By Juan Soto
With the unequivocal purpose of helping women achieve financial independence as a means of escaping domestic violence and sex trafficking, the Center for the Women of New York will host its 27th annual World of Working Women conference Oct. 31.
The conference and job fair, to take place at the Sheraton LaGuardia East Hotel in Flushing, includes a panel moderated by TimesLedger Newspapers Editor Roz Liston. Among the panelists scheduled to appear are Assemblywoman Nily Rozdic (D-Flushing); Nancy Chen Baldwin, former director of Aerospace Systems and Military Aircraft Systems; and Lisa Boily, economist at New York Office of Information Economic Analysis of the U.S. Department of Labor.
The panel will run from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
“There is no doubt that for many women, the reason they stay with an abuser is because of their economic dependence on them,” said Ann Jawin, founder and chairwoman of the Center for the Women of New York.
Jawin said this year’s conference “will help women become employable,” adding that a lot of women “unfortunately are stuck in low-paying jobs and careers.”
During the conference, from 12 p.m. to 2 p.m., several companies, government agencies and educational organizations will host a job fair. The representatives will discuss employment opportunities and requirements with the attendees.
Resumes will be accepted. The event is free and open to the public.
The panel discussion will highlight that in today’s market, knowledge of technology, sciences, math and engineering is a basic key to success.
“Even in the traditional fields, now we need to know computers,” Jawin said.
And because first impressions count, Jawin said the conference includes a fashion show. It is scheduled for 3 p.m. and will be directed, as in past occasions, by Cathy Berger, founder of Fashion Societé.
“Women have to dress appropriately for interviews, they have to dress for success,” Jawin said.
Speakers at the conference will host workshops from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Jakea Williamson, of the Queens Library, will present “The resume, Your One-Shot Opportunity to make an Impression.” Also, Chen Baldwin will speak about turning ideas into reality, and Andrea Ormeno, of the Women’s Business center, will be discussing how to start a business.
The idea, Jawin said, is to get more women into “the non-traditional jobs.” She said more women should consider becoming bus drivers, electricians, plumbers, police officers, sanitation workers.
“Women are bright, but many think they can only become teachers, nurses,” said Jawin.
She pointed out the Department of Sanitation will be at the conference offering test registration help to apply for a job with the city agency. The deadline to submit the test registration application is the day the conference will be taking place.
“Women will be able to apply right there,” said Jawin. “They should at least explore this possibility.”
Reach reporter Juan Soto by e-mail at jsoto@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4564.
