Event attendees hobnob with high-profile guests

HIGHLIGHTS: Local women come to meet Madeleine Albright, Jennifer Lopez, others.

By Kelly Puente, Staff Writer

Article Launched: 10/22/2008 10:18:40 PM PDT

Former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright signs a copy of her book at the Women's Conference. Albright drew an overflow crowd at the Long Beach Convention Center. (Scott Smeltzer / Staff Photographer)

LONG BEACH - Carson beauty salon owner Gloria Westbrook nodded and cheered as investor Warren Buffett praised the nation's women.

"We have ignored half the talent in the country for the last 200 years," Buffett said, noting that his two sisters were just as smart as he, but grew up in a time when opportunities were limited.

While Buffett's praise of Sen. Hillary Clinton drew a large round of applause, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's mention of vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin generated a much smaller reaction.

"That was a weak clap for all these women," Westbrook said, with a chuckle.

Westbrook, 58, has attended the conference for five years and volunteered for the last two.

Volunteering, she said, gives a more personal feel.

"It's educating, it's inspiring, it's empowering," she said. "When I walk out of here, I feel like I can conquer the world."

Los Angeles marketing executive Kelly Hancock, 40, was first in a line of more than 100 women waiting to have books signed by former Secretary of State Madeleine Albright.

Hancock said she even passed up the chance to see Albright speak on a panel, just to make sure she'd get a good spot in line.

From Sandra Day O'Connor to the Dalai Lama, the lineup just gets better each year, she said.

"This event is unlike any other," Hancock said. "Every year (Maria Shriver) tops herself."

Julie Alban, a former Long Beach city prosecutor, was one of many who had hoped to see Albright speak but was turned away when the room reached capacity.

In the conference's early years, seminars were usually lighter affairs, touching on topics such as homemaking and cosmetics, Alban said. But topics have now grown in depth and variety.

"They're realizing we're not so interested in the color of lipstick," Alban said. "It's no longer 'Leave It to Beaver.'"

Before she was allowed to attend the conference, Kathleen Downs, a 21-year-old gunner's mate with the U.S. Coast Guard, had to write two essays to her superiors on the values of leadership.

Downs, who is stationed on Terminal Island and who is hoping for a promotion this year, said she was most inspired by actress Jennifer Lopez's speech on self-esteem.

"She said you have to take care of yourself before you can take care of others," Downs said. "That's something I'm working on."

Karen Davidson, the great-granddaughter of William A. Davidson, one of the founders of Harley-Davidson, was at a booth encouraging women to ride motorcycles.

Davidson got her first mini-motorcycle at 9 years old and a real Harley at 16. Growing up, Davidson always rode with the boys.

More women are hopping on bikes these days, she said.

Harley-Davidson sells bikes to more than 35,000 women each year, which constitutes about 10 percent of the market, she said.

"Now is the time for women to do anything," Davidson said.

Long Beach resident Natalie Woodson didn't know what to expect when her employer, Southern California Edison, sent her to the conference for the first time this year.

"It was a little overwhelming at first, but you get so energized," she said.Woodson was looking forward to seeing entrepreneur Russell Simmons and actress Sally Field.

"When in the world would you have those two in the same venue?" she asked.