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�糵����, IL — February 27, 2006 —

Margaret Power, Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT) Associate Professor of History, will participate in a panel discussion, “Women: Builders of Communities and Dreams,” as part of a Women’s History Month celebration sponsored by The City of �糵���� Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on Women. The panel, Thursday, March 2, 2006, at 4 p.m., in the Claudia Cassidy Theater at the �糵���� Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph Street, is free and open to the public.

�糵���� Sun-Times Lifestyles Editor Tammy Chase will lead the panel, which also includes Crystal Porter, Senior Research Scientist, L’Oreal; Laura Thrall, Chief Executive Officer, YWCA Metropolitan �糵����, and Brenda Sexton, Managing Director of the Illinois Film Office.

"We are honored by the contributions of these women to our city and for their willingness to share their stories," said Clarence N. Wood, Chairman of the �糵���� Commission on Human Relations.

The discussion will connect with the United Nations and International Women’s Community’s examination of issues that affect gender equity, justice, leadership and economic development.

The event will also recognize students from Prosser High School and their teacher, Judy Kane. Through the �糵���� Public Schools Office of Education to Careers, the Advisory Council on Women conducted a Women’s History Month Writing Workshop with Kane’s freshman class. The students will be recognized for their outstanding writing skills and engage the panelists on the significance of great women in their lives.

Kathy Posner, chair of Women’s History Month, said, "This is the third year the Advisory Council on Women has brought high school students and adults together to celebrate Women’s History Month. The program has an incredible impact on both groups."

Founded in 1890, IIT is a Ph.D.-granting technological university awarding degrees in the sciences, mathematics and engineering, as well as architecture, psychology, design, business and law. IIT’s interprofessional, technology-focused curriculum prepares the university’s 6,200 students for leadership roles in an increasingly complex and culturally diverse global workplace.