March 14, 2005

FIRST LADY MARIA SHRIVER CELEBRATES WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

In an historic celebration of Women’s History Month, First Lady Maria Shriver addressed today the California State Senate and will be addressing the California State Assembly in recognition of the “Woman of the Year” ceremonies sponsored by the Legislative Women’s Caucus and thus making history. Today marks the first time since 1879 that a First Lady has appeared without the Governor before the Legislature. Maria Shriver is the first First Lady to address the state legislature and to acknowledge the accomplishments of women in society.

"Maria Shriver is an outspoken advocate for California's women. I am pleased that she is joining us to honor The California State Legislature's Women of the Year," said Assemblywoman Carol Liu (D-La Canada Flintridge), chair of the California Legislative Women's Caucus. "Most of us know Maria Shriver's story, at least the public one," she continued. "She is a devoted mother, wife, award-winning journalist, best-selling author, philanthropist, and, of course, First Lady. It is no surprise that she has committed herself to making sure other women's amazing stories are told. From founding the Minerva Awards spotlighting outstanding women at the annual Governor's Women and Families Conference to spearheading the creation of a museum showcasing women's achievements, Maria Shriver's efforts are an example of how one person can make a difference. She is an inspiration and role model for the women of today and tomorrow. We are honored to have her participate in the California State Legislature's 2005 Women of the Year celebration."

The California Woman of the Year ceremony is an annual bi-partisan tradition founded in 1987 by former Assembly Members Bev Hansen (R-Santa Rosa) and Sally Tanner (D-El Monte). Every year members of the Legislature bring women to Sacramento to honor the work they do in their individual districts and their contributions to their families, communities and state.

“Throughout California's long and varied history, our state and its citizens have benefited from the impact and inspiration of influential women. It is appropriate that the Legislature join with First Lady Maria Shriver in recognizing and honoring these 120 amazing women who have contributed so much to the betterment of our communities and the quality of life that we enjoy in California. The First Lady's interest and commitment to recognize and honor the accomplishments of the women of California has revitalized the interest in the Woman of the Year ceremonies in the Legislature,” said Senator Christine Kehoe (D- San Diego), vice chair of the Legislative Women’s Caucus.

“It is a privilege to honor these women who have selflessly dedicated their lives to serve others in our community and state,” said Assemblywoman Sharon Runner (R- Lancaster), chair of the Republican Women’s Caucus.

This year, Shriver added to these annual honors by partnering with trustees of the newly named California Museum for History, Women and the Arts (California Museum) to unveil an exhibit entitled “Serving California: 2005 Woman of the Year Honorees.” The exhibit featuring the stories of the 120 women honored by the State Legislature today will be on display through April 30, 2005 and become a permanent part of California’s Archive collection.

“In an effort to educate more Californians about the contributions of these extraordinary women, I today open a special exhibit in tribute to these remarkable women,” said First Lady Maria Shriver. “As First Lady, I am delighted to recognize the Woman of the Year Honorees and to tell their stories in the new California Museum for History, Women and the Arts. Every one of these women and everything they do makes our state a better place to live.

“As we celebrate Women’s History Month we are reminded that California women serve as mothers, sisters, daughters, doctors, lawyers, public servants, day care workers, scientists, and entrepreneurs and soldiers currently serving around the world,” said Shriver. “California’s new Museum provides a permanent place to honor contemporary women like these and recognize the women that have gone before us. When March turns to April, the new exhibit will remind us California’s women continue to serve on the front lines of humanity and act as great architects of change.”

In addition to the 2005 Woman of the Year exhibit, the California Museum also features the “Remarkable Women’s Exhibit,” unveiled by Shriver in May 2004, recognizing the accomplishments of more than 200 California women and an exhibit on California’s first ever Minerva Award recipients who were announced at the December 2004 Governor’s Conference on Women and Families. Shriver created these awards to recognize contemporary women who have made a significant contribution to their profession and have promoted and shared the importance of what they do to the next generation through mentoring and advocacy. The 2005 Minerva Award winners will be announced at the October 27, 2005 Governor and First Lady’s Conference on Women and Families.

Shriver has led a bi-partisan effort create the California Museum to be housed on the site of the California State History Museum. The revitalized museum will operate as a nonprofit, non-partisan historical and cultural institution dedicated to telling the complete history of California, including the stories of California’s women. The California Museum will be a thriving, living center of history, culture, art and learning. It will showcase the State Archives and partner with other museums and women’s institutions in California and across the nation. Bi-partisan legislation creating the California Museum has passed the Legislature and is expected to be signed by the Governor.

For more information about current exhibits and plans to revitalize the museum, please visit The California Museum for History, Women and the Arts. For more information about the California women honored today you may visit the First Lady’s home Page. For the text of the First Lady’s remarks please contact the Governor’s Press Office at 916-445-4571.