Zonta International District 5 Fall Conference Hilton Cleveland East / Beachwood October 19 – 21, 2007 Hosted by the Zonta Club of Cleveland   Cleveland Was Lit Up for Zonta The Zonta Club of Cleveland, led by Conference Chair Angela Wilkes, hosted the Zonta International District 5 Fall Conference held at the Hilton Cleveland East, Beachwood, October 19 -21, 2007. The three-day conference, the first held here since 1981, proved to be a big success with nearly 100 participants. The meeting provided a great opportunity for District 5 Zontians to engage in the organization's business, which included district elections, networking with other members, hear enlightening presentations and participate in some remarkably rich concurrent workshops. In addition, attendees were treated to tours to area museums and shopping centers, great food and delightful entertainment. District 5 Governor Elaine Swanson presided, and Angela Wilkes, Sarojini Rao, Cleveland president, and International Representative Kerry Dixon-Fox welcomed attendees. The conference officially opened Friday evening with a lively convocation and dinner. This was followed by a business session, a "meet and greet” with the candidates for district offices, dinner, and a stirring keynote presentation from Alexis Abramson, vice president for technology at NorTech and assistant professor in engineering at Case Western Reserve University, who spoke about "Women's Work: Changing Our Technology Landscape." Saturday morning events included the president’ breakfast, the members’ breakfast, and the expanded presidents’ meeting. The district delegates elected the following:  Governor Elect: Amy Grubbe, Sandusky Lt. Governor: Angela Brokmann, Louisville Treasurer Julie Griffin, Springfield Area 1 Director Barbara Kopp Miller, Toledo Area 2 Director: Pat Roby, Springfield Area 3 Director: Angela Wilkes, Cleveland Area 4 Director: Rae Arnold, Columbus Nominating Committee: Elaine Swanson, Ashtabula Sandy Hommel, Cleveland Claire Kirsner, Toledo It/Webmaster: Sarojini Rao, Cleveland (Appointed) In other actions, delegates voted unanimously to raise District 5 per capita dues by $10.00. The afternoon luncheon included a recognition program for first time attendees and an engaging presentation by Barbara Danforth, president and CEO of the YWCA of Greater Cleveland who spoke to the group on the subject of “The Clash of Cultures: When Girls and Boys Meet in the Corporate Boardroom.” The afternoon session consisted of four excellent workshops that turned our collective attention to a wide range of topics to empower members including: Domestic Violence Mentoring Trafficking of Women and Children Membership Strategies Saturday evening activities began with a reception honoring the international representative, followed by dinner and fantastic entertainment provided by: Nritya Gitanjali Dance School and The Rainey Institute. There was great interest in two special exhibits: A silent auction that earned the district fund, nearly $2700, and the Cleveland Club’s raffle chaired by Michelle Comer, which earned nearly $1,465.00. As the conference drew to a close, the Louisville club extended an invitation to the 2008 Zonta District 5  Conference. Kerry Dixon-Fox gave a special invitation to the 2008 International Convention in Rotterdam. After the conference was adjourned, several Zontians and guests took part in area shopping as well as tours via "Lolly the Trolley" to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the Cleveland Science Center, and the Women's Air and Space Museum. The Trolley tour was led by Shari Slawinski assisted by Adrienne Bailey. Thanks to Angela Wilkes and the Cleveland Zontians who worked so diligently to make this a memorable event.

Governor Elaine Swanson Addressing the Conference Club Banners All officers New District Officers Cleveland Lights up for the Conference The artist, Sandra Hommel, Area 3 Director entering the archway Entertainment - Indian Dancers

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