I am really excited for Women’s History Month 2010.  One of the most gratifying parts of doing my book is that it has provided a platform for me as a speaker to talk to college students and non-profit groups about the issues of perfectionism, overachieving, and what concrete things young women can do to realize their value and go easier on themselves.  This year, I spoke about Supergirls Speak Out at Duke University, New York University, Rice University, American University, Penn State University, the Stevens Institute of Technology (Hoboken, NJ), Whitman College, the University of Tennessee-Chattanooga, Russell Sage College, the University of New England, and the YWCA Omaha.  I had such a fun time that I’m doing it again next year; I’m now booking for spring and fall 2010, and especially for March, which is Women’s History Month.

My two most popular programs are: a lecture on how today’s young women have been raised with more expectations than ever before, which contributes to a prevalence of hyper-ambition, hyper-activity, low self-esteem, competition among students, disordered eating and eating disorders, excessive preoccupation with looks and having a status-boosting boyfriend, and feelings of exhaustion and suicide.  I discuss the immediate, practical things that young women can do to develop a sense of “intrinsic worth” which will defend them from society’s pressures and make them less likely to compare their accomplishments and value against other women.  This lecture can be followed with a question and answer session, or an interactive workshop where the audience works with discussion questions I’ve written to tackle the more specific problems Supergirls face in their everyday lives… and what to do about it (which is popular program number two).

My spring calendar currently includes lectures at Lock Haven University, Hollins University, Molloy College, Hudson Valley Community College, the University of South Florida, and the University of Missouri-Columbia… but I still have room in my schedule for more events!

ECONOMIC STIMULUS PLAN FOR WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH 2010: Nothing says kicking the Supergirl habit like enjoying a cupcake, so for any group that books an event with me for the spring 2010 semester after December 15th, 2009, I will spring for cupcakes for 30 from a bakery in your area.  If you live in an area with a Sprinkles or Crumbs, I’ll absolutely spring for the designer cupcakes.  Sweet, isn’t it?

Please contact me at liz DOT funk AT gmail DOT com for more information about speaking events.  I hope to see you at your campus for Women’s History Month 2010!