By Stephen Stirling
The Center for the Women of New York will host a “coming of age” birthday celebration Thursday in Flushing featuring a list of prominent city government and business leaders as the organization turns 21.
U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-Astoria) and Deputy Mayor Dennis Walcott will keynote the event, which will also feature ceremonies honoring men and women who have made significant contributions toward conditions for women and the community.
The event takes place at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel, at 135-20 39th Ave. starting at 6 p.m. The celebration will serve as a kick-off to a job fair and women’s conference, which will take place Friday at the hotel from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Center for the Women of New York Founder Ann Jawin said the events will serve two purposes.
“We have planned these events to bring vital information to those hit hardest by the economic issues facing the city today and to raise the funds so that the work of the center can continue to meet the needs of the women of New York,” Jawin said.
Jawin said the economic woes of the nation make the conference timely, pointing to the Department of Labor’s recent report that showed city unemployment rates have climbed to 5.7 percent.
“While a minority of women have reached high level jobs and six-figure salaries, the current poor financial picture of many companies in crisis — announcing severe layoffs — and companies sending jobs overseas, offer little peace of mind for legions of women who know first hand that it is hard to get a good job,” Jawin said.
For more information contact Ann Jawin at 718-793-0672.
Reach reporter Stephen Stirling by e-mail at Sstirling@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, ext. 138.
