Former state auditor Crit Luallen to speak at women’s empowerment luncheon

The luncheon was established to commemorate the birthday of Stanton, a 19th century pioneer for women’s rights. Today, through the examples and words of guest speakers, it serves as a way to empower the women who attend. The lunch will be 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the University Club, Belknap Campus. Tickets are $35 per person and must be purchased by Nov. 7. For reservations and more information, call the Women’s Center at 502-852-8976.

Luallen was elected Kentucky’s auditor in Nov. 2003 and served two consecutive terms. In her talk, she will draw from a lifelong career in and around politics for her topic, “Accountability in Leadership.”

Besides her role as auditor, Luallen served as Secretary of the Governor’s Executive Cabinet, State Budget Director, Secretary of Finance, Secretary of Tourism and Commissioner of the Department of the Arts. In 2009 she was named Public Official of the Year by the Washington, D.C.-based magazine “Governing” for her positive impact on government in Kentucky.

At the luncheon, the Women’s Center also will honor winners of the 2012 Mary K. Tachau Gender Equity Award, which the Commission on the Status of Women sponsors, and the Dr. M. Celeste Nichols Professional Development Award, which is sponsored by the Commission on Diversity & Racial Equality and the Dennis C. Golden Torchbearer Endowment through Student Affairs. The first award recognizes a person who has worked to improve gender equity in the community and the latter award is for graduate students. Nomination forms for both awards are at the Women’s Center.