Hundreds of women of various ages and ethnic backgrounds gathered at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center on Thursday for the first South Carolina Summit on Women.

The Alliance for Women, in partnership with the South Carolina Commission on Women and Columbia College, organized the event to further their mission of improving the standard of living for all South Carolina citizens by supporting enhanced economic autonomy, health and well-being, and political participation for the state's women.

The 2008 Women of Achievement Awards were presented to 7 of the state's most effective and appreciated female leaders. June Bradham and Dr. Charmaine Stradford were recognized for furthering the status of women in the area of economic autonomy. Nikki Haley and Joyce Hearn were recognized for their service and inspiration in political participation. Linda Dingle Gadson and Frances Ashe-Goins were recognized for their achievements in furthering the status of women through health and well-being. And the Pioneer Award was presented to Harriet Keyserling for her unique and trailblazing manner of leadership.

Guest speakers included Dr. Ann Kulze who inspired the audience of 300 women from across the state to eat right for life to increase productivity at work and happiness at home. Mignon Clyburn spoke to the women of South Carolina with a message to make their mark through public service while appreciating the efforts of the women before them, and Carolyn Sawyer addressed economic autonomy by outlining 10 traits of a million dollar business.

Other speakers included Deb Sofield who addressed aspiring female political candidates with her Five C's of a Successful Campaign while the South Carolina Attorney General Henry McMaster addressed the well-being of women suffering from domestic violence issues.

The event was chaired by First Lady Jenny Sanford and co-chaired by the Honorable Gilda Cobb-Hunter and Dr. Ann Kulze. All participants of the Summit on Women represent the women of South Carolina as authors, elected officials, business owners and leaders who have overcome challenging circumstances and persevered just as any South Carolinan woman can.

For more information, visit www.allianceforwomen.net

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