International Forums
	"Libyan Women's Empowerment Workshop: For Women by Women"
	From 19 ~ 21 September 2005, the International Forum Institute, Inc. (IFI) collaborated with partners in Libya to organize a "Libyan Women's Empowerment Workshop: For Women by Women" in cooperation with H.E. Prof. Eng. Matoug M. Matoug, Minister of the General People's Committee for Manpower, Training and Employment of Libya as well as the Libyan Women's Employment Promotion Committee in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This inaugural event convened in Tripoli, Libya and marked the launching of a variety of ongoing activities associated with the national female empowerment program in Libya including but not limited to the development of a Women's Community Center, which will serve as the nucleus of the female empowerment program in Libya’s capital Tripoli. The purpose of the workshop was to enhance the Libyan woman’s professional efficiencies, integration with work and family and an intellectual discussion of the complications and obstacles which hinder Libyan women from starting their own businesses and achieving success.
	The three day workshop included distinguished speakers and experts from the United States and Libya, who discussed a variety of topics, which are of importance to professional women in Libya: "Principles in Women's Entrepreneurship & Business Basics"; "Travel, Tourism and Hospitality Services"; "Textiles and Fashion Design"; and "Employment and Human Resources". International experts included: Stephanie Jason, President, International Forum Institute, Managing Director, IFCG, Inc. and CEO, PanAfrican Associates, LLC; Dr. Deborah Breiter, CFHLA Professorship in Convention & Conference Management and Department Chair, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida; Dr. Rachelle Heller, Associate Dean for Academic Affairs, Professor of Engineering and Applied Sciences, Head of Women in Leadership Series, The George Washington University, Mount Vernon Campus; Mrs. Beverly Inman-Ebel, CEO, Talk Listen Communicate, LLC and Former National President, National Association of Women Business Owners; Dr. Vanessa Brantley, Professor of Fashion Design, Cheyney University; Mr. Saad Ksheer, Country Manager/Libya, Microsoft; and Mrs. Virginia Ramadan, Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Liaison Office, Tripoli, Libya, U.S. State Department. International experts were joined by local academic, governmental and professional experts. Please see the agenda below for additional details.
	IFI is pleased and honored to be collaborating on this important women's empowerment initiative, and we look forward to continued dialogue and continued success with the program. Photograph: (left) Mrs. Stephanie Jason, President, International Forum Institute and (right) Dr. Deborah Breiter, Department Chair, Tourism, Events and Attractions, Rosen College of Hospitality Management, University of Central Florida (UCF). For additional information regarding the event or if you would like to obtain a copy of the presentations given please contact the International Forum Institute, 904 220-6285.

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