Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellows
Anita Perez Ferguson To Visit SMC February 23-27, 2009
ANITA PEREZ FERGUSON
Former Preseident, National Women's Political Caucus
Anita Perez Ferguson was appointed by President Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to the Chair of the Inter-American Foundation. She has served as resident of the National Women’s Political Caucus and earlier as the White House Liaison to the U.S. Department of Transportation. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, where she co-chairs the organization’s Public Policy Initiative and is a member of the finance and investment committees. In conjunction with several international organizations, Ms. Perez Ferguson has trained women in leadership and political skills in the United States, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and Europe. From 1996 to 1999, she was a weekly contributor to WAMC National Public Radio in New York. Her books include Women Seen and Heard and A Passion for Politics. Hispanic Business Magazine named her to its list, “The 100 Most Influential Hispanics in the United States.”
Topics: The changing face of American politics; the intersection of Wall Street and Main Street; building leadership skills; intergenerational solutions for the aging society; grassroots development and organizing; crisis management and media relations; Hispanic/Latino and women voters in the 2008 election.
During her week-long visit Ms. Perez Ferguson will meet with students, faculty and staff in class visits as well as informal meetings and discussions. Faculty are encouraged to include her in spring classes, department and program meetings, or other campus activities.
The Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellows program is dedicated to encouraging the flow of ideas between the academic and non-academic sectors of society; and, through week-long visits to small liberal arts colleges, connecting liberal education with the world beyond. Saint Mary's has participated in the program for sixteen years, hosting prominent businessmen, journalists, writers and activists, such as Robert Musil, Callie Crossley, John and Lillian Maguire, Dennis Reigle, Eleanor Clift, David Shipler, Lucille Clifton, Eleanor Munro, and Robert Pinsky.
