If you’re a journalist or aspiring politician, these upcoming UWEC forums are a MUST. If you’re also female, attendance is mandatory. Along with Nellie Bly, Gloria Steinem, and maybe Barbara Walters, these two women are among the list of the most influential and important female journalists in history. Of all the White House reporters, the name that will always come to mind first is Helen Thomas. Covering presidential politics since JFK, Thomas has broken a half-dozen “first female” barriers in her time, essentially setting the bar for women journalists the world over. While Thomas led the way in print, Amy Goodman handled the airwaves. Goodman helped found the syndicated radio program Democracy Now! nearly 15 years ago, a program now widely considered to be a beacon of progressive journalism. Despite coming from different generations, both are incredible investigative journalists who don’t so much ask questions as demand answers. They exude a daring determination in their quest to report the truth. In Goodman’s case this led to an unlawful arrest at the 2008 Republican National Convention, and in Thomas’ case led to a classic parody on The Colbert Report in which she follows Stephen everywhere he goes. Each has a handful of well-regarded books, and loads of anecdotes/lessons/stories ready to inspire the next generation of luminaries.

UWEC’s Forum: Amy Goodman of Democracy Now! • April 28 • Zorn Arena, UWEC Campus • 7:30pm • $8 public, $6 seniors, $4 students/youth /// The Ann Devroy Memorial Forum Featuring Helen Thomas • April 29 • Zorn Arena, UWEC Campus • 7pm • FREE