Last Wednesday night, my girlfriends and I spent an evening with Geena Davis to support the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media. It’s rare that I attend an event because I want to go…it’s usually something work related, where I’m schlepping down the red carpet, carrying my handbag, my client’s handbag, prepping reporters in uncomfortable shoes, while trying to look put together (always a challenge). I was happy I had a night off.

The event took place at the William Turner Gallery at Bergamot Station in Santa Monica. What is it with me and art galleries lately?? Regardless, the space was very cool and I look forward to returning just to view the art.

We chatted with friends and colleagues over ginger cocktails and passed hor d’oeurvres.

That is until Geena Davis took the stage—wow, what a remarkable lady. Warm, smart, beautiful and funny, she enlightened us all on the sad statistics of women in leadership positions. It hovers around 17% in case you are wondering.

Proceeds from the cocktail party went towards the Institute’s work in helping the entertainment industry to recognize the need for gender balance, to avoid stereotyping and to present women in a variety of roles in programming geared to youngsters. “If she can see it, she can be it,” says Geena Davis. I whole-heartedly agree! For more information about this great organization visit www.seejane.org

Angel Parker Brianna Brown Geena Davis Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media Lisa Locisero See Jane William Turner Gallery