Tuesday's Treasure - Event Alert "How Women-Owned Small Businesses Will Save The Economy"

We interrupt our regularly scheduled Tuesday's Treasure post to let you know about a "treasure" of another kind and a very special event she will be speaking at for those of you in the NY Metro Area.

Her name is Kathy McShane and we featured her in a Wednesday's Women of Courage post last year. This Wednesday, March 10, at 9:30am at Waveny House in New Canaan, CT, the American Association of University Women will host Kathy where she will discuss women entrepreneurs and how their growing ranks will change our economy and help lead us out of the financial crisis that continues to put women, their children, and generations to come, at risk.

This blog has been a strong advocate for Women's Empowerment and Women Entrepreneurship. In a blog last year we highlighted the events surrounding the Women's Forum in Deauville, France which has become the "Davos for Women". We have featured pioneering women entrepreneurs such as Shauna Mei, founder of AHA!Life and women, like Kathy McShane, and VC Cindy Padnos of Illuminate Ventures that target women-led ventures, and help them realize their dreams.

Please continue to support the efforts of Women Entrepreneurs and seek them out when next you are looking for goods or services. Your local chapter of 85 broads or Ladies Who Launch are a good starting point.

Wednesday's Women of Courage - Kathy McShane

I believe that the strength of the human spirit is the single most important element of success. Much of who I am and where I am today I owe to my determination to transcend my physical challenges, and press on regardless.

Today's Woman of Courage is Kathy McShane. Kathy has had considerable success in the world of business. And despite a physical handicap, her busy lifestyle is a testament to how mind over matter can drive the human spirit to accomplish incredible things.

Currently a Marketing Director for Ladies Who Launch, a global organization of women who are entrepreneurs, Kathy was also CEO and Founder of The Kendrew Group, LTD. She also helped launch various consumer and bank card products for AT&T, Chemical Bank (now Chase Manhattan), Mastercard International, and Visa USA.

Her numerous awards include a "Mark Award" for HBO, a "Small Business Award of Honor" given by Bill Gates, Microsoft CEO, and a CBS News Radio "Small Business Hero" Award.

Kathy is also a mother, wife, and a supporter of many causes. And like most women, she has had to accomplish all of this while proving to the world that the right man for the job - is a woman!