Inspiration for Hit ABC Series ‘Scandal’ Discusses her Personal Journey at Spelman

ATLANTA (Sept. 21, 2012) -- Author and national crisis expert, Judy Smith, the inspiration and co-executive producer of the hit ABC series “Scandal” will discuss her personal and professional journey as part of the new “Hot Topics” speaker series. Presented by the Spelman College Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement, Smith’s talk is based on her new book, Good Self, Bad Self: Transforming Your Worst Qualities into Your Biggest Assets, which details her experiences with some of the most historic and sensational events of our time, including the Iran Contra investigation, the prosecution of former Washington D.C., Mayor Marion Barry, and the Monica Lewinsky scandal which threatened to end the presidency of Bill Clinton.

Smith will sign copies of her book after the talk. This event is free and open to the public and does not require a ticket.

WHO:
Judy Smith is founder and president of Smith & CO a leading strategic and crisis communications firm. In addition to her work as a communications advisor, Smith also serves as a counselor to Fortune 500 corporations. Inspired by her wide-ranging and ground breaking career, Shonda Rhimes, creator of ABC’s hit television dramas “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Private Practice,” developed the television drama “Scandal” to highlight Smith’s work. Season 2 of “Scandal” premieres on ABC Thursday, Sept. 27 at 10 p.m. EST.

WHEN:
Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2012
Talk: Sisters Chapel
6 p.m. – 7 p.m.

Book Signing: Manley Center Atrium
7 p.m.– 8 p.m.

WHERE
Spelman College
350 Spelman Lane S.W., Atlanta, GA 30314

WHY:
Smith’s visit is part of the new “Hot Topics” speaker series presented by the Spelman College Center for Leadership and Civic Engagement headed by Dr. Jane E. Smith, executive director. This series will bring leaders from various industries to the campus to discuss trending issues and current affairs. For more information on the series and to see a schedule of upcoming speakers, visit LEADS at Spelman.

About Spelman College
Founded in 1881, Spelman College is a highly selective, liberal arts college widely recognized as the global leader in the education of women of African descent. Located in Atlanta, Ga., the college’s picturesque campus is home to 2,100 students. Outstanding alumnae include Children’s Defense Fund founder Marian Wright Edelman; Sam’s Club CEO Rosalind Brewer; JPMorgan Chase Foundation President Kimberly Davis; former acting Surgeon General and Spelman’s first alumna President Audrey Forbes Manley; Harvard College Dean Evelyn Hammonds; author Pearl Cleage; and actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson.