The Alturas Institute will present the annual “Conversations with Exceptional Women” conference on Sept. 8 and 9 at the Argyros Performing Arts Center in Ketchum. This year’s theme is “On the Shoulders of Giants.”
According to the organization’s website, “CWEW is the Alturas Institute’s signature event for the promotion of gender equality. We gather women from across the nation, from various sectors, disciplines and industries to engage in relaxed, casual and stimulating conversations about issues confronting women and the world.”
In addition to the promotion of gender equality, the Idaho Falls-based institute also promotes the Constitution and civic education. They host events throughout Idaho.
According to the Facebook event for the conference, this year’s speakers include “foreign affairs specialist Fiona Hill (best known for being a witness in Donald Trump’s first impeachment trial); award-winning writer, human-rights and war crimes educator and adviser Janine di Giovanni; CIA’s Senior Analytic Service member Gina Bennett; political activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Jody Williams; former astronauts Ellen Ochoa and Barbara Morgan; award-winning feature film producer Christine Walker; Grammy-award winning conductor Amy Andersson; prize-winning Yale historian Joanne Freeman; and author and professor of political science at Occidental College Caroline Heldman.”
Tickets run from $185 to $350 and can be purchased at ci.ovationtix.com/35937.
The schedule for this year’s “Conversations with Exceptional Women” is as follows:
Thursday, Sept. 8
9-9:10 a.m.: Welcoming Remarks
9:10-10:20 a.m.: “Beyond the Stars: Courage is Contagious.” Barbara Morgan and Ellen Ochoa (David Adler, moderator)
10:20-10:35 a.m.: Coffee break, book signings
10:35-11:35 a.m.: “From the Coal Fields to the White House: The Improbable Fiona Hill.” Fiona Hill (David Adler, moderator).
11:35 a.m.-12:20 p.m.: “The Persisters: Painting Courageous Women.” Fiona Hill and Jo Hay. (Christine Walker, moderator).
12:20-1:20 p.m.: Lunch provided
1:30-2:30 p.m.: “Championing Human Rights: Nobelist Jody Williams.” (David Adler, moderator).
2:30-2:40: Break
2:40-4: “Women’s Rights After Dobbs.” Jody Williams, Caroline Heldman, Naomi McDougall Jones. (Jeanette Schneider, moderator).
Adjourn for the day.
4-5:30: Reception for ticket holders.
5:45-7:30 p.m.: Intimate dinner and private talk for ticket holders.
Friday, Sept. 9
9-10:20 a.m.: “Challenges to American Democracy.” Gina Bennett, Fiona Hill, Caroline Heldman, Michelle Stennett. (David Adler, moderator).
10:20-10:35 a.m.: Coffee break, book signings
10:35-11:15 a.m.: “A Conversation with Filmmaker, Christine Walker.” (David Adler, moderator).
11:20 a.m.-12:10 p.m.: “Winning a Grammy: Amy Andersson.” (Caroline Heldman, moderator).
12:10-1:10 p.m.: Lunch and book signings.
1:15-2:15 p.m.: “Women and National Security.” Fiona Hill and Gina Bennett. (David Adler, moderator.)
2:30-4 p.m.: Exclusive screening of “Fair Play.” Directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
4-4:15 p.m.: Break.
4:15-4:50 p.m.: Interview with Jennifer Siebel Newsom. (Caroline Heldman, moderator.)
4:50: Closing remarks.