Over 250 Black women state representatives, senators, judges, commissioners, councilwomen, presidents and executives of organizations and corporations from across the country are expected to take Chicago by storm June 18-21, 2009 as they attend the National Organization of Black Elected Legislative Women (NOBEL/Women) 24^th Annual Legislative Conference: Portraits of Leadership…United in a Time of Change. This year’s conference co-hosted by the Women of the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus will be held at the Sofitel Water Tower located in the heart of Chicago’s Gold Coast.

The Conference officially kicks off on Friday, June 19^th with a key note address from former Ambassador and US Senator Carol Moseley Braun. As a former state legislator in Illinois and the first African American women to serve in the US Senate her portrait of leadership serves as an inspiration to all women. Her presence and passion will ignite a discussion on women in leadership and propel NOBEL/Women’s national initiative “Leadership 2012” a movement to join with national organizations to change the face of leadership in statehouses and the US Congress by increasing the overall representation of Black women in elected office and electing the 2^nd Black female to the US Senate.

Additional highlights of the conference include the taping of “NOBEL/Women Live” a talk-show format discussion of the issues facing Black America, Launching of the NOBEL.Women Technology Initiative, unveiling of the NOBEL/Women and Campaign & Elections Internship, Leadership Institute Class of 2009 graduation and the announcement of the NOBEL/Women’s highest honor for excellence and exceptional leadership… the Shining Star Award.

A who’s who of political leaders and experts from diverse organizations will engage in roles from welcoming to leading the exceptional dialogue of key workshops covering such topics as Finance & Economics, Education, Law & Justice, Health, Technology, Governing, Entrepreneurship and Leadership.