WHAT: In celebration of International Women's Day, the Pennsylvania Commission for Women and MAGPI, the Internet2 provider at the University of Pennsylvania, will co-sponsor an interactive virtual panel discussion and lunch with female role models featured in the commission's book, "Voices,", and school students from grades 6-8 at selected schools across the state.  One of the schools is the Penn Alexander School in West Philadelphia, and the others are in the Montgomery County, Harrisburg and Scranton areas.

"Voices," a compilation of stories and photographs of 50 Pennsylvania women who have become leaders in their fields, has been presented to every public school library in the state that serves students in grades 6-9.  

WHO: Elva Bankins, senior vice president of CEO Resources, an executive search firm, will be the role model who will participate in this event with 15 students from Penn Alexander School, under the direction PAS teacher Hillary Ehling.

WHERE: MAGPI offices, Suite 232A, 3401 Walnut St., Philadelphia.

WHEN: Lunch will be from noon to 1p.m., Thursday, March 8, followed by an interactive videoconference from 1:15 to 2:15 p.m.

DETAILS: The role models, who represent a variety of career fields, will share their stories of success, how they overcame challenges in their lives and what inspired them.  The groups also will discuss issues facing young women today.