The series heightens awareness of equal rights and issues that affect women by educating and engaging Valley residents to become active in advocacy efforts.

    Crittenden will inaugurate the YWCA Maricopa County’s 2008 Women’s Empowerment Lecture Series at a luncheon meeting at The Arizona Biltmore on Thursday, Jan. 17.

    Crittenden has written two critically praised books on motherhood: “If You’ve Raised Kids, You Can Manage Anything” and “The Price of Motherhood.” The latter garnered widespread media attention and was named one of the New York Times Notable Books of the Year in 2001.

    Crittenden speaks passionately about the penalties of being a mother in America.  Her groundbreaking work points out the lack of respect, status and economic independence forced on women who choose to raise children. In addition, she will share her ideas on how we can bring children up without putting women down.

    The luncheon featuring Crittenden will take 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The public is welcome to attend. Individual tickets are $65 and a table of 10 can be purchased for $650. To register, visit www.ywcaaz.org.