"CONVERSATIONS" OVERVIEW

"Conversation" events are held in an intimate atmosphere in order to encourage open dialogue and a lively exchange of ideas and information. Each event is limited in attendance and is "by invitation-only." The highlight of each event is a "Conversation" between and among the Forum's guest for the evening, a prominent national or international leader, and the participants. Each "Conversation" focuses on how women leaders can meet specific challenges and opportunities so they can excel, professionally and personally, and help their organizations and society to thrive. Each event is held in an elegant, yet informal, "living room" setting and concludes with a reception. Past "Conversation" guests include: The Honorable Sandra Day O'Connor, U.S. Supreme Court Justice (Ret.); Shirley Weis, Chief Administrative Officer of Mayo Clinic worldwide; Beth Brooke, Global Vice Chair of Ernst & Young; Deb Henretta, formerly President of the Global Baby Care Division and now Group President, Asia, Procter & Gamble; Dr. Eleanor "Connie" Mariano, first female Commander of the White House Medical Unit and Physician to three sitting U.S. Presidents; and a number of outstanding senior executives from Arizona.

ANN MEYERS DRYSDALE General Manager and President of WNBA Phoenix Mercury Sports Pioneer and Legendary Women's Basketball Player Award-Winning Broadcaster Working mother widowed with 3 children under the age of 6

One of the true legends in women's basketball, Ann Meyers Drysdale is completing her fourth season as General Manager of the WNBA Phoenix Mercury. Ann was named the third General Manager in Mercury history in September of 2006. In a brief time span, she has led the Mercury to two WNBA Championships (2007 & 2009). As this is written, the Mercury is beginning its defense of its WNBA title. In her role as General Manager, Ann is in charge of all basketball operations. In June of this year, she took on the additional title and responsibilities as Team President.

Ann is one of the most decorated female athletes of all time. She was the first woman to receive a full athletic scholarship from UCLA. While at UCLA, she was a four-time Kodak All-American, the first male or female to achieve that honor, and she led the Bruins to a national championship in 1978. She won an Olympic silver medal as a member of the U.S. Women's Basketball team at the 1976 Montreal Games. She received her first Hall of Fame membership in 1985 when she was inducted into the International Women's Sports Hall of Fame. She was inducted into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame in 1988 as the first woman inductee and her #15 jersey was one of the first four ever retired by UCLA. In May 1993, Ann was enshrined into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, Mass. as the first woman inductee. She remains the only female ever to sign a free-agent contract with an NBA team.

Ann established herself as an expert analyst on ESPN, NBC, ABC, FOX Sports and CBS and has done analysis and commentary for a wide range of men's and women's sports, including NBA and NCAA Championship games. Her illustrious broadcasting resume includes the 1984, 2000, 2004 and 2008 Summer Olympics. Her sports journalism contributions were recently honored when she was named the 2006 winner of the prestigious United States Sports Academy's (USSA) Ronald Reagan Media Award.

In 1986, Ann married former Los Angeles Dodgers Hall of Fame pitcher Don Drysdale. They had three children together: sons Don Jr. (D.J.) and Darren, and daughter Drew. When Drysdale died of a heart attack in 1993, Ann became a widow with three children under the age of six, whom she raised as a working mother, with the help of a supportive family.

If you have not received an Invitation and would like to attend, or if you have questions, please contact us via email or by phone at 602-861-9350.