Trailblazers in Government Tell Women to 'Never Give Up' during Berkeley College Women's History Month Panel
Thursday, March 31, 2022
Senior Director, Communications and External Relations
973-200-1099
KME@BerkeleyCollege.edu
Photo Captions: (Left, L to R) Teri Duda, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Berkeley College; LaTysha Gaines, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ; Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College; Sandra Cunningham, New Jersey Senator (D-31); Chrissy Buteas, Chief Government Affairs Officer, New Jersey Business and Industry Association; Ruby Cotton, Councilwoman, City of Paterson, NJ (4th Ward); Gail Gordon, Chair, GBGordon and Associate of Counsel, Florio Law Firm; and Anna Pinchom, Aide to Councilwoman Cotton. (Right) Senator Cunningham delivers the keynote address during the 10th Annual Women’s History Month Panel, hosted by Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ, on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.
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Women leaders in business and government shared stories of their challenges and triumphs with more than 75 students and members of the community during the 10th Annual Women’s History Month Panel, hosted by Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ, on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.
Speakers included Sandra Cunningham, New Jersey Senator (D-31); Holly Schepisi, New Jersey Senator (R-39); Yvonne Lopez, New Jersey Assemblywoman (D-19); Ruby Cotton, Councilwoman, City of Paterson, NJ (4th Ward); Chrissy Buteas, Chief Government Affairs Officer, New Jersey Business and Industry Association; and Gail Gordon, Chair, GBGordon and Associate of Counsel, Florio Law Firm.
“I believe in the power of women,” said Cunningham, the event’s keynote speaker. “I love seeing women succeed. We are blessed that women are growing. In this country, in this world, we are acknowledging the strength of women.”
Photo Caption: Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College, welcomes more than 75 students and guests to the 10th Annual Women’s History Month Panel, hosted by Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ, on Wednesday, March 30, 2022.
Watch the Event: To watch the full event, visit the Berkeley College Facebook page.
In Their Words:
Quotes from the Panelists and Community Leaders
“My entire career has been in male-dominated fields. You must be your own advocate. You must be firm, but be fair in everything you do. ... Having been oftentimes the only woman in the room has given me the intestinal fortitude to fight for what I believe in.” – New Jersey Senator Holly Schepisi (R-39)
“My advice to the youth is get involved. Run for council, run for the board of education, go work at a nonprofit organization, serve on a board. This is how you will develop the skills and get to the point where you can eventually seek public office. It is a lot of work, but it is gratifying work.” – Yvonne Lopez, New Jersey Assemblywoman (D-19)
“How do you make it easier for someone else to succeed in whatever they want to do? Put your own ego aside and really try to be there for other people. Women need to help other women.” – Chrissy Buteas, Chief Government Affairs Officer, New Jersey Business and Industry Association
“You never know when something good will come in front of you. When it does, you have to grab it.” – Ruby Cotton, Councilwoman, City of Paterson, NJ (4th Ward)
“I used to think I had to bang the table and I had to show leadership by being the loudest or most pronounced. Sometimes it’s better to just be steady and to speak when you’re ready to speak.” – Gail Gordon, Chair, GBGordon and Associate of Counsel, Florio Law Firm.
“Berkeley College was founded as a premier women’s secretarial school during the height of the Great Depression. The Berkeley School, as it was called, prepared women for the workforce during a time where there were limited options and an urgent need for jobs and opportunities. Today, a woman’s place is anywhere she chooses to be, like the accomplished women on today’s panel.” – Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College
“All of our speakers are women of amazing accomplishment. Today these remarkable women shared their stories, knowledge and wisdom with you. Regardless of their age and purpose in life, we are inspired, encouraged and motivated.” – Teri Duda, Senior Vice President, Government Affairs, Berkeley College
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers continuing education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in Midtown Manhattan, NY, and in Newark, Paramus, Woodbridge and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, for nine consecutive years. U.S. News & World Report named Berkeley College (NJ) one of the Best Regional Colleges in the North in its 2022 edition of the Best Colleges Survey. In 2021 Berkeley College (NJ) was also recognized for the first time as a Top Performer on Social Mobility among colleges in the region. The website address is http://www.BerkeleyCollege.edu.
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