In an election year when Americans have been speculating whether a woman can lead the nation, Gov. Linda Lingle has gathered together women who have broken through their own glass ceilings for the 2008 International Women's Leadership Conference on Sept. 24.

One of them made it all the way to the White House, as the first female executive chef. Cristeta "Cris" Comerford, originally from Manila, Philippines, is also the first Filipino to run the White House kitchen.

Also in attendance will be England's first woman Beefeater, who will be leaving the protection of the crown jewels in the Tower of London to her male Yeoman Warder counterparts. The Beefeaters, around for 900 years, allowed a woman into their ranks when Moira Cameron was appointed in 2007.

Other speakers include Washington, D.C.'s first female chief of police, the Marine Corps' first African-American combat pilot and a Sudanese refugee now working as a paralegal in Boston.

The conference is intended to give attendees a chance to make interpersonal and international connections through presentations, round-table discussions and other opportunities to network.

The event takes place at the Sheraton Waikiki Hotel and Resort. Registration — which costs from $99 to $195 — is required. For more information, go to www.hawaii.gov/goviwlc/2008 or call 983-1122.