Contact: Maridith Geuder
Patricia Ireland, president of the National Organization for Women, will speak Oct. 5 at two public programs at Mississippi State University.
The visit by Ireland, head of the nation's largest feminist organization, is being sponsored by the MSU Women's Studies Program, College of Arts and Sciences and University Honors Program.
At 12:30 p.m. in the McComas Hall theater, she will discuss "Women in Office--Feminist Issues." A book signing and reception follow in the McComas Hall lobby.
At 3:30 p.m. in the Women's Studies Center at nearby Rice Hall, her topic will be the future of feminism.
Head of NOW since 1991, Ireland began her work career in 1967 as a flight attendant for Pan American World Airlines. After earning a law degree at the University of Miami in 1975, she joined a major Miami law firm and eventually became a partner.
Since the mid '70s, Ireland has been active in international women's rights and human rights work. In 1987, she became NOW's executive vice president and treasurer, positions she held until becoming its leader.
Ireland has organized NOW activists in supporting women's access to abortion, electing women to political office and in building coalitions with social justice and civil rights groups.
Her 1996 book, "What Women Want," details her personal evolution from teenage bride and flight attendant to a corporate lawyer and NOW leader. Kirkus Reviews describes it as a "personable and inspiring autobiography" by a woman who is "intensely smart, deeply passionate and intensely outspoken."
For more information about Ireland's MSU programs, contact Rose Kadende-Kaiser at telephone (662) 325-6652 or e-mail address kadende@ra.msstate.edu.