With spring in the air, nearly 100 women gathered for a special presentation about careers and getting into the workforce. Senator Elaine Phillips worked together with the Workforce Development Institute to put together a forum and provide an “Avenue of Opportunities” career event at Belmont Park on April 12. The event provided a panel of women who spoke about their careers and the pathways women can take to make a successful career on Long Island. Women were in attendance to learn more about avenues they can take to achieve successful careers and provided an opportunity to connect with more than 20 women leaders and organizations in healthcare, manufacturing, energy/utilities, building trades, child care and more.
“Women not only had the chance to hear the success stories of prominent business leaders around Long Island, but they had the opportunity to meet individually, practice resume writing, interview skills and learned how best to apply for jobs,” Phillips said. “Regardless of background, all women should have the skills and opportunities to access the pathway to a rewarding career. Thank you to the Workforce Development Institute, Long Island Regional Director, Rosalie Drago and the panelists, partners and local organizations for participating in this important event.”
PSEG, National Grid, Northwell Health, Nassau/Suffolk Building Trades/Opportunities Long Island, 1199 SEIU, Nature’s Bounty, Long Island Cares and RWDSU-UFCW were amongst the participating employers at the event.
Participants learned about Long Island sectors seeking and supporting women in viable careers and met female industry leaders to discover how to achieve success on Long Island. The program provided tools for accessing in-demand job opportunities and connected employers, training providers and local career support centers to begin career preparation and interviews.
Education, training and job support came from Nassau BOCES, Nassau Community College, Farmingdale State College, Oyster Bay/North Hempstead WDB, Hempstead/ Long Beach WDB and the Child Care Council of Nassau.
“It was an honor and privilege to bring together so many female leaders of industry, to hear their stories and discuss ways Long Islanders can access amazing careers,” said Workforce Development Institute, Long Island Regional Director, Rosalie Drago. “Energy, Healthcare, Building Trades and Manufacturing are some of our sectors that are developing talent with a focus on women. When we increase awareness and access to jobs, our companies and our communities flourish.”
“What a fantastic opportunity for Nassau BOCES. As advocates for supporting the development of workforce on Long Island, I was delighted to meet so many women across many demographics that were looking for job and career opportunities. Kudos to Senator Elaine Phillips, Workforce Development Institute and the New York Racing Association,” said Michele Cohen, Principal, Nassau BOCES Adult Education Programs.
Promotional partners included Nassau County Department of Social Services, Nassau BOCES, Nassau Community College, Farmingdale State University, NAACP and the U.S. Department of Labor.
“As State Senator, and as a working woman, I am honored we were able to offer this event to women in our region and hope that the information provided will help advance the careers of those in attendance,” concluded Phillips.
