FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 7, 2008
Contact: Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR
Falcon Valley Group
619-997-2495

Women's Leadership Institute Launches Program for Domestic Violence Survivors

Innovative approach gives participants skills to be successful in the workplace and in life

( SAN DIEGO) Women who have escaped the terror of domestic violence have overcome challenges most people can’t imagine. But challenges that can be just as daunting lie ahead as they struggle to create a successful, positive life for themselves and their children

In an innovative pilot project, the YWCA of San Diego County and Speak for Success launch The Speak for Success Women's Leadership Institute starting January 7, 2008. This 10-week professional development program offers seven women who have been victims of domestic violence the opportunity to learn leadership skills to help them reach their potential and look forward to a bright future.

The National Family Justice Center Alliance, Operation for Hope, and National University are also partners with the YWCA and Speak for Success in making the first Institute possible.

"Women who flee domestic violence situations often have no money and minimal job skills," says Casey Gwinn, Chief Executive Officer of the YWCA of San Diego County. "Our programs, like Becky’s House, give women and their families housing and the support services they need to escape their violent living situation. Now with the Women’s Leadership Institute, we can take our support to the next level and insure that survivors have the tools they need when they’re on their own to take care of themselves and their families by being successful in the workplace, and in life.”

The vision behind the Women’s Leadership Institute is to give women the tools, support, and confidence to:

  • Set and achieve personal and career goals
  • Be inspiring role models for their families and women everywhere
  • Stand up and speak out as advocates for the prevention of domestic violence and other issues
  • Start their own businesses
  • Become leaders in their communities, corporations and non-profit organizations

The long-term vision is to use this pilot program as a step toward launching a national program to empower more women to reach their potential in both the non-profit and for-profit sectors.

Dana Bristol-Smith, founder of Speak for Success, created the Women’s Leadership Institute so she could work with people who needed her programs the most. “ At the time I set this goal, I didn’t know exactly what that meant, other than I had a strong desire to help and serve people through my programs,” says Bristol-Smith.

“I am very proud of the development of the Speak for Success Women's Leadership Institute, which involved putting together a team of wonderful instructors and partnering with these great non-profits to deliver the program to women who have been victims of domestic violence. In thinking about it now, I can’t imagine a group of people who need and could benefit from Speak for Success training more than the women in this innovative program.”

“I’m excited about working with these extraordinary women,” said Bristol-Smith. “Everyone involved in the project has already been deeply touched by their stories, their courage and strength. Helping survivors of domestic violence grow professionally is an honor and a privilege.”

The Speak for Success Women’s Leadership Institute will
focus on:

  • Career coaching for assessment, support and guidance to identify and work towards reaching career goals
  • Developing public speaking skills to be more comfortable and confident in all career/social/life situations
  • Transforming negative situations and beliefs to positive action and results
  • Consulting with and learning professional attire and style from an image consultant
  • Improving communication skills to enhance relationships in personal and professional situations

The Women’s Leadership Institute Team includes:

  • Dana Bristol-Smith, Professional Speaker, Trainer and Author
  • Helice Bridges, Professional Speaker, Trainer and Author
  • Debbie Lousberg, Certified Career Coach, Trainer and Author
  • Donna Lange, Certified Career Coach
  • Beth Thorp, Certified Image Consultant, Professional Speaker and Trainer
  • Deborah Waitley, Ph.D., Trainer, Author and Coach
  • Gayle Lynn Falkenthal, APR, public relations practitioner

To learn more about this project’s partners, please visit the following Websites:
YWCA of San Diego: www.ywcasandiego.org
National Family Justice Center Alliance: www.familyjusticecenter.org Operation for HOPE: www.operationforhope.org
National University: www.nu.edu

If you’d like more information on our program, please contact Dana Bristol-Smith at 760-726-5272.

To see pictures of our first session click here.


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