eliminate racism, hatred, and prejudice. The YWCA Silicon Valley helps more than 10,000 survivors of sexual violence each year. From counseling to advocacy the YWCA services provides survivors and their families through the devastating ordeal.

We also provide a broad range of services that transform the lives of a diverse community. Each year, our programs serve over 18,000 individuals in the areas of Rape Crisis, Domestic Violence, Counseling and Youth and Child services. The YWCA Silicon Valley is located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information about the YWCA Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

YWCA Silicon Valley Tribute to Women and Industry (TWIN)

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/23/2013 -- The year 1984 brought enforcement of the amended Equal Pay Act so women could earn the same pay as their male counterparts for the same work. Also that year, the YWCA Silicon Valley began shining a spotlight on women leaders in industry who broke those barriers. Nearly 30 years later, women executives will be honored in the YWCA's Tribute to Women and Industry, (TWIN) Awards program.

"Our YWCA TWIN program brings two unique opportunities to the YWCA; we are able to recognize women of achievement in our community in an event that benefits and empowers women who have been affected by rape, domestic abuse or other life-changing tragedies," said Dr. Keri McLain, CEO of the YWCA Silicon Valley. The honorees hold leadership positions in the healthcare, technology, public service and hospitality industries.

Thirty-six outstanding executive women will be honored with the YWCA TWIN Award; two will be named Emerging Leaders during the tribute, Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at the San Jose Fairmont, 170 South Market Street. The honorees and their companies will be recognized in the ceremony. We are proud to have SuccessFactors, an SAP Company, as the Presenting Sponsor. Other top event sponsors include: Gilead Sciences, Reception Sponsor; Intuit, Inc., Commemorative Awards Sponsor; IBM Corporation, Honoree Luncheon Sponsor and Cisco Systems, Annual Partner.

Proceeds from the YWCA TWIN Awards dinner support the many services of the YWCA Silicon Valley. Serving over 18,000 Santa Clara County residents, the YWCA provides programs in the areas of rape crisis, domestic violence, youth services, counseling services, licensed child care, and social and racial justice. The YWCA Silicon Valley is proud to provide services for more than 108 years in Santa Clara County. Its mission is to empower women, children and families, and eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. While the special concerns of women provide the impetus for the YWCA services, programs are open to everyone. The YWCA Silicon Valley is located at 375 South Third Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

For event information, contact Kelly Ramirez, Chief Development Officer at kramirez@ywca-sv.org or contact the YWCA at (408) 295-4011, x217.

2013 YWCA Tribute to Women and Industry (TWIN) Honorees

Cheryl Ainoa, SVP of Platform Engineering, Intuit Inc.
Nominated by: Brad Smith, President & CEO, Intuit Inc.

Hillary Barnhart, Senior Director, Business Operations, Applied Materials, Inc.
Nominated by: Jim Scholhamer, Coporate VP & General Manager, Applied Materials, Inc.

Linda Braly, Senior Director, Engineering, Lam Research
Nominated by: Martin Anstice, President and CEO, Lam Research

Leslye Corsiglia, Housing Director, City of San Jose
Nominated by: Debra Figone, City Manager, City of San Jose

Kelley Cosgrove, General Manager, Fairmont San Jose
Nominated by: Thomas Klein, Reg. VP & General Manager, Fairmont

Jenny Dearborn, MEd, MBA, Chief Learning Officer & VP Cloud Talent Success, SuccessFactors, an SAP Company
Nominated by: Lars Dalgaard, Founder and CEO of SuccessFactors and member of the Executive Board of SAP AG

Patrice D'Eramo, Vice President, Marketing, Cisco Systems
Nominated by: Chuck Robbins, SVP, Worldwide Sales, Cisco Systems

Lauren Larson Diehl, Sr. Director, Global Customer Management, Oracle Corporation
Nominated by: Juan Jones, SVP, Oracle Corporation

Debbie Dunnam, Senior Vice President - Americas Services, Cisco Systems
Nominated by: Nick Earle, SVP, Worldwide Services Field Operations, Cisco Systems

Gerri Elliott, Executive Vice President, Chief Sales, Services and Support Officer, Juniper Networks
Nominated by: Steven Rice, Executive Vice President, Human Resources, Juniper Networks

Michelle Garrison, Group Director, Corporate Applications Engineering, Synopsys, Inc.
Nominated by: Paul Lo, Ph.D., Sr. VP & GM, Analog/Mixed Signal Group, Synopsys, Inc.

Dolly C. Goel, MD, Medical Director, Santa Clara Valley Health & Hospital System
Nominated by: Chris Wilder, Executive Director, Valley Medical Center Foundation

Donna Hall, Senior Manager of Polymer Manufacturing & Process Development, DURECT Corporation
Nominated by: Jim Brown, President & CEO, DURECT Corporation

Linda S. Higgins, Ph.D., Vice President Biology, Gilead Sciences
Nominated by: John Martin, CEO, Gilead Sciences

Gowri Kamarthy, Managing Director, Engineering, Lam Research
Nominated by: Martin Anstice, President and CEO, Lam Research

Leslie J. Kelsay, Vice-President, Marketing & Communications, Good Samaritan Hospital
Nominated by: Paul Beaupre, MD, Chief Executive Officer, Good Samaritan Hospital

Gaye S. Landau-Leonard, SPHR, Vice President, Human Resources, Blach Construction Company
Nominated by: Michael J. Blach, CEO and President, Blach Construction Company

Shuang Liu, Software Engineering Manager, Applied Materials, Inc.
Nominated by: Mike Splinter, Chairman and CEO, Applied Materials, Inc.

Carolyn Maher, Vice President , Global Technology Services, IBM Corporation
Nominated by: Laura Guio, Vice President/IBM Site Executive, IBM Corporation

Kimberly Marcelis, Vice President, Strategic Planning, Cisco Systems
Nominated by: Gary B. Moore, President & COO, Cisco Systems

Cecilia Montalvo, Regional Vice President, Strategy and Business Development, Peninsula Costal Region, Sutter Health
Nominated by: Richard Slavin, MD, CEO, Palo Alto Medical Foundation

Nayaki R. Nayyar, SVP Cloud CRM & Cloud Integration, SAP
Nominated by: Lars Dalgaard, Founder and CEO of SuccessFactors and member of the Executive Board of SAP AG

Elizabeth Nielsen, Senior Development Officer, Valley Medical Center Foundation
Nominated by: Chris Wilder, Executive Director, Valley Medical Center Foundation

Titina M. Ott, Vice President, Worldwide Alliances & Channels, Oracle Corporation
Nominated by: Judson Althoff, Senior Vice President, Worldwide Alliances & Channels, Oracle Corporation

Ana G. Pinczuk, Senior Vice President, Services Transformation, Cisco Systems
Nominated by: Gary B. Moore, President & COO, Cisco Systems

Vidya Rajagopalan, Vice President, Processing, Systems, Software & Applications (PSSA), Xilinx
Nominated by: Moshe Gavrielov, CEO and President, Xilinx

Sarah D. Reeves, Program Director, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company
Nominated by: Julie A. Sattler, VP & General Manager, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company

Sharon Ryan, Chief Financial Officer, California Newspapers Partnership
Nominated by: Steve Rossi, Chief Executive Officer, California Newspapers Partnership

Tomi Ryba, CEO, El Camino Hospital
Nominated by: John Zoglin, Chair, El Camino Hospital Board of Directors, El Camino Hospital

Margret Schmidt, Vice President of Design and Engineering, Chief Design Officer, TiVo
Nominated by: Tom Rogers, President & CEO, TiVo

Wanda Anne A. Sigur, Vice President, Program Management, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company
Nominated by: James H. Crocker, VP & General Manager Civil Space, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company

Niraj Singh, Compliance and Privacy Officer, Kaiser Permanente
Nominated by: Irene Chavez, Sr. VP & Area Manager, Kaiser Permanente

Marjorie Toucas, VP Worldwide Corporate Sales, SuccessFactors, an SAP Company
Nominated by: Lars Dalgaard, Founder and CEO of SuccessFactors and member of the Executive Board of SAP AG

Beth Von Till, Chair of the Academic Senate, San Jose State University
Nominated by: Mo Qayoumi, President, San Jose State University

Wendy Walker, Controller, San Jose Water Company
Nominated by: Richard Roth, CEO and Chairman, San Jose Water Company

Pallie Zambrano, Partner, McManis Faulkner
Nominated by: James McManis, CEO, McManis Faulkner

2013 YWCA Emerging Leaders

Luisa Bozano, Ph.D., Manager Nanoscale Fabrication, IBM Corporation
Nominated by: Michael Karasick, IBM Research VP & Director of Almaden Research Center, IBM Corporation

Sara Brown, Strategic Communications Manager, Cisco Systems
Nominated by: Melanie Bragg, Sr. Director, Executive Communications, Cisco Systems

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

YWCA Silicon Valley Launches the Stuck In Traffic? Initiative to Educate the Public about Human Trafficking

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/15/2012 -- Carlos and Paula were an ordinary couple living in the Rose Garden section of San Jose. They were admired by neighbors, friends and family as successful entrepreneurs owning several restaurants in the area. Nobody noticed that they had men and women living in their garage, carefully guarded and forced into restaurant work for no pay.

Minh appeared to be an ordinary San Jose teen. She did well in school and excelled on the soccer field. Nobody noticed the warning signs that Minh was being sold for sex to adult men on a daily basis throughout San Jose.

Could you recognize the warning signs?

Probably not.

Most residents of the Silicon Valley wouldn't be able to. In fact, most residents don't even know there are trafficking victims living enslaved among us here and now.

The YWCA Silicon Valley aims to draw attention to this important human rights issue with a year-long public awareness initiative to provide the public with accurate information about human trafficking. The Stuck In Traffic? Initiative seeks to ensure that everyone in Silicon Valley knows that slavery exists in our community and that we can work together on solutions.

The Stuck In Traffic? Initiative launches this month with a series of events during FREEDOMweek. FREEDOMweek runs from August 21st – August 26th and features six free events presenting a comprehensive view of human trafficking, including domestic minor trafficking, slavery in our supply chains, and the impressive efforts of a new era of abolitionists working throughout the Silicon Valley. Among others, the week's events highlight a local teen actively involved in the fight against trafficking; an award-winning investigative journalist, Julian Sher, with a provocative perspective on prostitution and our modern "Pimp Culture;" and trafficking survivor, Carissa Phelps, who overcame all the odds to become an attorney, author, and advocate.

After FREEDOMweek, the Stuck In Traffic? Initiative continues with programs for college students, healthcare workers, and the faith community in addition to bus advertisements and educational materials available throughout the South Bay.

With support from the Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors along with many partners, including Not For Sale; South Bay Coalition to End Human Trafficking; Bay Area Anti-Trafficking Coalition (BAATC); California Against Slavery (CAS); San Jose Police Department's Human Trafficking Task Force and ECPAT USA, the YWCA is declaring freedom from modern-day slavery in Silicon Valley.

For more information about the Stuck In Traffic? Initiative or any of the FREEDOMweek events, please visit http://ywca-sv.org/programs/HT/human-trafficking-freedom-week.php

For over 106 years of service, the mission of the YWCA Silicon Valley has remained steadfast to empower women, children, and their families, and to eliminate racism, hatred, and prejudice. We continue to provide a broad range of services that transform the lives of a diverse community. Each year our programs serve over 18,000 individuals in the areas of Rape Crisis, Domestic Violence, Youth Services, Counseling and Child Care. Our incredible strength is in our dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, community members and business leaders who share our vision and passion. The YWCA Silicon Valley is located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information about the YWCA Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Leandra Peloquin Heads Back to School Setting – Leaves Behind Outstanding Program, Staff

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/03/2012 -- The YWCA Silicon Valley today announced that Leandra Peloquin, Director of the YWCA's Rape Crisis Center, is leaving the organization after over 10 years of employment. The Center was established in 1973; its mission is to minimize the traumatic aftermath of sexual violence and to promote freedom from abuse by working to change a culture of lingering patriarchy that serves as the foundation for oppression and gender violence.

Keri McLain, YWCA CEO, said "It has been my pleasure to work alongside Leandra for more than a decade. I admire the passion she has for preventing sexual assault and for advocating on behalf of the victims of sexual assault. The YWCA has been incredibly fortunate to have benefitted from Leandra's commitment to victims and their families; our rape crisis program provides our community with stellar prevention and intervention services and resources as well as educated advocates. While I am incredibly sad to see her go, I know that she will bring the same compassion and ability to make a difference to those who most need it, to her new adventure," continued McLain.

In 2011 alone, the YWCA Rape Crisis Center served over 12,000 men, women and children with a variety of intervention, prevention education and community education services. Programs and services offered by the YWCA Rape Crisis Center include state-mandated, trained advocates who assist sexual assault victims through the medical and judicial processes; a 24x7crisis hotline for sexual assault survivors and their loved ones; and peer and professional therapeutic counselors providing short-term and group counseling. The YWCA Rape Crisis Center also provides child abuse prevention programs for K -12 in Silicon Valley school districts and private schools; bystander intervention and safe dating seminars in local universities and colleges; and anti-sexual harassment, assault and bullying programs for community organizations.

Leandra Peloquin noted, "It is a bittersweet time for me. I feel incredibly blessed to have been able to work with such an amazing team of dedicated professionals, both within and outside the YWCA, for over 10 years and I am VERY proud of all that we have accomplished together." Peloquin continued, "At the same time I am very much looking forward to working directly with youth in the capacity of High School counselor. The issue of sexual violence remains close to my heart, and I will remain steadfast in my commitment to continuing the effort to eradicate sexual violence."

The YWCA will be conducting a comprehensive search for a new program director. In the interim, schools and organizations requiring more information on YWCA Rape Crisis Center programs and services should contact: sbarnes@ywc-sv.org. Sexual assault victims and survivors in crisis should call the 24-hour YWCA Rape Crisis Hotline at: 408-287-3000 or 650-493-7273 (North Santa Clara County).

About the YWCA Silicon Valley
For over 107 years, the mission of the YWCA Silicon Valley has been to empower women, children, and families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. Visit us at: http://www.ywca-sv.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 06/06/2012 -- The YWCA Silicon Valley will host its YWCA Silicon Valley 22nd Annual Luncheon event on Tuesday, October 2, 2012 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Santa Clara Convention Center. The event serves as a major fundraiser with proceeds going to support the programs and services of the YWCA Silicon Valley. Jackie Joyner-Kersee, Six-time Olympic Medalist, Motivational Speaker and Founder, Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, will be the keynote speaker at the event. "We are delighted to have Ms. Joyner-Kersee speak at this year's luncheon," said Keri Procunier McLain, CEO of the YWCA Silicon Valley. "We are pleased to present a woman who channeled her talents into becoming a world class athlete, then channeled her commitment to others to become a leader in the philanthropic community."

The YWCA Silicon Valley has served Santa Clara County for more than 106 years. Each year, more than 40 companies and individuals sponsor this annual luncheon. More than 80 community volunteers serve as table captains, inviting friends, family and business associates to the luncheon. Total attendance for the event is expected to be over 1,500 Silicon Valley community members. This is a non-ticketed fundraising event; guests attend as an individual or sponsored guest. A donation appeal will be made during the event requesting a donation of $150 or more to support the on-going programs and services of the YWCA Silicon Valley. To attend this event, contact events@ywca-org, or call (408) 295-4011 ext. 216.

The mission of the YWCA Silicon Valley is to empower women, children and families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. The YWCA Silicon Valley serves nearly 18,000 Santa Clara County residents each year, and has provided services in Santa Clara County for more than 106 years. The YWCA provides programs in the areas of Domestic Violence, Rape Crisis, Youth Services, Counseling and Child Care. The YWCA Silicon Valley is located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information about the YWCA of Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/14/2012 -- The YWCA Silicon Valley is proud to announce that it recently welcomed several new board members: Sharada Bose, R&D Management, Hewlett Packard; Joyce Chuang, Marketing and Business Development Coordinator, Orrick, Herrington and Sutcliffe LLP; Nora Denzel, Senior Vice President, Big Data, Social Design and Marketing, Intuit, Inc.; Neysa Fligor, Deputy County Counsel, County of Santa Clara; Maryanne Flynn, Director of Operations, Cisco Systems; Susan Franzella, Executive Human Resources Management, Kaiser Permanente, San Jose Medical Center; Jessica Garcia-Kohl, Director of Development & Public Affairs, The Housing Trust; Sandra Jewett, Principal, Vinci Park School; Jayashree Rangarajan, Director, Software Development, Xilinx and Barbara Wakefield, Hewlett Packard (Retired), Community Volunteer. Keri Procunier McLain, Ph.D., the YWCA's CEO states, "The caliber of these women will tremendously assist in the YWCA's efforts of fulfilling our mission to empower women and eliminate racism in our community. We feel privileged that these women have chosen to invest their time, talent and resources in the YWCA!"

These accomplished women add prestige to an already outstanding group of men and women currently serving as YWCA Silicon Valley Board Members: Marshall Anstandig, Senior VP & General Counsel, California Newspapers Partnership; Joleen Callahan, Community Volunteer; Andrea Elliott, CPA, Controller, The Health Trust; Alana Forrest, Captain, Los Gatos/Monte Sereno Police Department; Helen Hayashi, Outreach Coordinator, San Jose Downtown Association; Ann Hosein, Manager, IBM Corp.; Mary E. Morris, AIA, Associate Principal, HMC Architects; Larry Stone, Assessor, County of Santa Clara, and Susan B. Walsh, AICP, Senior Planner, City of San Jose, Planning Division.

Serving over 18,000 Santa Clara County residents, the YWCA provides programs in the areas of rape crisis, domestic violence, youth services, counseling services, licensed child care, and social and racial justice. The YWCA Silicon Valley is proud to provide services for over 106 years in Santa Clara County. The mission of the YWCA is to empower women, children and families, and eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. While the special concerns of women provide the impetus for the YWCA services, programs are open to everyone. The YWCA Silicon Valley is located at 375 South Third Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

10th Annual YWCA Silicon Valley “Walk a Mile in Her Shoes” Event

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/31/2012 -- The YWCA Silicon Valley will host its 10th Annual Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® on Wednesday, April 18,2012. This year's Walk a Mile event is led by event co-chairs Larry Stone, (County Assessor of Santa Clara County) Jeff Rosen, (District Attorney of Santa Clara County), Chris Moore (City of San Jose Police Chief), William McDonald (City of San Jose Fire Chief), and Pete Decena (San Jose State University Police Chief). Community leaders, businessmen, students and residents will walk one mile in women's high heeled shoes through Downtown San Jose to bring awareness and raise funds for sexual assault services provided by the YWCA Rape Crisis Center.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes® event takes a light-hearted approach to the very serious issue of sexual assault. Day of Registration/ Shoe pick up will begin at 4:00 p.m. The event is scheduled to begin promptly at 5:00 p.m. Participants are encouraged, but not required, to walk in women's shoes. Women and children are also welcomed to participate in the event as supporters and advocates. For further information about the event, please contact Kelly Ramirez, YWCA Chief Development Officer: kramirez@ywca-sv.org,(408) 295-4011 x217.

For over 106 years of service, the mission of the YWCA Silicon Valley has remained steadfast: to empower women, children, and their families, and to eliminate racism, hatred, and prejudice. We continue to provide a broad range of services that transform the lives of a diverse community. Each year, our programs service over 18,000 individuals in the areas of Rape Crisis, Domestic Violence, Youth Services, Counseling and Child Care. Our incredible strengths lies with the many staff, volunteers, donors, community members and business leaders who share our vision and passion. The YWCA Silicon Valley is located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information about the YWCA Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Former Press Secretary and best-selling Author to be featured speaker.

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/23/2011 -- The YWCA of Silicon Valley will host its' 21st Annual Luncheon event on Tuesday, October 11, 2011, from 11:00 pm to 1:30 pm, at the Santa Clara Convention Center. The event serves as a major fundraiser, with proceeds going to support the programs and services of the YWCA of Silicon Valley. Dee Dee Myers, Former Press Secretary to President Clinton and NY Times Best-selling Author of Why Women Should Rule the World, will be the keynote speaker at the event. "We are delighted to have Ms. Myers speak at this year's luncheon", said Keri Procunier McLain, CEO of the YWCA of Silicon Valley. "Our audience of business and community leaders will be fascinated by her perspectives on women's issues and experiences as the first female White House Press Secretary."

The YWCA Silicon Valley has served the Santa Clara County for more than a century. Each year, more than 40 companies and individuals sponsor their Annual Luncheon. More than 80 community volunteers serve as Table Captains, inviting friends, family, and business associates to the luncheon. Total attendance for the event is expected to be over 1,200 Silicon Valley community members. This is a non-ticketed fundraising event; guests attend as an individual or sponsored guest. A donation appeal will be made during the event, requesting a donation of $150.00 or more to support the on-going programs and services of the YWCA of Silicon Valley. To attend this event, contact events@ywca-org, or call (408) 295-4011 ext. 216.

The mission of the YWCA Silicon Valley is to empower women, children and families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley serves nearly 18,000 Santa Clara County residents each year, and has provided services in Santa Clara County for more than 100 years. The YWCA provides programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, domestic violence, child care, youth programs, family services, and social and racial justice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley is located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information about the YWCA of Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/22/2011 -- On April 27, 2011 men will walk one mile in women's high-heeled shoes through downtown San Jose to protest rape, sexual assault and gender violence. This 9th annual event, held each April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month brings together male community leaders, businessmen, and residents to walk (in women's shoes) from Plaza de Cesar Chavez through the streets of downtown San Jose to raise sexual assault awareness in our community. The YWCA Silicon Valley organizes the event and provides the women's shoes. Women are encouraged to join the walk as supporters and advocates.

The event is scheduled to begin at 5:00 p.m. with day-of registration/shoe pick up starting at 4:30 p.m. Men are encouraged (but not required) to walk in women's shoes and participants are being asked to obtain a minimum of $100.00 in sponsorships. This year we are focusing on team participation and encourage walkers to become a team captain. Funds generated through the 9th Annual Walk a Mile in her Shoes event supports YWCA Rape Crisis Department and other YWCA assault-prevention services.

To register, visit http://www.firstgiving.com/ywcasv/Event/ywcawalkamile. For further information about the event, contact Kelly Ramirez at walkamile@ywca-sv.org or (408) 295-4011 x217.The mission of the YWCA Silicon Valley is to empower women, children and families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley serves nearly 18,000 Santa Clara County residents each year, and has provided services in Santa Clara County for more than 100 years. The YWCA provides programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, domestic violence, child care, youth programs, family services, and social and racial justice. The YWCA Silicon Valley is located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information about the YWCA Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/03/2011 -- Forty-six outstanding executive women from Silicon Valley will be honored by the YWCA Silicon Valley, May 3, 2011 at the 27th Annual Tribute to Women (TWIN) Awards Program at the San Jose Fairmont. The YWCA Silicon Valley's TWIN Awards Program honors not only women who demonstrate excellence in executive-level positions, but also the companies that employ these women. "The list of women nominees this year was truly extraordinary. The talent of women executives in our community is second to none. We are privileged to honor these 46 inspirational women, and to have so many wonderful sponsors for theYWCA TWIN Awards this year." said Dr. Keri McLain, Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA Silicon Valley.

Twenty-seven years ago, this awards program was established in Santa Clara Valley to pay tribute to women and industry. The participants represent a cross-section of companies in the Valley including technology, law, marketing and communications, non-profit, healthcare and now the green technology industry. The Honoree and the Company Representative will both receive a YWCA TWIN award at the dinner. For further information about the event, contact LaDonna Curteman at events@ywca-sv.org or contact the YWCA at (408) 295-4011, x216.Top sponsors for the YWCA 2011 TWIN Awards dinner include: Presenting - Marvell Semiconductors; Private Honoree Reception - KLA-Tencor; Commemorative Awards-Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Community Sponsors – Adobe Systems Incorporated and IBM Corporation.

Funds generated through the TWIN Awards dinner support the programs and services of the YWCA Silicon Valley. Serving nearly 18,000 Santa Clara County residents, the YWCA provides programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, child care, youth programs, domestic violence, family services and social and racial justice. The YWCA Silicon Valley is proud to provide services for over 105 years in Santa Clara County. Its mission is to empower women, children and families, and eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. While the special concerns of women provide the impetus for the YWCA services, programs are open to everyone. The YWCA Silicon Valley is located at 375 South Third Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

2011 YWCA TWIN HONOREES
Maureen Alger, Pro Bono Partner, Cooley LLP
Lori Andersen, Director, Healthy Aging Initiative, The Health Trust
Shiloh Ballard, Vice President, Silicon Valley Leadership Group
Kristie Banks, Senior Director, Business Operations, Gilead Sciences
Kelly Battles, Chief Financial Officer, Host Analytics
Renu Bhatia, VP of Sales, Strategic Accounts, Marvell Semiconductor, Inc.
Iris Bombelyn, Vice President Manufacturing, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company
Jennifer Bowen, Sr. Director, Controller, Clean Products Group, Lam Research Corporation
Kathy Bries, Director, Portfolio Management, Strategy & Operations, Cisco Systems, Inc.
Keri Brooke, Vice President Marketing, Host Analytics
Abbie Buck, Human Resources Leader, US West, IBM Bay Area Lab
Karen Burns, Certified Public Accountant, Sensiba San Filippo LLP
Nanette Bustos, Director of Sales Operations, KLA Tencor Corporation
Gloria Chen, VP, Office of the CEO, Adobe Systems, Inc.
Carolyn DeLeon, DM, Vice-President, Human Resources, Good Samaritan Hospital
Jane E. Frommer, Ph.D., Research Scientist, IBM Research, Almaden
Alison Gleeson, Vice President, US Commercial Sales, Cisco Systems, Inc.
Linda Hartig, VP, Support, Oracle
Jenny Haruyama, Assistant Budget/Finance Director, Town of Los Gatos
Kuni Hay, Vice President Academic Affairs, Evergreen Valley College
Nichola Holt, Principal, Deloitte Tax LLP
Darina Kavanagh, MS, RN, CPHQ, Chief Nursing Officer, Regional Medical Center of San Jose
Angela Kreitem, Director of Banquets, Fairmont Hotel San Jose
Ruma Kumar, Assistant Physician - in - Chief, Kaiser Permanente
Sandra Ma, Senior CAE Director, Synopsys, Inc.
Cheree McAlpine, Vice President and General Counsel, Wyse Technology
Charmaine Mesina, Corporate Vice President, Legal Affairs, Applied Materials, Inc
Nancy Morse, Senior Vice President, Grubb & Ellis Company
Sheila Mussone, Senior Vice President - Western Market, Comerica Bank
Marilyn Nagel, Chief Diversity Officer, Cisco Systems, Inc.
Julie Pecson, Director, Strategic Subcontract Program Management, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co.
Clarisa Peer, General Manager, ALZET Osmotic Pumps Division, DURECT Corporation
Elizabeth Pipkin, Partner, McManis Faulkner
Jayashree Rangarajan, Director, Xilinx, Inc.
Erica Ruliffson, Group Vice President, Oracle
Christy Sandborg, M.D., Chief of Staff, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Lisa Schreiber, VP, Customer Services Mgmt, Financial Services, Oracle
Katherine Schuelke, Vice President, General Councel & Secretary, Altera Corporation
Jill Sproul, RN, Interim Director Critical Care, Emergency & Perioperative, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
Brenda Stelle, Busines Services Division Manager, Sensiba San Filippo LLP
Susan Swanson, Program Director - System Storage Client Care, IBM Research, Almaden
Kathryn, Ta, Senior Director, Applied Materials
Tomoko Tanaka, Director, Risk Management and Compliance, KLA Tencor Corporation
Erika Taylor Montgomery, CEO, Chief Publicist, Three Girls Media & Marketing Inc.
Belle Wei, Ph.D., Dean of the College of Engineering, San Jose State University
Maryela Weihrauch, Distinguished Engineer, IBM Silicon Valley Lab

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian Doris Kearns Goodwin shares insight into the lives of the leaders who have shaped the United States.

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 10/06/2010 -- San Jose, CA – October 5, 2010 - The YWCA of Silicon Valley will host its 20th Annual Luncheon event on Tuesday, November 16 at its new location, the Santa Clara Convention Center. The Networking Social will begin at 11am, and the Luncheon follows from noon to 1:30 pm. The event serves as a major fundraiser, with proceeds going to support the programs and services of the YWCA of Silicon Valley. Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize winning author and historian will be the keynote speaker at the event. "Our guests have expressed a great deal of excitement around having Doris Kearns Goodwin speak at the event," said Sharon Winston, this year's Event Chair. "The YWCA is delighted to have so many new and returning guests at the luncheon to provide their support for the vital programs and services of the YWCA Silicon Valley."

One of the most recognized historians of the day, Doris Goodwin provides trenchant, informed and enthralling commentary on current events by demonstrating how history has answered similar questions. With a deft wit and an uncanny ability to weave stories that put you "right in the room" as history occurs, she offers extraordinary insight into the lives of the leaders who have shaped the United States.

Ms. Goodwin has often been cited as the author of one of President Obama's favorite books, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln . In it, she inspires business and political leaders of today by teaching Lincoln's quiet but powerful leadership qualities?including his wisdom in building and maintaining teams in the midst of critically trying circumstances and his ability to overcome incredible obstacles. As the author of several best-selling books, Ms. Goodwin won the Pulitzer Prize for No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II.

The YWCA Silicon Valley has served the Santa Clara County for more than a century. Each year, more than 40 companies and hundreds of individuals sponsor the YWCA's Annual Luncheon. More than 80 community volunteers serve as Table Captains, inviting friends, family, and business associates to the luncheon. Total attendance for the event is expected to be over 1,500 Silicon Valley community members. This is a non-ticketed fundraising event; guests attend as an individual or sponsored guest. A donation appeal will be made during the event, requesting a minimum donation of $150.00 to support the on-going programs and services of the YWCA of Silicon Valley. To attend this event, contact events@ywca-sv.org, or call (408) 295-4011 ext. 216.

The mission of the YWCA Silicon Valley is to empower women, children and families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley serves nearly 18,000 Santa Clara County residents each year, and has provided services in Santa Clara County for more than 100 years. The YWCA provides programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, domestic violence, child care, youth programs, family services, and social and racial justice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley is located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information about the YWCA Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Let your silence be heard. Take a stand for hope to begin change.

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 08/03/2010 -- On July 26, 2010 the YWCA Silicon Valley conducted a walk and silent vigil in support of its mission of eliminating racism, hatred and prejudice. The event highlighted the need to end the proliferation of racism in our society and lessen its impact on the diverse population that live and work in Silicon Valley. The YWCA's goal is to raise awareness that racism still exists, and to share our vision of eliminating racism and celebrating the richness of our diversity. It was an opportunity for people to "let their silence be heard".

The walk began in front of the YWCA, located at 375 N. Third Street in San Jose. Supporters carrying signs supporting the mission of the YWCA walked silently to Cesar Chavez Park in downtown San Jose where the group shared a few comments and moments of silence reflecting on the impact of racism and the hope to begin change.

"The YWCA Board of Directors wanted to point out that that racism exists every single day in our community", said Keri Procunier McLain, CEO of the YWCA Silicon Valley. "Each day there are more local news reports of racial issues. Each of us sees it every day as we go about our daily activities. And at the YWCA, we see it more evidently when we work with clients and deliver programs to the diverse population that exists in our community. Every day, we see the societal impacts of racism on all people."

The YWCA Silicon Valley's commitment to eliminating racism originates with its Board of Directors and weaves throughout the Agency. Each month, the Board of Directors, with assistance from the YWCA Social and Racial Justice (SARJ) Committee, spends a portion of each Board Meeting exploring issues surrounding racism. "We have uncomfortable dialogue about the efects of racism in our community. We try to challenge our beliefs in order to create real change in the community," said Helen Hayashi, YWCA Past Board President. "The YWCA continuously evolves our programs and services to help our community increase tolerance and embrace diversity."

To learn more about the programs and services of the YWCA Silicon Valley, please contact Kelly Ramirez, Chief Development Officer, at 408-295-4011 x217 or kramirez@ywca-sv.org.

The mission of the YWCA Silicon Valley is to empower women, children and families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley serves nearly 18,000 Santa Clara County residents each year, and has provided services in Santa Clara County for more than 100 years. The YWCA provides programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, domestic violence, child care, youth programs, family services, and social and racial justice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley is located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information about the YWCA of Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

YWCA Silicon Valley inspires hopes and dreams

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 07/29/2010 -- The YWCA Silicon Valley's Project Inspire program has just completed its first ever summer programming. Project Inspire, now in its third year, is a youth empowerment program providing credit recovery for high school students to enable them to receive a high school diploma. This summer the program offered credit recovery to students at four East Side Union High School District schools. The YWCA served students at Andrew Hill, James Lick, Overfelt and Yerba Buena High Schools. Over the course of two summer semesters, 902 students recovered credits, putting them back on track to complete their coursework and earn their high school diplomas.

"Project Inspire is such an important program in our community", said Keri McLain, CEO of the YWCA Silicon Valley. "These students have fallen behind, and without support, they find it difficult to stay in school. Project Inspire staff work individually with the students and become role models, teaching them the value of education and inspiring them to work hard for a better future for themselves and their families. The YWCA is so proud to be able to impact the lives of these students."

Project Inspire served more than 500 students at four East Side Union High School District campuses over the past school year. The students voluntarily come to the after school program for two and a half hours each day. In addition to credit recovery, the program also provides youth development, tutoring assistance, enrichment, healthy relationship education, service learning, and mentoring. "The YWCA teaches these students much more than academics" said Rob Davis, City of San Jose's Chief of Police. "The students connect with Project Inspire staff in a way that makes them want to change the direction of their lives. I've seen these kids who were headed down a difficult path turn it around instead are excited and looking forward to successful future with their high school diploma."

To learn more about the YWCA Silicon Valley's Project Inspire Program, please visit http://ywca-sv.org/programs/youth_services.php or call 408-295-4011 x228.

The mission of the YWCA Silicon Valley is to empower women, children and families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley serves nearly 18,000 Santa Clara County residents each year, and has provided services in Santa Clara County for more than 100 years. The YWCA provides programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, domestic violence, child care, youth programs, family services, and social and racial justice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley is located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information about the YWCA of Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

216 High School Seniors to Receive Diplomas

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/27/2010 -- On Friday, May 28, there will be an end of the year celebration for parents and students of the YWCA's Project Inspire program at James Lick High School in the East Side Union High School District. Project Inspire, now in its third year, is a youth empowerment program providing credit recovery for high school students to enable them to receive a high school diploma. This year, 216 students who would not have graduated from high school will be receiving diplomas because of Project Inspire. "The YWCA is so proud to be able to impact the lives of these students", said Keri McLain, CEO of the YWCA Silicon Valley. "Many of these students had fallen so far behind at school that they didn't see any way to complete high school. Our staff at Project Inspire showed the students that if they worked hard, they could change the course of their lives."

Project Inspire served more than 500 students this year at four East Side Union High School District campuses. The students voluntarily come to the after school program for two and a half hours each day. In addition to credit recovery, the program also provides youth development, tutoring assistance, enrichment, healthy relationship education, service learning, and mentoring. "The YWCA is an integral part of our students moving along the pathway to graduation and post high school readiness", said Mr. Vander Zee, principal of James Lick High School. "The leadership and staff of the program are building the skills and positive habits in our learners that result in improved graduation rates and A-G completion."

The Project Inspire staff will be implementing a program over the summer at four school sites. Due to district budget cuts, the School District was unable to offer summer school this year for students needing to recover missed credits. The YWCA Silicon Valley is pleased to be able to offer 300 tenth and eleventh grade students the opportunity to complete credit recovery programs in order to graduate. To learn more about the YWCA Silicon Valley's Project Inspire Program, please visit http://ywca-sv.org/programs/youth_services.php or call 408-295-4011 x228.

The mission of the YWCA Silicon Valley is to empower women, children and families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley serves nearly 18,000 Santa Clara County residents each year, and has provided services in Santa Clara County for more than 100 years. The YWCA provides programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, domestic violence, child care, youth programs, family services, and social and racial justice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley is located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information about the YWCA of Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/12/2010 -- Forty-eight outstanding executive women from Silicon Valley will be honored by the YWCA of Silicon Valley, May 20, 2010 at the 26th Annual Tribute to Women (TWIN) Awards Program at the San Jose Fairmont. The YWCA of Silicon Valley's TWIN Awards Program honors not only women who demonstrate excellence in executive-level positions, but also the companies that employ these women. "The talent of the women nominees was again extraordinary. I keep them in high regard because they truly are the best of the best. We are thrilled to have so many wonderful top sponsors for the event this year." said Dr. Keri McLain, Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA Silicon Valley.

Twenty-six years ago, this awards program was established in Santa Clara Valley to pay tribute to women in industry. The participants represent a cross-section of companies in the Valley including technology, defense, communications, non-profit, healthcare and now the green technology industry. The Honoree and the Company Representative will both receive a TWIN award at the dinner. For further information about the event, contact LaDonna Curteman at events@ywca-sv.org or contact the YWCA at (408) 295-4011, x216.

Top sponsors for the 2010 TWIN Awards dinner include: Presenting - Marvell Semiconductors; Honoree Luncheon - IBM Corporation; Honoree Reception - KLA-Tencor; Commemorative Awards Gilead Sciences, Inc.; Participating Sponsors – Adobe Systems Incorporated and Xilinx, Inc.

Funds generated through the TWIN Awards dinner support the programs and services of the YWCA Silicon Valley. Serving nearly 16,000 Santa Clara County residents, the YWCA provides programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, child care, youth programs, domestic violence, family services and social and racial justice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley is proud to provide services for over 100 years in Santa Clara County. Its mission is to empower women, children and families, and eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. While the special concerns of women provide the impetus for the YWCA services, programs are open to everyone. The YWCA Silicon Valley is located at 375 South Third Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

2010 HONOREES
Laura Adint, Sales Operations CRM Director, Xilinx, Inc.
Lynette V. Apen, Dean of Nursing and Allied Health, Evergreen Valley College
Eva Benitez, Ph.D., Director of Product Support, KLA-Tencor
Cathy Benko, Vice Chairman & Chief Talent Officer, Deloitte LLP
Mary Ann Bianco, Vice President, Customer Services, Oracle Corporation
Cathy Boone, Sr. Director, Global Solar Market & Government Relations, Applied Materials, Inc.
Gianna M. Bosko, Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, XenoPort, Inc.
Karen Burns, Vice President, Global Tax, NVIDIA
Patty Chantler, Tax Partner-in-Charge, Sensiba San Filippo LLP
Grace Chen, Ph.D., Principal System Design Engineer, KLA-Tencor
Kathryn Stopol Crankshaw, Sr. Director, Program Management, Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Weili Dai, Co-Founder, Vice President and General Manager, Marvell Semiconductors
Barbara Donaldson, Vice President, Real Estate and Facilities, Synopsys, Inc.
Kimberly Ellis, Public Affairs Director, Kaiser Permanente
Sondra A. Ewing, Director, Program Performance Management, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company
Susan S. Flanagan, Chief Operating Officer, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Susan Frank, Executive Vice President, The Better World Group
Genevieve L. Haldeman, Vice President of Corporate Communications, Symantec Corporation
Pamela S. Hedblad, CPA, Partner, Abbott, Stringham & Lynch
Shyh-Mei Ho, Distinguished Engineer, IBM Silicon Valley Lab
Susan T. Hubbard, Vice President, Investor Relations, Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Pamela S. Jacobs, Assistant Town Manager, Town of Los Gatos
Trudy Johnson, MA, RN, NEA-BC, Interim Executive Director and Chief Nursing Officer, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
Judy Joice, VP Corporate QA, DURECT Corporation
Candi Kristoffersen, Director, Platform Engineering, Lam Research Corporation
Denia M. Leal, Director of Human Resources, San Jose Water Company
Marina Levinson, SVP and Chief Information Officer, NetApp
Catherine H. Liu, CEO and President, Applied Expert Systems, Inc.
Neda Mansoorian, Chief Legal Officer/Partner, McManis Faulkner
Elaine Nelson, MD, FACEP, Medical Director Emergency Department, CEP America - Regional Medical Center, San Jose
Lena Nicolaides, Ph.D., Chief Technology Supply Chain Executive, KLA-Tencor
Christine Pae, Senior Director, Product Development, BMC Software
Becky Pinto, Ph.D., Sr. Director of Marketing, Corporate Group, KLA-Tencor
Dulce Ponceleon, Ph.D., Manager, Content Protection Competency Center, IBM Almaden Research Center
Vicky Reader, VP of Operations, InnVision the Way Home
Aimee Reedy, EdD, MPH, VP Planning and Evaluation, The Health Trust
Deanna J. Santana, Deputy City Manager, City of San Jose
Rhonda Shantz, VP, Consumer Global Brand Marketing & PR, Symantec Corporation
Debora C. Shoquist, EVP Operations, NVIDIA
Shyamali Singhal, MD, Ph.D., FACS, Medical Director, Cancer Center, El Camino Hospital, Cancer Center
Pamela Stacks, Ph.D., Associate VP, Graduate Studies and Research, San Jose State University
Tamara Stafford, Director of Education, El Camino Hospital
Dana K. Stevens, RN, BSN, MHA, Director of Quality Management, Good Samaritan Hospital
Suchitra Subrahmanyan, Ph.D., Director, Strategy and Marketing, Silicon Systems Group, Applied Materials, Inc.
Jennifer Taylor, Director, Product Management, Adobe Systems Incorporated
Kristine Tueller, Multi Function Engineer & Science Senior Manager, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company
Linda Yoshino, Client Executive, IBM North San Jose
Ruoyi Zhou, Ph.D., Manager, Services Infrastructure and Management, IBM Almaden Research Center

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Pulitzer Prize-winning historian to share insight into the lives of the leaders who have shaped the United States.

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 05/03/2010 -- The YWCA of Silicon Valley will host its' 20th Annual Luncheon event on Tuesday, November 16, 2010, from 11:00 am to 1:30 pm, at the Santa Clara Convention Center. The event serves as a major fundraiser, with proceeds going to support the programs and services of the YWCA of Silicon Valley. Doris Kearns Goodwin, Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, will be the keynote speaker at the event. "We are delighted to have Ms. Goodwin speak at this year's luncheon", said Keri Procunier McLain, CEO of the YWCA Silicon Valley. "Our audience of business and community leaders will be fascinated by her keen historical perspective on current events."

One of the most recognized historians of the day, Doris Goodwin provides trenchant, informed and enthralling commentary on current events by demonstrating how history has answered similar questions. With a deft wit and an uncanny ability to weave stories that put you "right in the room" as history occurs, she offers extraordinary insight into the lives of the leaders who have shaped the United States.

Ms. Goodwin has often been cited as the author of one of President Obama's favorite books, Team of Rivals: The Political Genius of Abraham Lincoln . In it, she inspires business and political leaders of today by teaching Lincoln's quiet but powerful leadership qualities─including his wisdom in building and maintaining teams in the midst of critically trying circumstances and his ability to overcome incredible obstacles. As the author of several best-selling books, Ms. Goodwin won the Pulitzer Prize for No Ordinary Time: Franklin and Eleanor Roosevelt: The Home Front in World War II.

The YWCA Silicon Valley has served the Santa Clara County for more than a century. Each year, more than 40 companies and individuals sponsor their Annual Luncheon. More than 80 community volunteers serve as Table Captains, inviting friends, family, and business associates to the luncheon. Total attendance for the event is expected to be over 1,200 Silicon Valley community members. This is a non-ticketed fundraising event; guests attend as an individual or sponsored guest. A donation appeal will be made during the event, requesting a donation of $150.00 or more to support the on-going programs and services of the YWCA of Silicon Valley. To attend this event, contact events@ywca-sv.org, or call (408) 295-4011 ext. 216.

The mission of the YWCA Silicon Valley is to empower women, children and families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley serves nearly 18,000 Santa Clara County residents each year, and has provided services in Santa Clara County for more than 100 years. The YWCA provides programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, domestic violence, child care, youth programs, family services, and social and racial justice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley is located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information about the YWCA Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

Over 250,000 individuals across the country expected to Take a Stand

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 04/28/2010 -- The YWCA Silicon Valley is calling on all individuals to join us in taking a bold Stand Against Racism on April 30 by partnering with the YWCA. Our goal is to unite our community in a bold demonstration that delivers a clear message that racism can no longer be ignored or tolerated.

"The persistence and pervasiveness of racism divides our community and keeps individuals from achieving success in education, economics, employment, and quality of life," stated Keri Procunier McLain, CEO of the YWCA Silicon Valley. "Our strength comes from numbers – that's why we are asking people to come out and join us." Events sponsored by our YWCA include a partnership with Silicon Valley Faces to bring Building Connections, a four week program to all YWCA Silicon Valley childcare centers. This program utilizes fun, age appropriate activities to explore individual similarities and differences. "The Building Connections program helps participants develop a positive sense of self-worth, value and celebrate differences in others, and be proactive in interrupting prejudice when they see it. SV FACES is proud to be partnering with the YWCA Silicon Valley to bring this program to the community," said Pat Mitchell, Executive Director of Silicon Valley FACES. Other events will be hosted throughout the YWCA's Programs, including its TechGYRLS® and Project Inspire Programs.

The YWCA Silicon Valley's commitment to eliminating racism originates with its Board of Directors and weaves throughout the Agency. Each month, the Board of Directors, with assistance from the YWCA Social and Racial Justice (SARJ) Committee, spends a portion of each monthly Board Meeting exploring issues surrounding racism. "We have uncomfortable dialogue about the effects of racism in our community. We try to challenge our beliefs in order to create real change in the community," said Helen Hayashi, YWCA Board President. "The YWCA continuously evolves our programs and services to help our community increase tolerance and embrace diversity."

Individuals in Silicon Valley will be taking a Stand Against Racism simultaneously with others throughout the country. The Stand Against Racism movement is a collaboration of 71 YWCA Associations nationwide and their 2,000 community partners. Over 250,000 people are expected to take a Stand Against Racism. Participants will commit themselves to a lifetime of promoting peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all people in their community and in the world. This powerful, unified effort will help raise awareness that racism hurts everyone. Participants of the YWCA's Stand Against Racism range from school-age children to elected officials; from executives of large corporations to church leaders; and many others. Racism affects everyone. "If you believe in a society free of racism and discrimination, join us," said McLain. "Together, we can eliminate racism."

On April 20, 2010 the world lost an unwavering champion of justice and freedom. Dr. Dorothy Height, eulogized as "the godmother of the Civil Rights Movement" by President Obama, passed away at the age of 98 after a lifetime of courageously fighting for equality for women and people of color in the United States. On April 30, during the 3rd Annual Stand Against Racism , the YWCA Silicon Valley pays special tribute to Dr. Dorothy Height.

For more details or to look up a participating site, individuals are encouraged to visit http://www.StandAgainstRacism.org.

Background: The YWCAs in America have a rich history of advocating for racial justice. Throughout our history, the YWCA has been in the forefront of most major movements in the United States as a pioneer in race relations, labor union representation, and the empowerment of women. Today, we not only intend to raise awareness of the issues of racism, we intend to affect real change in the lives of our family, friends and co-workers through a process that identifies and eradicates the barriers that divide us and that perpetuate racism and other forms of oppression. The Stand Against Racism is an annual event. In 2010, it is a collaboration of 71 YWCA Associations nationwide, managed by the YWCAs Trenton and Princeton in New Jersey.

The mission of the YWCA Silicon Valley is to empower women, children and families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley serves nearly 18,000 Santa Clara County residents each year, and has provided services in Santa Clara County for more than 100 years. The YWCA provides programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, domestic violence, child care, youth programs, family services, and social and racial justice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley is located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information about the YWCA of Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/25/2010 -- The Boards of Directors of the YWCA Silicon Valley and the Support Network for Battered Women have each voted to merge the organizations in an effort to broaden services to those experiencing domestic violence throughout Santa Clara County. Sunnyvale based Support Network will become a division of San Jose based YWCA effective on April 1, 2010.

Given the synergy of the missions and clients served, it was determined that the long term sustainability of the services provided by each Agency would increase with this merger.

Mark Walker, Executive Director, Applied Material's Foundation said, "This strategic alliance exemplifies the professionalism and dedication to clients by both agencies, YWCA of Silicon Valley and Support Network for Battered Women. This is an opportunity to enhance complimentary services while streamlining their overhead costs, showing fiscal responsibility to their donors. I acknowledge the dedication of the board members and staff from both organizations who stayed focused on this mission and saw that collectively they could improve the lives of others."

The merger negotiations between the two organizations were funded by a grant from the United Way of Silicon Valley through their Nonprofit Effectiveness Fund, supported by the Packard Foundation and Applied Materials.

About Support Network for Battered Women
Support Network for Battered Women has served Santa Clara County since 1979 providing domestic violence services, including emergency shelter, 24-hour bilingual crisis line, counseling, therapy, legal advocacy, and community outreach and education. The mission of the Support Network is to empower our diverse community to live free from domestic violence. Please visit http://www.supportnetwork.org

About YWCA Silicon Valley
YWCA Silicon Valley has served Silicon Valley since 1905, providing programs and services to nearly 18,000 residents each year. The YWCA offers services in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, child care, youth programs, family services, and social and racial justice. The mission of the YWCA is to empower women, children and families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. Please visit http://www.ywca-sv.org

Contact:
Keri Procunier McLain, Ph.D.
CEO, YWCA Silicon Valley
375 S. 3rd Street
San Jose, CA 95112
(408) 295-4011 x201
kmclain@ywca-sv.org

Ken Goldstein
Interim Executive Director, Support Network for Battered Women
1257 Tasman Drive, Suite C
Sunnyvale, CA 94089
(408) 541-6100 x102
kgoldstein@supportnetwork.org

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 03/01/2010 -- Blue jeans are worn by millions of Americans every day, but staff members and supporters of The YWCA of Silicon Valley's Rape Crisis Center will wear their denim on April 21, 2010 for a special reason – to step forward and take a stand against rape. "Denim Day is an important opportunity to raise awareness and prevent sexual assault against women," said Keri McLain, CEO of the YWCA of Silicon Valley. "We urge everyone in the community to join us in wearing jeans on Denim Day."

Wearing jeans during the month of April for Sexual Assault Awareness Month became an international symbol of protest against common attitudes about rape in 1999 when an Italian High Court overturned a rape conviction. The justices reasoned that since the victim wore very tight jeans, the man who was accused of raping her could not have removed her jeans by himself, so the victim must have willingly participated. Women in the Italian Legislature protested the decision by wearing jeans. As news of the decision spread, so did the protest. In April 1999 the state of California established the first Denim Day in the United States.

The YWCA Rape Crisis Center provides crisis intervention, advocacy, support and education to those affected by sexual violence. Advocates are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to provide support and answer questions. The center also welcomes calls from partners, family members and friends of rape and sexual victims. "It is important to understand that sexualized violence does not just affect women. It affects the men who care about them, their friends, their coworkers, and their communities. Sexualized violence is epidemic." said Sandy Davis, Director of the YWCA Rape Crisis Center. Some of the statistics: Every two minutes someone in America is raped. One in six women are victims of sexual assault. That means that someone you know, someone you care about, has been or may become the victim of sexual violence. It may be your mother, your sister, your friend, your girlfriend, your wife, your coworker, or your daughter.

The mission of the YWCA is to empower women, children and their families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley serves nearly 24,000 Santa Clara County residents each year, and has provided services in Santa Clara County for more than 100 years. The YWCA provides programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, child care, youth programs, family services, and social and racial justice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley is located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information about the YWCA of Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/26/2010 -- On April 21, 2010 men from all walks of life will walk one mile in women's high-heeled shoes through Downtown San Jose to protest rape, sexual assault & gender violence. This 8th annual event, held each April during Sexual Assault Awareness Month, brings together male community leaders, businessmen, and area residents to walk (in women's shoes) from Plaza de Cesar Chavez through the streets of downtown – less than a mile – to call awareness to the problem of sexual assault in our community. It is a light-hearted way to approach a very serious issue that is the responsibility of us all. The YWCA of Silicon Valley organizes the event and provides the women's shoes. Women are encouraged to join the walk as supporters and advocates, as well. For further information about the event, contact Kelly Ramirez at walkamile@ywca-sv.org or contact the YWCA at (408) 295-4011 x217.

WHO: Male community members and leaders will proclaim their solidarity with the rape prevention movement by marching in high heels, with women and children marching at their side. Educators, students, law enforcement officers, elected and appointed officials, and others are expected to participate.

WHEN: The march is scheduled to begin at 5:00pm with registration starting at 4:00pm at the Plaza de Cesar Chavez in downtown San Jose.. Men, women, and children are invited to participate and walk-on registrants are welcome. Men are encouraged (but not required) to walk in women's shoes and participants are being asked to obtain $100 in sponsorship. High heels in all sizes will be available to those who don't have their own.

HOW: Register online at http://www.ywca-sv.org

"One in three women has experienced gender violence in her lifetime. A woman is raped every 90 seconds in America," said Keri McLain, CEO of the YWCA. "That means someone you know, someone you care about has been the victim of sexual violence. This violence does not just affect women. Men are hurt and angered when women they care about are raped. Men are hurt and angered when they try to develop relationships with women in an atmosphere of fear and mistrust and blame. And the same violence that targets women also targets men because rape isn't about sex, it's about power, control and violence." Inspired by the old saying, "You can't understand a person's experience until you've walked a mile in their shoes," men will literally walk one mile in women's high-heeled shoes.

Funds generated through the 8th Annual Walk a Mile in her Shoes event support the programs and services of the YWCA of Silicon Valley. The mission of the YWCA is to empower women, children and their families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley serves nearly 24,000 Santa Clara County residents each year, and has provided services in Santa Clara County for more than 100 years. The YWCA provides programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, child care, youth programs, family services, and social and racial justice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley is located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information about the YWCA of Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm

San Jose, CA -- (ReleaseWire) -- 02/25/2010 -- Forty-nine outstanding executive women from Silicon Valley will be honored by the YWCA of Silicon Valley, May 20, 2010 at the 26th Annual Tribute to Women (TWIN) Awards Program at the San Jose Fairmont. The YWCA of Silicon Valley's TWIN Awards Program honors not only women who demonstrate excellence in executive-level positions, but also the companies that employ these women. "The talent of the women nominees was again extraordinary. I keep them in high regard because they truly are the best of the best. We are thrilled to have so many wonderful top sponsors for the event this year." said Dr. Keri McLain, Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA of Silicon Valley.

Twenty-six years ago, this awards program was established in Santa Clara Valley to pay tribute to women in industry. The participants represent a cross-section of companies in the Valley including technology, defense, communications, non-profit, healthcare and now the green technology industry. The Honoree and the Company Representative will both receive a TWIN award at the dinner. For further information about the event, contact LaDonna Curteman at events@ywca-sv.org or contact the YWCA at (408) 295-4011, x216.

Top sponsors for the 2010 TWIN Awards dinner include: Marvell Semiconductors, Presenting Sponsor; IBM Corporation, Honoree Luncheon Sponsor; KLA-Tencor, Reception Sponsor; Gilead Sciences, Inc., Commemorative Awards Sponsor; Xilinx, Inc., Participating Sponsor.

Funds generated through the TWIN Awards dinner support the programs and services of the YWCA of Silicon Valley. Serving nearly 24,000 Santa Clara County residents, the YWCA provides programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, child care, youth programs, family services and social and racial justice. The YWCA of Silicon Valley is proud to provide services for over 100 years in Santa Clara County. Its mission is to empower women, children and families, and eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. While the special concerns of women provide the impetus for the YWCA services, programs are open to everyone. The YWCA of Silicon Valley is located at 375 South Third Street, San Jose, CA 95112. For more information, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

2010 HONOREES
Laura Adint, CRM Program Director, Sales Operations, Xilinx, Inc.
Lynette Apen, Dean, Nursing and Allied Health, Evergreen Valley College
Eva Benitez, Ph.D., Director of Product Support, KLA-Tencor Corporation
Cathy Benko, Managing Principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP
Mary Ann Bianco, Vice President, Customer Services Management, Oracle Corporation
Cathy Boone, Global Marketing and Government Relations, Solar, Applied Materials
Gianna Bosko, Vice President, General Counsel & Secretary, XenoPort, Inc.
Karen Burns, VP of Tax, NVIDIA
Patricia Chantler, Partner, Sensiba San Filippo LLP
Grace Chen, Principal System Design Engineer, KLA-Tencor Corporation
Kathryn Crankshaw, Sr. Director, Program Management, Alexza Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Weili Dai, Co-Founder, Vice President and General Manager, Marvell
Barbara Donaldson, Vice President, Real Estate and Facilities, Synopsys, Inc.
Kimberly Ellis, Public Affairs Director, Kaiser Permanente
Sondra Ewing, Director, Program Performance Management, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Company
Sue Flanagan, Cheif Operating Officer, Lucile Packard Children's Hospital
Susan Frank, Executive Vice President, The Better World Group
Genevieve Haldeman, VP, Worldwide Corporation Communications, Symantec Corporation
Pam Hedblad, CPA, Partner/Principal, Abbott, Stringham & Lynch
Shyh-Mei Ho, Distinguished Engineer, IBM Silicon Valley Lab
Susan Hubbard, Vice President, Investor Relations, Gilead Sciences, Inc.
Pamela Jacobs, Assistant Town Manager, Town of Los Gatos
Trudy Johnson, MA, RN, NEA-BC, Chief Nursing Officer, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center
Judy Joice, VP Corporate QA, DURECT Corporation
Aglaia Kong, VP, Fellow, Symantec Corporation
Candi Kristoffersen, Director of Business Operations for Bevel Clean Unit, Lam Research Corporation
Denia Leal, Director of Human Resources, San Jose Water Company
Marina Levinson, Sr. VP and Chief Information Officer, NetApp
Catherine Liu, CEO and President, Applied Expert Systems, Inc.
Neda Mansoorian, Partner and Chief Legal Officer, McManis Faulkner
Elaine Nelson, MD FACEP, Medical Director, ER, Regional Medical Ctr of SJ, CA Emergency Physicians
Lena Nicolaides, Chief Technology Supply Executive, KLA-Tencor Corporation
Christine Pae, Senior Director, Product Development, BMC Software
Rebecca Pinto, Sr. Director of Marketing, Corporate Group, KLA-Tencor Corporation
Dulce Ponceleon, Manager, Content Protection Competency Center, IBM Almaden Research Center
Vicky Reader, VP of Operations, InnVision the Way Home
Aimee Reedy, VP of Planning and Evaluation, The Health Trust
Deanna Santana, Deputy City Manager, City of San Jose
Rhonda Shantz, Sr Director- Global Brand, Marketing Comm & PR, Symantec Corporation
Debora Shoquist, VP Operations, NVIDIA
Shyamali Singhal, MD, Medical Director, Cancer Center, El Camino Hospital
Pamela Stacks, Associate VP, Graduate Studies and Research, San Jose State University
Tamara Stafford, Director of Education, El Camino Hospital
Dana Stevens, RN BSN MHA, Diector of Quality Management, Good Samaritan Hospital
Suchitra Subrahmanyan, Director, Strategy and Marketing, Applied Materials
Jennifer Taylor, Director, Product Management, Adobe Systems Incorporated
Kristine Tueller, Multi Function Engineer & Science Senior Manager, Lockheed Martin Space Systems Co.
Linda Yoshino, Client Executive, IBM North San Jose
Ruoyi Zhou, Ph.D., Manager, Services Infrastructure and Management, IBM Almaden Research Center

About the YWCA of Silicon Valley
The mission of the YWCA is to empower women, children and their families, and to eliminate racism, hatred and prejudice. We serve nearly 24,000 Santa Clara County residents each year, and have provided services in Santa Clara County for more than 100 years. The YWCA provides programs in the areas of sexual assault intervention and prevention, counseling services, child care, youth programs, family services, and social and racial justice. We are located at 375 S. 3rd Street, San Jose, CA 95112.

For more information about the YWCA of Silicon Valley, contact (408) 295-4011 or visit http://www.ywca-sv.org.

For more information on this press release visit: http://www.releasewire.com/press-releases/release-3.htm