WHY
NOT
ME!
Rita Moreno, the keynote speaker for the 2019 Women's Leadership Conference, turned this year's theme
of "Why Not Me?" into a declaration of affirmation: Why Not Me! The groundbreaking performer's own
story of tenacity and perseverance resonated with the crowd of over 1700, bringing them to their feet
for a standing ovation. In May 2019, Rita Moreno became the first Latina to receive the Peabody Career
Achievement Award, making her a PEGOT, an ultra-exclusive group of people who have won a Peabody,
Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award. Only two other people have achieved the status: Barbra Streisand
and film director Mike Nichols. Congratulations, Rita!
