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YWCA Bergen County
2 University Plaza
Suite 208
Hackensack, NJ 07601

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Release Date: Friday, March 14, 2014

Media Contact: Caryl Bixon-Gordon (201) 796-7788

March 24-29 Events Aim to Motivate and Inspire

HACKENSACK, N.J., March 14, 2014 – Every year during the month of March, the diverse and significant historical achievements of women are recognized across the country. In conjunction with this year’s celebration of Women’s History Month, YWCA Bergen County will be hosting “Week of the Women” from March 24-29, with a schedule of events designed to encourage, empower and inspire women of all ages.

“For nearly a century, YWCA Bergen County has improved the lives of thousands of women, girls and families,” said Helen Archontou, CEO. “‘Week of the Women’ is our most comprehensive empowerment initiative to date. This week of programming will honor the contributions of women past and present, as well as inspire and encourage women to grow, connect, share, lead and be fearless in their pursuit of success and satisfaction.”

The schedule of “Week of the Women” events includes:

Mon., March 24: An opening ceremony takes place at the Park West Tavern, 30 Oak St. in Ridgewood from 5 to 7 p.m. Along with state and county proclamations, attendees can learn more about “Week of the Women” events and other YWCA programs and services.

Tues., March 25: The new YWCA Blog launches at http://www.ywcabergencounty.org/.

Wed., March 26: The Women’s Empowerment Network (WEN), which connects women’s networks in area corporations and service groups, holds its inaugural event from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the YWCA’s 112 Oak St., Ridgewood location. Maxine Frampton, founder of Women United in Philanthropy, will deliver a speech entitled, “In the Company of Women: Networking, Philanthropy and the Power of Community”; a panel discussion follows.

Thurs., March 27: EmpowerU(niversity) Girls Leadership Academy is a 10-month learning and empowerment experience for high school sophomores designed to educate and engage girls through experiential learning, workplace visits, leadership sessions and 1:1 mentoring. The kickoff announcement takes place at the YWCA’s Ridgewood facility.

Thurs., March 27, April 3 and 10: “Moving Ahead in 2014” is a three-part job placement series designed to help women land a job from start to finish. All workshops will be held from 7 to 9 p.m. at the YWCA’s 214 State St., Hackensack location. This series is specifically for those who are long-term unemployed or re-entering the workforce. For more information, contact Karen Wynn at (201) 881-1701.

Sat., March 29: “Women’s Summit – The Big Shift: Planning for Change,” is for women of all ages seeking information, encouragement and strategies to help manage change in their lives. This conference will take place from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Wilson Auditorium/Dickinson Hall, located at 140 University Plaza Drive in Hackensack. Visitor parking is available near the Rothman Center.

Keynote speaker Tara Gilvar, founder and chief executive officer of B.I.G. (Believe, Inspire, Grow), will discuss real strategies to help women grow both personally and professionally. Other workshop topics include “Starting a Business,” “Planning for Retirement,” and “Managing a Household,” as well as “Preparing for Life After High School” for girls. Cost is $25 per adult/$15 per girls aged 14-18. The fee includes breakfast and lunch. Scholarship applications are available. For more information call (201) 881-1701. To register, visit http://www.ywcawomenssummit.eventbrite.com/.

“Week of the Women” sponsors include United Water, The Valley Hospital, Unilever, Stryker, TD Bank, HackensackUMC, Holy Name Medical Center, Cytec, PNC Bank, Wilmington Trust, N.J. Talent Network and Fairleigh Dickinson University. Additional sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information contact Archontou at (201) 881-1701 or via email at harchontou@ywcabergencounty.org.

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About YWCA Bergen County