United Way International's President Delivers Community College of Philadelphia's Commencement AddressGraduates Get Words Of Wisdom About Working In A World Without Borders

PHILADELPHIA, APRIL 26, 2004 - Christine James-Brown, President and Chief Executive Officer of United Way International (UWI) will deliver the keynote address at Community College of Philadelphia's 38th Commencement. The ceremony takes place at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 2, 2004, at the Mann Center for the Performing Arts, 52nd Street and Parkside Avenue.

Highlights of her experiences during a recent trip to several cities in Asia and the impact of globalization on today's aspiring career professionals will be reflected in her message to 1,750 graduates about "Charting Your Future in the Global Marketplace."

Ms. James-Brown, a native Philadelphian, was named President and CEO of UWI, based in Alexandria, Virginia, in March of this year. Prior to her move to UWI, Ms. James-Brown had been with United Way of Southeastern Pennsylvania (UWSEPA) here in Philadelphia for 25 years. From 1994 until her current appointment, she led the UWSEPA organization as its President and CEO. She was also a member of the Board of Trustees of Community College of Philadelphia for 14 years.

After a world-wide search process, Ms. James-Brown was selected from a group of more than 90 outstanding candidates as UWI's fifth president, succeeding Robert M. Beggan, who retired after 35-years of service with United Way at the local, national, and international levels.

Two weeks after assuming her new role with UWI, Ms. James-Brown embarked on a 14-day tour of several cities in Asia that included: Tokyo, Japan; Taipei, Taiwan; Seoul, Korea; and four cities in China - Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, and Beijing. The purpose of the trip was to visit agencies and meet with United Way representatives, Board members, trustees and volunteers in those respective cities. Within the next few weeks, she will be making trips to England, Greece and Puerto Rico.

Ms. James-Brown has a long history of community involvement and Board service. She has served on numerous Boards in the City, including: the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce; the Samuel S. Fels Fund; the Delaware Valley Grantmakers; the Greater Philadelphia Urban Affairs Coalition; and the Forum of Executive Women.

Ms. James Brown had the distinction of being a U.S. Olympic Torch-Bearer as the torch traveled through Philadelphia on December 23, 2001 - en route to Salt Lake City, the site of the 2002 Winter Olympics. In March of 2002, Ms. James-Brown had the honor of serving as moderator for "A Conversation of Service," a Presidential panel with President George W. Bush and six volunteers. President Bush conducted the panel at the Perelman Theater in the Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts during his visit to Philadelphia to promote volunteerism.

Now, as President and CEO of United Way International, Chris James-Brown will lead UWI and its 45 member countries in efforts to foster a new level of understanding and enhance voluntarism, giving and accomplishments in communities around the globe - so that everyone benefits.

United Way International (UWI) is a not-for-profit organization founded in 1974 to strengthen communities and improve lives around the world.