Dynamic GOP women hold forum

POWER LUNCHEON- The Thousand Oaks Republican Women Federated hosted an "Empowering Woman" seminar recently at theWestlake Inn. Panelists included, from left, moderator Maribeth McGinley, Karen Kukurin, Rosemary Licata, Federated President Donee Chaot, Kate Wright and Diane McGlinchey. JANN HENDRY/Acorn Newspapers Balancing strength and femininity emerged as the theme of the recent Dynamic Women's Luncheon, hosted by the Conejo Valley Republican Women Federated, although the panel's chatty style allowed for everything from anecdotes to inspiration to advice.

"A mission of ours is getting candidates to run and voter registration," said Rosemary Licata, the event chair. "Another mission of ours is very important, too-it's empowering women. We want to showcase many, many dynamic women."

Aside from those who filled the banquet room at the Westlake Village Inn, four dynamic women were on hand to talk about careers, husbands and womanhood.

The panelists, Kate Wright, an Emmy-winning writer, Maribeth McGinley, a Bush administration appointee and Diane McGlinchey, a military wife and the mother of seven, were led in discussion by volunteer Karen Kukurin, deputy director and community liaison for Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Wright spoke of spending her childhood surrounded by women, saying the atmosphere influenced her to acknowledge her feelings, whether good or bad.

"I was born into a feminine home--I had four older sisters," said Wright. "If you come to my house, my family will ask about your feelings and listen as long as you need. . . . I knew you had to admit your feelings and then be willing to stand up for what's right."

McGinley told of the power of being strong yet feminine.

"You can have all these aspects of life and still be feminine and be a lady," said McGinley. "The whole '70s transition time, the feminist movement, I always thought that was probably started by a man because they liked the idea of dual incomes and her working, not spending his money."

Laughter followed, typical of the panel's afternoon of group conversation.

"When women decided that we were being left behind and we decided we wanted to make our mark, it was more man versus woman," McGlinchey said. "Hopefully it's developed into more of a teamwork. Not man versus woman, but man and woman. I think we're kind of at that point."

McGinley is married to an Air Force pilot who will head to Iraq soon after a tour in Afghanistan.

"Everyone who is there chose to be there," McGinley said. "That's a different mindset than in the past. I don't see a lot of men who are upset that people aren't 100 percent supportive. They actually know they are making a difference."

Nancy Eisenhart, president of the Woodland Hills chapter of the Republican Women Federated, was interested in how women's spouses influenced the longevity of their wives' careers.

"I've been more successful (because I) have had a husband who's supportive and has been successful himself," said McGinley, who explained that while she was pursuing certain avenues in her career, her husband went into the military reserve, and when he was attending law school or away at war, she has cut back on timeconsuming work. "Our successes, they play off of each other.

"As much as I love my career, I couldn't be more proud to be a military wife," she added.

"I feel the way I serve my country, aside from my appointment, is to serve the man who serves. Being a Marine wife, I've had an opportunity to spread the patriotism I've felt since I was a little girl," McGinley said.