Girl Power
07 Mar 2008
It’s been an interesting week, but I have to say that the highlight of it was attending the 2008 Governor’s Conference for Women. The theme of this year’s conference was “Taking Charge,” and I was able to hear some terrific speakers including Governor Corzine (NJ), Joan Lunden and Suze Orman.
Over 1,500 women attended from throughout the state during National Women’s History Month.
I have to tell you, it was extremely inspiring.
When I started in public relations, there were very few women in management. In fact, many of us, despite having college degrees, were relegated to the typing pool; it was our only way in.
To be surrounded by so many accomplished women, to see how many women are now in the state and national legislature, to hear the amazing stories of women who’ve overcome tremendous odds, raised families, and run businesses made me realize that there are fewer barriers than ever before and anything is possible.
As a single mother of three running a growing business, it was just the morale boost I needed to stay on track.
One of the sessions, titled, “Leading with a Conscience” was right up my alley and I was delighted to see that the room was packed. Women do tend to lead with their hearts, and I think having more women in positions of authority and running business has led to positive changes in the workplace when it comes to family-friendly policies, flextime, and other developing issues.
I’d like to thank Governor Corzine and his outstanding team, Joseph Doria, Jr., Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs and Janice Kovach, Director of the NJ Division on Women for organizing such an outstanding conference.
