NEW YORK , June 2, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Music legend Chaka Khan joins the 2011 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL , not only as a main stage performer on Saturday, July 2 , but also to significantly impact the lives of 50 women, ages 18-35, from the greater New Orleans area. Chaka Khan's The Chaka Khan Foundation in conjunction with the Institute of Women & Ethnic Studies along with Senator Mary Landrieu , Congressman Cedric Richmond , Mayor Mitch Landrieu , and the 2011 ESSENCE MUSIC FESTIVAL will begin an in-depth life and community-altering transformation process for 50 women beginning June 4th . The results-oriented program will provide a structured way for each woman to reach her goals; carried out with the help of community partners, agencies, and mentors. The year-long process will commence with one-on-one counseling and mentorships for each woman to map out her goals (e.g. continuing education, job development, securing housing, etc.) followed by a V...