ROCKFORD

Cover Story

Erin Brockovich: Inner strength can make difference

By Melissa Westphal

ROCKFORD WOMAN

Apr 25, 2008 @ 06:53 AM

Erin Brockovich and the Hollywood movie about her go hand in hand, but she’s a real person with real advice, some of which she shared with local residents Tuesday night at the Coronado Performing Arts Center.

Brockovich kicked off the Smart Talk lecture series at the Coronado, 314 N. Main St., Rockford. More than 600 women (and a few men) attended the presentation.

The event was presented by the Register Star and Rockford Woman magazine. The SwedishAmerican Center for Women, Cliffbreakers Riverside Resort and WREX-13 sponsored the event.

Brockovich, 47, mingled with people at a special VIP reception before the event at the Rockford Woman’s Club, 323 Park Ave.

Nancy Zwicky and Michelle Kayser attended the reception and work as paralegals for the law offices of Shriver, O’Neill & Thompson. They eagerly waited for Brockovich’s presentation because they had seen the movie and were interested to hear more about her personal story.

“It’s nice to know you can get recognized, and she had the guts to stick with it,” Zwicky said.

Brockovich’s presentation focused on the “Power of One,” reflecting her story of helping to earn millions of dollars for residents of Hinkley, Calif., in an environmental lawsuit against Pacific Gas and Electric Co. after an investigation into contaminated groundwater.

The story earned an Oscar for actress Julia Roberts in the 2000 movie that bears Brockovich’s name. She currently works as research director for the law firm featured in the movie (where she first started as a clerk), and she owns her own consulting firm.

Brockovich came onto the Coronado stage to the tune of Sheryl Crow’s song, “All I Wanna Do.” She wore a black suit, an ornate green shirt, heeled boots and hoop earrings, her hair cut in a short blonde bob.

“I am not Julia Roberts,” Brockovich said as the audience erupted in laughter. “I am Erin Brockovich the person, not the movie. And you may not realize what a proud and happy moment this is for me to be able to make that differentiation.”

Brockovich went on to share updates on her life since the movie and other “characters” featured in the movie. She dabbed a handkerchief at her eyes upon mentioning that George, the biker-boyfriend played by actor Aaron Eckhart in the movie, passed away in January from a brain tumor.

Beyond the movie, Brockovich encouraged audience members — through wit and a feisty spirit — to fight for what they believe in no matter the challenges.

“It’s truly what’s inside of ourselves that is important,” Brockovich said. “It is what’s inside of ourselves that makes the difference. It is that very individual, inner strength and assurances that we have that sometimes the forces of social pressure can try to take away.”

After speaking for about an hour, Brockovich shared a seat with Register Star columnist Judy Emerson to answer audience questions. Gustafson’s Furniture & Mattress provided two chairs, a couch and other furniture for the stage to give it a homey appeal.

Brockovich addressed questions about trusting your gut reaction and what movie she would make if she had the power (a sequel to her favorite, “Pay It Forward”).

Brockovich also discussed clothing, as she had been known to wear revealing outfits in the workplace.

Linda Grist Cunningham, the Register Star’s executive editor and editor in chief of Rockford Woman magazine, told the crowd that Tuesday’s presentation was the 546th performance of Smart Talk. The series started in 1992.

“More than 1 million women have celebrated other women who teach us to strive and achieve beyond our limitations and our challenges,” she said.

Dr. Bill Gorski, president and CEO of SwedishAmerican Health System, was pleased to represent the company’s Center for Women, which had an informational stand set up at the Coronado. The center helped more than 35,000 women last year, and Gorski said Brockovich’s messages of strength and compassion are in line with the company’s mission.

“It’s a story of like-minded people promoting like-minded values, at our center and here tonight,” Gorski said.

The Smart Talk series continues with TV news star Lesley Stahl on April 15 and Doris Roberts, famous for playing Marie Barone on “Everybody Loves Raymond,” on May 20. Read more online at talk.biz or coronadopac.org.

Staff writer Melissa Westphal can be reached at 815-987-1341 or mwestpha@rrstar.com.