| is a
seasoned voice for women, a respected newspaper
journalist and popular author. She served for nine years
as a member of the prestigious Pulitzer Prize board and
has been a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. As editorial
page editor at The Dallas Morning News for 16
years, she won multiple Headliner awards and was
profiled by PBS as a pioneer for women journalists,
along with Judy Woodruff and Anna Quindlen. She
currently is director of communications for the American
College of Education and helps to establish American
colleges worldwide.
She is the author of two
books: What’s Next? Women Redefining Their Dreams in
the Prime of Life, published by Penguin Putnam in
April of 2001, and What’s Missing? Inspiration for
Women Seeking Faith and Joy in Their Lives,
published by Penguin Putnam in 2003. The books include
profiles of First Lady Laura Bush, TV anchor Diane
Sawyer, journalist Peggy Noonan and singer Judy Collins,
among others.
Ms. Pederson graduated
with honors from the University of Texas at Austin
(bachelor of science in journalism, 1969). She also
received a master's degree from Columbia University
Graduate School of Journalism in New York (master of
science in journalism,1970)and was recently named a
distinguished alumna of the graduate school.
She is a member of
national organizations such as the Council on Foreign
Relations in New York and the American Society of
Newspaper Editors and is an active civic volunteer in
Dallas. She is a member of Highland Park United
Methodist Church in Dallas and the mother of two sons,
Gregory and Grant Gish.
Rena has been featured on
CNN, The O’Reilly Factor, The Oprah Winfrey
Show, and Good Morning America. Audiences
around the country have applauded Rena’s speeches and
books. She provides encouragement, inspiration and
insights to women who want their lives to be meaningful
and fulfilling. She can tailor her message to fit the
needs of the group or speak on one of the topics that is
closest to her heart. |
