Women of Color Share their Stories
On May 12th, the Women's Leadership Alliance hosted a panel discussion to discuss the challenges of the "Concrete Ceiling." Everyone is familiar with the "Glass Ceiling," the barrier that represents challenges women face in the workplace. A Concrete Ceiling is far more difficult to break through and what symbolizes the challenge that women of color face in the workplace.
The audience of about 60 to 70 was immediately engaged as Moderator Lisa Ghartey, Assistant Commissioner, Child Welfare and Community Services, New York State Office of Children and Family Services (OCFS), and the five women panelists shared their stories.
Jen Brown is of African-American descent. After attending Dartmouth and University of Chicago Law School, she thought she'd proven she was worthy of any challenge. When she'd been passed over for a promotion twice to white men, she filed a complaint with the EEOC. Three months later she was fired. She ultimately won her case and relocated to Poughkeepsie to help others who have faced discrimination on the job.
"I'm frequently the only one in the room with these features," she said pointing to her face. Sarah Lee is of Asian heritage. As Chief Executive Officer of the Dutchess County Local Development Corporation and the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency she works with the predominantly white male business community.
Cindy Smith is from the Bronx—she doesn't mince words. As a young CPA and a woman of color, she worked in accounting firms who didn't value her skills. So, she took her career into her own hands and opened up a private practice. "Keep learning, work hard, always do your best," she offered as advice.
Karla Jerry came to this country as a young girl and didn't speak a word of English. An insurance company gave her a secretarial job and she's been working in the industry ever since. Now she's Manager of Commercial Real Estate at Ralph V. Ellis Insurance Agency. "You have to show people that you do know what you're talking about, that you are an expert, even though you have an accent."
Mecca Santana is used to talking about challenges people—particularly women—of color face in the workplace. A woman of color herself, she's currently VP of Diversity and Community Relations, Westchester Medical Center. Previously she served as Chief Diversity Officer for the State of New York and before that as Executive Director of Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity Management for the Office of Equal Opportunity at the New York City Department of Education. "I'm not passive-aggressive. I'm aggressive-aggressive. And, I make no apologies for it. My attitude is they're lucky to have me." Mecca also pointed out that diversity is good for the bottom line. Companies who embrace the diversity in their own communities in their hiring policies tend to be better places to work.
As the evening progressed, the discussion extended to the audience with many women sharing their own challenges. Moderator Ghartey closed the evening with a call for action, "Clearly, this issue is something we all need to recognize and address. We implore you to take action in your workplace. Stand up for those who are being discriminated against—for any reason. We invite you to help us find ways to continue this conversation." We need to recognize microaggressions—subtle demeaning messages or offensive acts towards people of color—and address them honestly and openly. Though the evening inside came to a close, many lingered outside until after dark.
If you are interested in this topic, or other women’s leadership topics, and would like more information or to join the Women’s Leadership Alliance, please contact Molly Ahearn, Chair of the Women's Leadership Alliance at molly@fulldeckdesign.com.
This event was free and open to the publicanks to generous sponsors Omega Women's Leadership Center and Cindy M. Smith, CPA P.C., Ralph V. Ellis Insurance and the Southern Dutchess NAAC.
Harnessing the Power of the Purse against Domestic Abuse
MAY 28, THURSDAY – POUGHKEEPSIE GRAND 5:30 TO 8:30 PM
Handbags for Hope is the signature annual fundraising event of the Hudson Valley House of Hope, a shelter for survivors of domestic violence. The Handbags for Hope event is a celebration of the power dedicated people and organizations have to change lives.
TO SEE SAMPLES OF THE HANDBAGS, VISIT https://www.facebook.com/events/1529502883934971/
Unique “Girls Night Out” featuring a shopping extravaganza of handbags– all types and price ranges – something for everyone! New designer bags, “gently loved” designer bags, unique bags, everyday bags and more. An assortment of jewelry, a basket raffle, 50/50 and an opportunity to catch up with other women over wine, our signature “Hope” cocktails, and sumptuous hors d’oeuvres – ALL INCLUDED.
Individual Tickets $40.00 ($45 at the Door) Includes food, open wine bar and signature "Hope" cocktails)
To register online, click on the handbag! http://hudsonvalleyhouseofhope.org
We are raising funds at this event for critically needed shelter repairs and improvements.
FOR INFORMATION CALL 845 897-3400 (de Ramon Crush PC – Maureen Crush) or Email handbagsforhope1@gmail.com
The programs provided by this agency are partially funded by monies received from the County of Dutchess, Dyson Foundation and United Way
Money IS a Woman's Business
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Event Date (Month, Day, Year)
June 10, 2016
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Event Start Time
8am
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Event End Time
10am
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Event Location/Address
Mount St. Mary College Domincan Center Cafe 330 Powell Ave Newburgh, NY 12550
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Event Website
https://money-womansbusiness.eventbrite.com
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Event Contact Person
Susan Valentine
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Event Contact Phone
845 728-1289
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Event Description
Money IS a Woman’s Business! With Eleanor Blayney, CFP CFP Board of Standards, USA Author of: A Woman’s Worth: Finding Your Financial Confidence For all Women, We are educated and earning more than ever. So why do we lack confidence in our ability to make financial decisions? These decisions reflect our very values and are the means to realize our hopes and dreams. What can be more important? Sometimes, life throws you curve balls, such as the death of a loved one or divorce. Life is full of surprises- from marriages to having a baby, to planning for college. You can’t always predict what will come your way, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be prepared For Women & Men Financial Advisors: Eleanor Blayney, CFP® is the Consumer Advocate for the Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards. She authored Making More Room for Women in the Financial Planning Profession
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Concrete Ceiling Panelists Are Impressive Women of Color
The Women's Leadership Alliance is hosting a panel discussion "Concrete Ceiling: The Challenges Women of Color Face in the Workplace" Thursday, May 12 at the Boardman Library in Poughkeepsie. For more information, or to register, please visit:
http://www.wlahv.org/resources/the-concrete-ceiling-challenges-women-of-color-face-in-the-workplace
Jen Brown
Deirdra "Jen" Brown is an attorney in solo practice,with an office located at 272 Mill Street in Poughkeepsie, New York. She received an A.B. in American History from Dartmouth College in 1986, and a Juris Doctor from the University of Chicago School of Law in 1990. After law school, Jen won a coveted position as law clerk to United States District Court Judge Joseph H. Young in Baltimore, Maryland. Following her clerkship Jen served as an Assistant Federal Defender for the Eastern District of Tennessee for five years, followed by four years as an Assistant United States Attorney for the Northern District of Alabama. Jen's Poughkeepsie law practice concentrates on the defense of employees in the workplace. Her clients include workers victimized by race or gender discrimination, sexual harassment, gender based pay disparities, and retaliation for exercising one's rights under the family and medical leave act (FMLA).
Karla Jerry
Karla has 25+ years experience in the insurance industry. She began her career in South Florida working for regional insurance carriers in many different roles. Her vast experience includes commercial underwriting, marketing, management, reinsurance. She holds a master degree in business administration and her insurance designations include Accredited Adviser in Insurance and Associate in Underwriter. After 16 years in the insurance company side, Karla transitioned to the independent agency/broker field in the role of Commercial Client Manager and she is a Licensed NYS property & casualty broker. As an employee of the Ralph Ellis Insurance Agency she has been successful managing a large book of business and providing exceptional customer service and technical support to all her clients Her role include new business development, marketing accounts, and counseling clients while providing customized solutions tailored to their unique needs.
Sarah Lee
Sarah Lee is the Chief Executive Officer of the Dutchess County Local Development Corporation and Executive Director of the Dutchess County Industrial Development Agency. Ms. Lee is responsible for overall strategic planning, program development and delivery and budget preparation for the agencies. She will also oversee administration resource management, organization linkages and staff supervision of the DCLDC and its departments, including the Business Attraction and Business Retention and Expansion. Sarah Lee joined the former Dutchess County Economic Development Corporation in July of 2013 as a Business Development Specialist. Less than a year later, she became Director of Business Development. Lee previously held the position of Director of Business Development and Strategic Planning for Health Quest. Ms. Lee holds a Masters in Public Administration from the Maxwell School at Syracuse University and is a graduate of SUNY Albany.
Mecca Santana
Mecca E. Santana is the Vice President of Diversity & Community Relations for Westchester Medical Center. As the head of the Office of Diversity and Community Relations, she is responsible for building and leveraging relationships with external stakeholders in the diverse communities that make up the Hudson Valley, while also ensuring that all internal organizational policies and procedures are aligned with diversity and inclusion best practices. Prior to this position, Ms. Santana served as the Chief Diversity Officer for the State of New York. Appointed by Governor Andrew Cuomo in September 2013, Ms. Santana was responsible for the creation and implementation of recruitment and retention initiatives designed to promote workforce diversity and inclusion, while also leading new initiatives to increase Minority & Women Owned Business (MWBE) procurement opportunities. Ms. Santana holds certifications from Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations in Equal Employment Opportunity Studies and Diversity Management. Ms. Santana, who is licensed to practice law in both New York and New Jersey, graduated from Hofstra University School of Law in June 2000. As a law student, Ms. Santana represented clients in both the Criminal Justice and Domestic Violence clinics. Ms. Santana is a graduate of the State University of New York (SUNY) at Albany, where she double majored in Criminal Justice and Political Science. Ms. Santana was born and raised in Syracuse, NY and currently resides with her family in Rockland County.
Cindy Smith
Cindy M. Smith CPA is a local accountant that services clients worldwide. A graduate of CUNY Lehman in 1986 Cindy worked in Manhattan, Westchester and since 2001 in Dutchess County. Cindy worked in public accounting and in industry for over 15 years. Thereafter started her accounting firm, first offering tax and accounting consultation services. Then expanding services to include auditing and financial statement services. Cindy was born and raised in the Bronx. Raised in the affluence of diverse cultures, provided an opportunity to develop an appreciation of the individual strengths in every culture. Strong ties to family and community grounds Cindy to provide a steady path of service.
WLA Supports the Career Achievement Program with Mentors
The Mentorship Program begun by the Women's Leadership Alliance continues under the guidance of the Chamber Foundation's Career Achievement Program. At a celebration at Mill House Brewing Company last night, awards were given to mentees completing the year-long program.
Attendees welcomed the 2016 group of mentors and mentees which includes 12 pairs! Many of the mentors are active WLA members. Good luck to this motivated group.
The program’s mission is to:
- Provide a fulfilling mentor relationship to enhance professional growth.
- Help outline career aspirations and a realistic plan to achieve them.
- Create a supportive environment that allows for knowledge exchange.
For additional information about the mentorship program, please visit:http://www.chamberfdn.org/career-achievement-program.
