The Harrisburg campus and the school’s Law &amp; Government Institute are playing key roles in the launch of a new organization and speaker series that will explore issues facing women and families in the Commonwealth.The Pennsylvania Women’s Forum is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization committed to sharing practical and workable solutions to the most pressing challenges facing Pennsylvania women and families. The forum will host a “Solutions Series” featuring speakers on topics that complement the organization’s mission.The Law &amp; Government Institute is a supporting sponsor to the Forum. Institute Director and Associate Professor Jill E. Family is a member of the Forum’s board of directors.Widener Law will host the inaugural Solutions Series event Monday, Feb. 3 at noon in room A180 of the campus administration building, 3737 Vartan Way, Harrisburg. The program, “Run. Win. Serve. Electing More Women to Public Office” will feature two distinguished female leaders, discussing what needs to happen for more women to run for – and win – public office. The speakers include:
Christine Toretti, businesswoman and Republican national committeewoman who has been instrumental in helping GOP women run for office.
Siobhan “Sam” Bennett, president and chief executive officer of the Women’s Campaign Fund, a nonprofit national network dedicated to achieving parity for women in public office.
 “We are excited to provide a home for the Solutions Series and to play a leadership role in this innovative undertaking,” Family said. “The Pennsylvania Women’s Forum is about providing quality, action-oriented programming that is relevant to people’s daily lives. We can’t wait to get started.”She added, “Hosting the Solutions Series provides Widener students another opportunity to connect with our community.”Solutions Series events are open to the public and include lunch. General admission is $15 or $10 for students. There is no cost for working media who attend. Attendees may pay in advance or at the door and are asked to RSVP to Sandra Graeff at slgraeff@widener.edu or 717.541.3965.Other Forum supporting sponsors include Pennsylvania Cable Network, The World Affairs Council of Harrisburg, the Fels Institute of Government at the University of Pennsylvania, The Bravo Group, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield, Levine Sullivan Koch &amp; Schulz, LLP, and the PA Media Group, publisher of The Patriot-News.PCN will provide statewide coverage of the luncheons.Standard Disclaimer for External Links