Urban folk singer-songwriter Jen Chapin, daughter of legendary folk singer Harry Chapin, will use music to speak about social action at a lecture Sunday.

The lecture is part of a series of events planned for the third annual Women's Leadership Conference: "Power of Women: Find Your Voice, Speak Out, Make a Change."

The conference will take place in the Alumni Memorial Union from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to attend four sessions with an average of seven to eight workshops in each session, according to Natalie Gross, interim assistant dean for multicultural programs in the Office of Student Development.

The conference will provide information on health, leadership, service, vocation, spirituality, writing, literature and justice.

"It will focus on viewing the woman as a whole person and putting women in the forefront as leaders as well as developing women to become leaders," Gross said. "It's going to be a really strong conference. We'll cover such a wide range of things for both men and women."

Chapin will give the conference's keynote lecture, said Pamela Peters, conference chair and coordinator for student organizations and leadership in the Office of Student Development.

"Chapin is an activist whose passion comes through music," she said. "What really attracted her to us is that perfect combination of artist and social activist. She encompasses all of the things we wanted to find in a keynote speaker."

Mary Ferwerda, assistant director of student programs in the Office of Student Development, said Chapin will speak about her involvement in World Hunger Year, an organization dedicated to ending world hunger.

Chapin serves as the chair of the board of directors for World Hunger Year.

Other events planned for the day include the "Power of Love" workshop, which will challenge women to exhibit love during difficult situations, and the "Say What You Mean! An Introduction to Assertiveness" workshop, Peters said.

Attendees will have the chance to explore themselves as well as become more aware of other perspectives, Peters said.

"I'm a big fan of conferences and people coming together to share different thoughts and ideas," she said. "We'll engage in free thought and conversation. It's really important to be there."

Ferwerda said the conference will give men and women the opportunity to be involved in a day-long experience.

"It's very innovative and exciting," she said. "It's a way to connect with people in the Milwaukee community."

There will be many speakers from Marquette, including students and faculty, as well as from around Milwaukee, Gross said.

"Students who attend will have the chance to learn, discuss, participate and meet other women and men," Gross said.

The conference is free for Marquette students, faculty and staff, she said. Its main sponsors are the Manresa project, Marquette University Student Government and OSD.

Students register for the entire day and must sign up ahead of time, she said. Students can register online at www.marquette.edu/osd/leadership/women.html

At this time, students who register may be placed on a waiting list but will most likely be accepted, Peters said.

This article appeared in The Marquette Tribune on March 31 2005.