Elizabeth Berkley is an accomplished actress who has appeared on television, in film and on Broadway. She recently recurred on "CSI:Miami" for two seasons and her numerous other credits include "Any Given Sunday" and "The First Wives Club." She is still recognized for her starring role in the teen hit comedy "Saved By The Bell", which thanks to television syndication has made her an admired favorite amongst a whole new generation of teen girls. For the past five years, Elizabeth has been making connections with her big sister-style of communication with these girls (11-21), through ASK ELIZABETH, her not-for-profit organization that includes self-esteem workshops, and a thriving website (www.Ask-Elizabeth. com) that have translated into a nationwide movement. Elizabeth has also been a featured contributor on Oprah.com as a way to help bridge the gap communication between mothers and daughters.
She has personally worked with over 30,000 girls in middle schools, high schools, colleges and youth groups across the country. (Girl Scouts of the United States, Girls Inc., Step Up Women's Network etc). From Los Angeles to New York City, Colorado to Kentucky, Detroit to Salt Lake City, she has shared meaningful dialogue with girls on their football fields, in their cafeterias, gyms and libraries.
She created these two- hour, interactive workshops grass-roots style, to provide a safe forum for girls to ask the questions they have been afraid to. Themes discussed include: Body image, fitness, beauty, friendship, family, dating, goal-setting etc. This platform allows girls the opportunity to speak about the issues that are on their minds and in their hearts and empowers them with tools and answers to help arm them during this time in their lives when sense of self so often is aban¬doned or lost. In an open, judgment-free atmosphere, girls come together to support, share, confess, and confide in one another. From the power of the community of voices, not only do girls discover that what they say matters and has value, but they walk away with the know¬ing that they are no longer alone.
This journey has inspired the ASK ELIZABETH BOOK, to be published as Penguin's lead title, March 22nd. Written in the spirit of a group diary, ASK ELIZABETH addresses the emotional life of teen girls based on the most frequently asked questions from her workshops. Full of personal stories and advice offered up by countless teens, experts from a variety of fields, and Elizabeth Berkley herself, this ultimate life handbook for teenage girls can be relied on again and again for comfort, guidance, inspiration, and answers.
7pm
Barbara's Bookstore
UIC Campus
1218 S Halsted
