Event Provides Opportunities for Empowerment, Networking for PA Women Professionals 

(September 15, 2011, Pittsburgh, PA) - Four-time Pulitzer-nominated journalist and best-selling author Fawn Germer is the keynote speaker at a special women's leadership event sponsored by the Women's Initiative Network of Reed Smith LLP (WINRS) from 5:30 to 8 p.m. today at Reed Smith Centre, 225 Fifth Avenue.

Ms. Germer's topic is "Brass Tacks:  The Strongest Women of Our Times and What It Really Takes to Make It."  The presentation is based on her newest book, Pearls, a collection of the best interviews she conducted with the strongest women of our times.  Pearls is scheduled to be released in late November.

"Tonight's event is another in a series of opportunities exemplifying Reed Smith's ongoing commitment to empowering its female professionals and other women in the region, while promoting their connections to, and relationships with, one another in positive and productive ways," said Alicia Powell, a partner in Reed Smith's Financial Industry Group and Chair of the Pittsburgh WINRS.  "Fawn's messages from prime ministers, presidents, CEOs, Nobel Prize winners, Academy Award winners and other women who have captured our hearts while making history are ones that I am certain will resonate with all of us."

A veteran journalist, Ms. Germer became one of the nation's most sought-after leadership speakers after interviewing more than 300 famous women leaders and trailblazers for Pearls, including Hillary Clinton, Martina Navratilova, Jane Goodall, and Susan Sarandon.  She is the author of six other best sellers, including the Oprah-featured Hard Won Wisdom.

"WINRS is pleased to sponsor this opportunity for women from Pittsburgh and around the state to hear, firsthand, what outstanding female leaders around the world told Fawn about what it takes to succeed in life and in one's career," said Jennifer Smokelin, counsel in the Environmental and Energy Practices in Reed Smith's Pittsburgh office.  "This will be an excellent opportunity for us to hear this special presentation from Fawn's newest book and discuss it with other women even before it's in bookstores."

Ms. Germer is a former staff writer for The Miami Herald and a correspondent for The Washington Post and U.S. News and World Report.  She is the recipient of the prestigious Green Eyeshade Award from the Society of Professional Journalists.