For the fourth consecutive year, Verizon is sponsoring and participating in National Engineers Week Foundation's Global Marathon For, By and About Women in Engineering and Technology, a 24-hour live worldwide forum on topics about current and future generations of women in engineering and technology

This year's theme, "Launching Tomorrow," provides a forum to inspire young women through a combination of live and pre-taped events, and virtual programming, accessible to anyone around the globe. The Global Marathon begins at noon Eastern time on Wednesday (March 10) and ends at noon the next day.

As in the previous five years, the Global Marathon brings together speakers from a variety of technology backgrounds, who discuss a range of topics related to women in technology and engineering. The complete schedule of speakers and how to access their live and pre-recorded presentations will be posted at the National Engineers Week Foundation Web site.

"The Global Marathon provides a virtual venue for today's young women to discover the tremendous opportunities that exist for them in the fields of engineering and technology," says Judy Spitz, senior vice president and chief information office for Verizon's wireline operations. Watch Judy Spitz's presentation: "The Future is Moving in Your Direction… So Get Ready Girls!" Thursday, March 11, 11:00 Eastern.

In addition to its sponsorship, Verizon is supporting the Global Marathon through network support for conference bridges and net meetings as well as providing pre-taped programming. Joining Verizon as sponsors are ExxonMobil, Motorola Foundation, Rockwell Collins and Symantec.

The event will begin in North America, then "follow the sun" for 24 hours through five other regions - Mexico/Latin America, India, China, Africa/Middle East and the United Kingdom/Europe -- before returning to North America for the closing.

View the complete schedule of speakers and access their presentations
Watch Judy Spitz's closing presentation: "The Future is Moving in Your Direction… So Get Ready Girls!"