The Coalition of Chautauqua County Women and Girls announces its first virtual gathering featuring author Susan Straight. The event will be held on Wednesday at 4 p.m. via Zoom, in partnership with Chautauqua Institution.

Susan Straight will discuss her critically acclaimed book In the Country of Women, a memoir about the societal struggles of multiracial, multiethnic women in her extended family. The memoir examines the reality of oppression based on race, gender, and class.

In addition to the featured discussion Straight recently donated copies of her book to the Coalition to distribute to residents in our county.

“As a child of an immigrant mother who spent her last quarter on a Little Golden Book for me at our local grocery store, I have always wanted to honor her and the other women who make sure books get to people who need them,” explained Straight. “Being able to afford books is hard, and this year, even harder. I was happy to be able to donate copies of my memoir. I hope readers enjoy the book, the stories of six generations of strong women in my family, women of all races, creeds and origins, who wanted better for their children, as do we all now.”

The event will be facilitated by Jane Cleaver Becker, Shannon Rozner, and Sherra Babcock. To register for the virtual event, visit www.cccwomen.org. There is no charge to participate but donations are generously accepted to support future events and activities of the Coalition of Chautauqua County Women and Girls.

The Coalition of Chautauqua County Women and Girls provides opportunities for women and girls to thrive. The Coalition has hosted a variety of in-person gatherings of Chautauqua County women since 2014. These gatherings have included a networking event with keynote speaker Lisa Marsh Ryerson, Women in Healthcare Leadership networking sessions, and other workshops.

Another continuous way the Coalition helps to build a better future for the women and girls of Chautauqua County is through the Women2Women coaching program. Women2Women is an adult coaching program that uses one-on-one relationships to help women reach their personal goals.

For more information on the Coalition or to volunteer as a coach please contact Deb Morlock at w2wcoord@ywcajamestown.com or Hope Zielinski at w2woutreachspecialist@gmail.com.