Ruth Lewin, volunteer chair of the Women's Leadership Council, kicked off the morning by welcoming everyone on behalf of United Way of Morris County.  She recognized the dedication of the WLC Steering Committee, and thanked the event's sponsors. 

John Franklin, CEO of United Way of Morris County, highlighted the importance of partnerships.  Franklin said, "With our partners, we help those who struggle around us, lift up those who just need a bit of support to turn their lives around, and change community conditions for the better and for the long term.  Together, we work to improve lives for families, seniors, preschoolers, teens, people with disabilities, those who need housing and food or even financial assistance, people in crisis, women who are battered, recovering drug addicts, unpaid family caregivers, those with mental illnesses…and so many more."

Women's Leadership Council Steering Committee member Brandi Robinson, Executive Director of Corporate Communications for Novartis Corporation, invited the audience to become involved in United Way's work.  "We're surrounded this morning by an incredible group of women who are doing great things in the community.  We'd like to continue that work, but we need your help." 

United Way Board Member Kevin Rigby of Novartis Pharmaceutical Corporation, the event sponsor, introduced Dr. Sally Ride to the audience.  He echoed Robinson's comments and stated, "United Way goes after the root causes of problems."  He urged the audience to make a contribution to United Way, saying, "We can take your dollar and do even more for the community with it." 

Introducing Dr. Ride, Rigby shared that all present were about to meet a truly inspirational woman. Dr. Ride was welcomed warmly by United Way friends and supporters with a standing ovation.  Her comments highlighted her journey to becoming an astronaut, as well as her passion for encouraging and inspiring girls interested in math, science, and technology through her company, Imaginary Lines, Inc.

Ride shared that she vividly remembered seeing the advertisement that NASA placed in the Stanford Student Newspaper – page three, in the lower right-hand corner.  She was among the 8,000 applicants that applied to the program, and was also among the group of 35 that was picked by NASA. 

Ride had a poignant message for the girls in the audience that morning.  "I was lucky to see the ad in the Stanford Student Newspaper, but I was prepared to take advantage of that opportunity when it came my way…. Right now you are building the foundation that will let you go on and take advantage of the opportunities that come your way.  If you build that foundation now, you'll be able to do whatever you want to do."  Ride went on to say, "I was the first American woman in space, but certainly not the last."

Dr. Ride fielded questions ranging from what it felt like right before her first take off (she was surprised by her emotional reaction), to her predictions as to when we will send astronauts to Mars (2025).  Her program concluded with another standing ovation from the audience. 

United Way of Morris County gratefully acknowledges this year's Rise & Shine sponsors:

Novartis, Presenting Sponsor
ALTANA Pharma, Platinum Sponsor
AAA New Jersey Automobile Club, Gold Sponsor
Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP, Gold Sponsor
Sir Speedy of East Hanover, Gold Sponsor
Valley National Bank, Gold Sponsor