Michelle Obama marks Women's History Month

WASHINGTON, March 18 (UPI) -- Actresses, athletes and other female luminaries will join U.S. first lady Michelle Obama to celebrate Women's History Month, officials said.

Beginning Thursday, Obama kicks off the series of events at Washington-area schools at which she and others will speak to students about career goals and achieving their dreams, the first lady's office said.

The events reflect the Obama administration's commitment to interact with the District of Columbia community and open the White House for arts, culture and educational purposes.

Among the scheduled speakers are singers Alicia Keyes and Sheryl Crow; performing artists Debbie Allen and Phylicia Rashad; athletes Dominique Dawes and Lisa Leslie Lockwood; Gen. Ann Dunwoody and Nancy Brinker, founder of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, named for her sister, who died of breast cancer.