PHILADELPHIA – On June 3rd, the Committee of Seventy welcomed nearly 300 guests for its fifth annual Women in Public Leadership event, which celebrates the contributions of women leading at all levels. This year’s theme – Igniting and Enduring: Trailblazers Who Spark, Advance, and Protect Women's Rights – highlighted the work of legal experts, with experience ranging from private firms to appointed positions.
“Every generation has been tasked with continuing the work of our Founding Fathers 250 years ago: to create a democracy that represents all people,” said Lauren Cristella, President and CEO of the Committee of Seventy, in her opening remarks. “And we cannot do that work without women at the table. Without women running for office. Without women showing up to vote, to testify, to organize, and to lead.”
As part of the program, the Committee of Seventy presented the Civic Leadership Award to Kathryn Kolbert in recognition of her decades-long work in law, education, and media in service of women’s rights and human dignity. Among decades of accomplishments, Kolbert argued on behalf of ACLU Pennsylvania in front of the US Supreme Court in Planned Parenthood v. Casey. Many lauded this case at the time as having saved Roe v. Wade.
“We need to speak up, we need to act up,” Kolbert remarked after receiving the Civic Leadership Award. “Fighting back is the only way we are going to overcome the trauma that has hit our country, and which I am confident we can reverse.”
A titan in fighting for women's rights and a fierce and brilliant advocate, Kathryn is a profoundly deserving recipient of our Civic Leadership Award.” said Cristella. “Her life and career are a master class in what it looks like to do the work, sustain the work, and never mistake a setback for the final word.”
The event also featured a panel conversation exploring how leaders have fought for and safeguarded women’s rights through their unique paths within the legal world. The panel was moderated by 6abc’s Tamala Edwards, and featured:
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Jacqueline C. Romero, Partner and Litigation Leader at BakerHostetler Philadelphia
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Jude Husein, Chief of Staff - Pennsylvania State Senate
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The Honorable Kelley Brisbon Hodge, United States District Court Judge for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania
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Melissa Murray, Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law, Faculty Director, Birnbaum Women’s Leadership Center, and NYT Bestselling Author
The event was made possible through the support of presenting sponsor and Committee of Seventy Board Member Laura LaRosa.
Event photos, courtesy of Baiada Photography, can be made available.
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About Committee of Seventy
The Committee of Seventy is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization that has promoted, supported and facilitated government ethics and election integrity for more than a century. Seventy advocates for more free, fair, safe and secure elections and works to ensure that every eligible voter votes, is informed when they vote, and votes with confidence. For more information, visit: https://seventy.org/.
