The Women's Review Luncheon Series, under the auspices of The Central Business District Association of Virginia Beach, was established in 1991. Since that time, the Series has gained the reputation for presenting thought-provoking and dynamic speakers, as well as offering more than 600 women executives the best networking opportunity in Hampton Roads. Three luncheons are held each year during the work week and the public is invited to attend. There is no membership.

However, we do contribute to area women's causes such as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates). In the past, we have also donated to such organizations as the Samaritan House, Response, the YWCA of Hampton Roads, The Regional Women's Center of Tidewater Community College, EDMARC, Hospice for Children and the Virginia Beach Breast and Cervical Cancer Coalition.

Included in the list below of outstanding speakers who have addressed the Women's Review are authors, political and media personalities, and members of the performing arts.

FORMER SPEAKERS AT THE WOMEN'S REVIEW LUNCHEON SERIES

2000
Sally Bedell Smith, Author of "Diana In Search of Herself"
Susan Miller, businesswoman and entrepreneur
Eleanor Clift, Contributing Editor to Newsweek and Panelist on The McLaughlin Group

1999
Sister Helen Prejean, Author of "Dead Man Walking

Speaker Sister Helen Prejean, author of "Dead Man Walking" speaking at a 1999 Women's Review Luncheon

Alexis Gelber, Managing Editor of Newsweek International and Assistant Managing Editor of Newsweek
District Atty. Martha Coakley, Prosecutor in the Louise Woodward case (the "nanny trial")

1998
Sylvia Jukes Morris, Author of "Rage for Fame, The Ascent of Clare Boothe Luce" Jeanine Ferris Pirro, District Attorney of Westchester County, NY
Diane Von Furstenberg, international fashion designer, author and entrepreneur

1997
Maureen Orth, special correspondent for Vanity Fair
Linda Vester, Anchor of "NBC News at Sunrise"
Lisa Caputo, Vice President for CBS Corporate Communications

1996
Donna Tyson, Renowned Motivational Speaker
Andrea Gabor, Former Editor with U.S. News and World Report and author of "Einstein's Wife"
Sally Bedell Smith, author of "Reflected Glory: The Life of Pamela Churchill Harriman"

1995
Laura Brevetti, Esquire, NYC Criminal Defense Attorney Congresswoman
Lindy Boggs, author of "Washington Through A Purple Veil" and the mother of Cokie Roberts
Phyllis McGrady, Executive Producer, ABC's Prime Time Live

1994
Actress Ellen Burstyn
Cheryl Gould, Vice President, NBC News
Susan Toepfer, Executive Editor, People Magazine

1993
Jean Harris, author of "Strangers in Two Worlds"
Patricia Kluge, former wife of John Kluge
Congresswomen Leslie Byrne

1992
Actress Janet Leigh
Mary Klette, Director of Elections & Polling, NBC News
Nan Robertson, Former New York Times reporter and Author - "The Girls in the Balcony"

1991
Lynda Robb, wife of Senator Charles S. Robb
Congresswoman Patricia Schroeder
Grace Mirabella, Mirabella Publications