Although she wasn't carrying her Oscar statue or wearing a red-carpet gown, it was impossible to miss actress Geena Davis at the VIP party celebrating WomenVenture's 15th Annual Leadership Event. At 6 feet tall, Davis stands out in a crowd.
When she entered the Hotel Ivy in downtown Minneapolis, she was swarmed by guests clamoring for photos and autographs. But Davis wasn't there just to provide star power. Her presence was part of a mission to blast gender stereotypes in children's entertainment via the Geena Davis Institute on Gender in Media.
"After my daughter was born, we started watching kids' movies and seeing how few female characters there are and how many stereotypes," she said.
Her nonprofit, which has funded a study on gender bias and has become a resource on the topic, was a natural fit with WomenVenture. For more than 30 years, the local organization has been supporting women in business. "We're celebrating women and their successes," said Deb Wilkens-Costello, president.
Davis said she was impressed by what she saw in the Twin Cities.
"Women working together, helping each other and mentoring each other is incredibly powerful -- and alive here," she said.
Sara Glassman • 612-673-7177
