Trailblazers in Government Share Inspiration and Advice during Women's History Month at Berkeley College
Tuesday, March 5, 2024
Senior Director, Communications and External Relations
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Photo Caption: Keynote speaker Marjorie Perry, CEO, MZM Construction, speaks about courage, resilience, and fearlessness during Berkeley College’s 12th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration, “Trailblazers: Women of Courage,” held on Monday, March 4, 2024. The event honored the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver.
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Be fearless. Set boundaries. Lead with integrity. This was some of the advice given by leaders in government who shared their professional challenges, lessons, and victories during Berkeley College’s 12th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration, “Trailblazers: Women of Courage.” The event, which honored the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, was held on Monday, March 4, 2024, at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ.
Speakers included Lizbeth DeJesus, Woodbridge Councilwoman; Elissa Frank, Vice President, Government Affairs, New Jersey Business and Industry Association; Rosie Grant, Executive Director, Paterson Education Fund; Cassandra “Sandi” Lazzara, Passaic County Commissioner; LaMonica McIver, Newark Council President; Marjorie Perry, CEO, MZM Construction; and Senator Holly Schepisi (R-39).
Teri Duda, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, Berkeley College, shared a letter from Renee and Charles Oliver of the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association. Duda noted that Oliver had served as Berkeley College’s 2010 Commencement speaker, where she had been awarded an honorary Doctor of Law degree.
“Sheila was a huge advocate for women’s organizations and movements, and was a fan of Berkeley College,” said the letter from the Civic Association. “We wish you all the best as you continue the amazing work you are doing, serving as a source of inspiration for future women leaders to live up to.”
In her keynote address, Perry spoke about courage, resilience, and fearlessness. Her Newark-based construction and transportation firm has completed major projects at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center, Newark Liberty International Airport, and other Garden State landmarks.
“A trailblazer is someone who prepares the way for others to follow,” Perry said. “They are visionaries. The dreams have to be bigger than all of the obstacles. There were times that I doubted my vision. … But I’m not looking for accolades. I’m looking to make a difference.”
“Today, as part of our Women’s History Month observance, Berkeley College celebrates trailblazers,” said Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College. “As I reflect on today’s speakers, I see women who have truly made significant contributions with lasting impacts in their fields. Their involvement in today’s event opens the future to our students by instilling confidence and giving them the opportunity to see leaders just like themselves in prominent positions across the professional landscape.”
Read More: Click here to read about Women’s History Month events at Berkeley College.
Photo Caption: (Left) Berkeley College’s 12th Annual Women’s History Month Celebration, Trailblazers: Women of Courage, honors the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver. (Right) Speakers included (L to R) Senator Holly Schepisi (R-39), Rosie Grant, Executive Director, Paterson Education Fund; Teri Duda, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, Berkeley College; Lizbeth DeJesus, Woodbridge Councilwoman; Cassandra “Sandi” Lazzara, Passaic County Commissioner; Elissa Frank, Vice President, Government Affairs, New Jersey Business and Industry Association; and LaMonica McIver, Newark Council President.
“Courage and resilience are necessary in order to get to the next level. It doesn’t matter that I lost, it mattered that I learned.” – Keynote Speaker Marjorie Perry, CEO, MZM Construction
“I believe that it is important to represent our communities, to be the voice for those who don’t have a voice, and for us not to be afraid as women.” – Lizbeth DeJesus, Woodbridge Councilwoman
“Treat yourself with kindness. Tell yourself you can do things. Because you are here for a reason and you will make a difference if you believe in yourself.” – Elissa Frank, Vice President, Government Affairs, New Jersey Business and Industry Association
“I keep fighting because I see myself in our kids. That’s what drives me. [My children] are what got me into education advocacy.” – Rosie Grant, Executive Director, Paterson Education Fund
“Anyone who is an educator knows you learn so much from your students. Everyone has a strength. You can be so good at what you do, but you don’t have to be an expert at everything.” – Cassandra “Sandi” Lazzara, Passaic County Commissioner
“I wouldn’t have gotten here without the women I have crossed paths with. They helped mold me and got me on a professional track. I am thankful I had those women to help me get to where I needed to be. – LaMonica McIver, Newark Council President
“You’re going to hear about our struggles, you’re going to hear about our failures, you’re going to hear about the criticism we’ve taken. But out of them we have all emerged – and we have all emerged stronger and better leaders and better people from our failures.” – Senator Holly Schepisi (R-39)
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 New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 3,500 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 11 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2023-2024 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
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