By Stephen Stirling
For Ann Jawin, knowing what options are available to you is just as important as landing a job.
As the president of the Center for the Women of New York, Jawin presided over the organization's 21st anniversary celebration and job fair last week, geared at celebrating the accomplishments of Queens women and pointing others toward successful career paths.
Friday's job fair attracted dozens of women to the Sheraton LaGuardia East hotel in downtown Flushing for a day of workshops and discussions on how to help women of varying ages and situations get started in their careers.
“Every year I'm so tired and busy, but so many women come up to me and say how much this has helped them in the past and how much they appreciate it,” Jawin said. “A lot of people feel alone, lost and discouraged, but they leave this knowing they have options. There's also a lot of comfort in knowing people are going through the same things you're going through.”
In addition to workshops like “Juggling Children and a Career” and “Money Magnets Savings Club” — which is run by state Assemblywoman Ann-Margaret Carrozza (D-Bayside) — Jawin said Friday's event also hosted recruiters from several different professions, from nursing to auto repair.
“People learn about fields they didn't know about when they come here,” Jawin said. “The auto industry, for example, is going to be a big industry for women in the future. It's a tremendously big field that for women isn't traditional, but there's opportunity.”
“The overpowering advantage is getting involved,” Jawin said. “There's a lot of information here.”
Before she was finished with her thought, Gretta Schneider interrupted.
“Ann, I just want to let you know that today I started my political career,” Schneider said.
“See? And she got that idea here,” Jawin said.
The Center for the Women of New York is a nonprofit organization that provides resources and outreach to women around the city. For more information on CWNY's services, call 718-793-0672.
Reach reporter Stephen Stirling by e-mail at Sstirling@timesledger.com or by phone at 718-229-0300, ext. 138.
