Chantilly, VA - Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) today announced that Ruby Gettinger - star of The Style Network's Emmy Award-nominated television show, "Ruby" - will deliver the opening address on September 13 during the WICT Touchstones Luncheon. The luncheon is part of the WICT Leadership Conference (September 13-14) and Diversity Week (September 13-16) in New York City.

"WICT is thrilled to welcome Ruby Gettinger to our Touchstones Luncheon. Ruby's story has provided inspiration to so many," said Maria E. Brennan, CAE, President & CEO of WICT. "Healthy living is a critical component of a successful life and career, and Ruby will help our attendees understand that in a meaningful way."

Ruby has struggled with her weight since she was a teenager, gaining and losing hundreds of pounds at a time. When production on her reality series for The Style Network began, Ruby weighed-in at close to 500 pounds - at her heaviest, Ruby weighed 700 pounds. Now, as the show enters its fourth season, Ruby is approaching the 300-pound mark and everything about her life is different than when she began, with the exception of her loyal circle of friends and family who continually rally around her as she continues her journey. In opening her Savannah, Georgia home to millions of Style viewers, Ruby has also opened her heart to all the possibilities life has to offer, and is an outspoken advocate of living life to the fullest.

Ruby is a popular television guest, and has appeared a number of times on "Oprah," as well as on "Regis & Kelly," "Today," "Entertainment Tonight" and other national shows. Recently, she published her first book "Ruby's Diary: Reflections on All I've Lost and Gained."  She is also a frequent motivational speaker who has addressed groups throughout the country.

The WICT Touchstones Luncheon will also feature the 2010 Woman of the Year (Brooke Johnson, President of the Food Network) and Woman to Watch (Veronica Sheehan, Senior Vice President of Network Operations for Turner Broadcasting). The luncheon is part of The WICT Leadership Conference, the preeminent conference for educating women in the industry. The conference will focus this year on The Business of Leadership.

The cable industry celebrates the return of Diversity Week to New York City, September 13-16, 2010. Diversity Week will feature multiple events held by cable's diversity organizations: WICT, the National Association for Multi-Ethnicity in Communications (NAMIC) and The Walter Kaitz Foundation.

About WICT
For over thirty years, Women in Cable Telecommunications (WICT) has partnered with cable and telecommunications leaders to provide professional development programs, research, and services that help advance women in cable media. With over 7,800 members, WICT is the oldest and largest professional association serving women in the cable and telecommunications industry. Comcast Cable, Rainbow/WE tv, Time Warner Cable and Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. are WICT's Strategic Partners. Please visit www.wict.org for more information.

###