Discussion on Body Image and Self Esteem for Mother and Daughter, May 21

May 5, 2016 (Notre Dame, IN) — The Center for Women’s Intercultural Leadership at Saint Mary’s College is proud to present “A Discussion on Body Image and Self Esteem, a Mother-Daughter Conversation” on Saturday, May 21 from 8:30 a.m. to noon in Regina North Lounge. The discussion will be led by Saint Mary’s communication studies professors Terri L. Russ and Marne Austin as well as psychologist Milene Jeffirs. The event is free but ticketed. Click to register. Click for a campus map.

Russ is author of a book on female body dissatisfaction titled Bitchin' Bodies: Young Women Talk About Body Disatisfaction (2008), StepSister Press. For the last several years she has studied the lived experiences of women and girls, with a current focus on collecting oral history of young girls as part of the Saint Mary’s project, Status of Girls in Indiana, and women leaders as part of the Michiana Women Leaders project. 

Austin’s expertise includes intercultural communication, relational communication, identity, and gender and women's studies. She has assisted Russ on gathering qualitative data for the next Status of Girls in Indiana report, expected to be released in the fall of 2017.

Jeffirs is specialist in group development and bullying prevention. She is founder of Connect, a bullying prevention program for children, teens, and adults, and co-author of a children's book, Bullying: When Joking Isn't Funny.

Co-sponsors for this event include the Office of Admission, the Office for Civic and Social Engagement, Campus and Community Events at Saint Mary’s College.

About Saint Mary's College: Saint Mary’s College, Notre Dame, Ind., is a four-year, Catholic, residential, women’s liberal arts college offering five bachelor’s degrees and more than 30 major areas of study, such as business, nursing, art, chemistry, and social work. Saint Mary’s College also offers two graduate degrees: a Master of Science and a Doctorate. All programs that fall under these degrees are co-educational and include a Master of Science in Data Science, a Master of Science in Speech Language Pathology, and a Doctorate of Nursing Practice. Founded in 1844 by the Sisters of the Holy Cross, Saint Mary’s College seeks, according to its mission statement, to educate students, develop their talents, and prepare them to make a difference in the world. Saint Mary’s College ranks among the top 100 Best National Liberal Arts Colleges for 2016 published by U.S. News & World Report. Follow Saint Mary's College on Twitter @saintmarys and @saintmarysnews.

Contact for News Media: Gwen O’Brien, director of media relations, Saint Mary’s College, gobrien@saintmarys.edu (574) 284-4579.