SILVER SPRING, Md., May 2, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- On May 9, Crittenton Services of Greater Washington will celebrate 124 years of promoting the healthy development of teen girls by hosting their 124^th Annual High Tea event, which will be held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington, D.C. This event will honor a distinguished group of women who have demonstrated leadership, commitment and dedication to making a difference in the lives of women and girls. It will also give voice to 80 talented teen girls – girls who are eager to show us what they have learned and even more eager to advocate for other teen girls.

Among this year's honorees is Linda Gooden, Executive Vice President, Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions. Gooden will receive the Crittenton Legacy Award for Leadership in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Hailed by Fortune Magazine as one of the "Top 50 Most Powerful Women in Business" in 2010, President Barack Obama appointed Gooden to the National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee to advise the administration on communications and national security matters. In 2003, she founded Lockheed Martin's Math and Science Academy to encourage young people to study math and science, helping close the digital divide. Gooden is also an executive sponsor of Lockheed Martin Women's Leadership Forum.

"Linda Gooden is an incredible role model for the girls Crittenton serves. The girls are excited to learn about Linda and Lockheed Martin," said Pamela Jones, president and CEO, Crittenton Services. "Her commitment to young people is an inspiration to us all, and we appreciate her taking time to be with our girls and share her story."

CNN's Soledad O'Brien, co-founder of the Soledad O'Brien and Brad Raymond Foundation and Marlen Esparza, National Boxing Champion and 2012 Olympic-bound athlete, will join Gooden as this year's honorees. The High Tea will be attended by business, political, education and community leaders, all of whom will have the opportunity to interact with girls from Crittenton's Leadership Academy.

"Seeing firsthand the results of personal goal setting and high expectations for self is important for our girls," said Jones. "We look forward to an amazing program and being in the presence of some of the country's most powerful women."

To learn more about the 124^th High Tea, become a sponsor or purchase a ticket, visit www.crittentonservices.org or call Lisette Orellana at 301-565-9333.

About Crittenton Services of Greater Washington

Crittenton Services of Greater Washington is a positive youth development organization with a singular focus-strengthening the ability of teen women to identify, embrace, and achieve their academic, career, and life goals.  For nearly three decades, Crittenton Services has had a proven track record in promoting the healthy development of the most vulnerable teen girls, living in the most economically disadvantaged communities. Through the experiences our programs provide, girls learn to recognize and value their gifts and develop invaluable life and leadership skills. Most importantly, they attain a belief in their ability to succeed, even in challenging situations. The results are life changing: the girls in our programs are staying in school, avoiding pregnancy, graduating from high school, and going on to college and jobs.

SOURCE Lockheed Martin Information Systems & Global Solutions