Philadelphia, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 05/04/2010 -- Friends and supporters of the Women’s Resource Center (WRC) are invited to attend its fourth annual leadership luncheon on May 20, 2010, from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Union League, 140 South Broad Street, Philadelphia, Pa., 19102, for an afternoon of honoring local women business leaders, networking and shopping.

The theme of this year’s luncheon, “Courage in Action,” celebrates the courage it takes for women in need to ask for help, empower themselves, and make informed decisions to improve their lives. Four distinguished women will be honored at the luncheon for making a difference in the lives of other women. Andrea Agnew, director of diversity and inclusion, Comcast; Natalie de Vane, vice president of Worldwide Communications, Pfizer Inc; and Mary Schafer, vice president of global operation, Synthes will receive the WRC leadership award. This award honors local women business leaders who have given back to their community. Millie Bell, former WRC board member and founder/owner of Skin Health Solutions will receive the Phebe Novakovic award, named after a long-time board member, supporter and volunteer leader at Women’s Resource Center.

Mary Schafer: Mary was the official mentor for eight high potential Delphi young executives. With mentoring experience dating back to 1991, she counseled more than 20 individuals. Mary is actively involved in the Synthes MBA Associate program and its mentoring program. Thus far, she has mentored more than 10 MBA associates.

Mildred E. Bell: In December 2003, Millie established the SHS “Women of Beauty and Dignity” award which has honored 5 women who, during their struggles for great achievement, have taken the time to reach back and help others advance.

Millie’s community involvement includes being a founding member of the Coatesville Cultural Society, a member of the Terri Lynn Lokoff Foundation, The Women’s Referral Network, advisory board member of Chester County Domestic Violence and board member of the Women’s Resource Center.

Andrea A. Agnew: Andrea is a leader in the field of human resources and currently serves as the Director of Diversity and Inclusion for Comcast Cable Communications in Philadelphia, and is also the President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Association of Multi-ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC).

Andrea joined Girl Scouts as a leader for her daughter’s Junior troop for girls with special needs. She is a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Advisory Board in Philadelphia, and the Temple School of Medicine Center for Minority Health and Health Disparities Advisory Board.

She volunteers with the Comcast Cares Day, Big Brothers Big Sisters Beyond School Walls program, the Urban League of Philadelphia, and is active in a number of other community organizations.

In addition to this year’s honorees, Neen James, world-renowned author and international productivity expert, will highlight the event as this year’s emcee. Featured speaker, Jen Groover, entrepreneur, Butler Bag Designer, and author of What If? & Why Not? will address this year’s theme, “Courage in Action,” as she discusses her experience building her brand.

“We are excited to celebrate our fourth year hosting this luncheon that recognizes women trailblazers, and are grateful to our sponsors and our supporters of the Women’s Resource Center. The Union League provides a perfect backdrop again this year for us to honor these women and to network,” said Michele Daly, executive director, Women’s Resource Center.

More than 400 business leaders and decision-makers from the Delaware Valley, many of whom are female business owners, entrepreneurs and executives, will attend this year’s event which is sponsored by Pfizer Inc. Luncheon co-chairs are Marty Bedeian and Lauren Pires. There will also be vendors with their wares on display as well as a beautiful variety of themed baskets to be raffled.

For more than 35 years, the Women’s Resource Center has supported the diverse needs of women and their families throughout the Delaware Valley. WRC provides services to women in the Philadelphia, Bucks, Montgomery, Chester and Delaware counties. Over 4,000 women and girls are helped each year. Programs include Low Cost Counseling, Parenting Groups, Girls Leadership, Career Services, and Free Legal Consultation. These are offered at various community sites as well as in WRC’s administrative office located at 113 W. Wayne Ave., in Wayne. All services are offered at low or no cost. For information on sponsorship opportunities, vendor tables, or to register for the luncheon, call 610.687.6415 or visit http://www.womensresourcecenter.net.