Oprah headlines Calif. women's conference

SACRAMENTO, Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Oprah Winfrey will be the featured speaker at the California's Governor's Conference on Women and Families Dec. 7, at the Long Beach Convention Center.

"Women as Architects of Change -- Within Ourselves, At Home, In the Workplace, In Our Communities and Around the World" reflects the vision of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's and first lady Maria Shriver that the growing challenges women face are balancing and integrating their varied roles.

"I'm thrilled that Oprah has agreed to join our remarkable group of women at this year's conference," said Shriver. "Oprah is an example of the power that women have to influence change in today's society --her extraordinary accomplishments are an inspiration to all women."

More than 18 panels are scheduled to speak on topics ranging from "What Every Woman Wished She Knew Before She Entered the Workplace" to "How to be a Social Architect of Change." Featured panelists include: Meg Whitman, president of eBay; Gayle King, editor of "O" Magazine; Dr. Wayne Dyer and Cristina Carlino, chief executive of Philosophy Cosmetics.

"This conference will allow the women of our state to share ideas, and inspire each other to put their stamp on the California Dream," said Schwarzenegger.