Governor Ryan Celebrates "Take Your Daughter To Work Day"

CHICAGO - Governor Ryan and the Governor's Commission on the Status of Women today hosted a breakfast for young women participating in "Take Your Daughter to Work Day."

"I'm the father of five daughters and I have nine granddaughters. I recognize the importance of having introduced them at a young age to all of the opportunities that life has to offer," said Governor Ryan. "Our world is going to need strong leaders to carry on in the future, and you are those strong leaders."

The breakfast focused on career opportunities for women and was designed as both an educational and motivational experience for young women. The girls learned about the varying paths that successful women have taken to achieve their goals.

"This day will give you the motivation to establish a solid foundation in the workplace and in all aspects of life. Set goals for yourselves not only for the future, but for now," said Governor Ryan. "Set goals for yourself in your classes. Set goals on the softball diamond or when you practice the guitar or piano. All of you have the gifts needed to improve our world."

Author Shelia Glazov emceed the program and facilitated a discussion with the young women about the paths the Commissioners had taken in building their careers.

"You will be inspired by all of these women around you. They are your mothers, sisters, neighbors, cousins and teachers. Use the examples of their extraordinary lives to establish your own set of goals and your own dreams for your future. These are the tools for success - once you learn how to use them, no one will ever be able to stop you," said Governor Ryan.

The event was also sponsored and filmed by LIFETIME Television for Women and AT&T Cable.

The Ms. Foundation created "Take Our Daughter to Work Day" in 1993. In creating the day, they intended to publicize, celebrate, preserve, and reinforce girls' natural strengths and optimism.