The Gloucester County Education Association held its first-ever Women’s History Month Roundtable Discussion, titled “Inspiring Inclusivity: Women Leading Change.” Moderated by Joyce Farr who represents Gloucester County on NJEA’s Women in Education and the Human and Civil Rights committees, the panel consisted of eight women who have distinguished themselves in advocacy, education, politics, media relations, law enforcement and The panel included:
- Marissa Cantu, the director of Community Relations for the Center for Family Services
- Joann Gattinelli, Gloucester County Commissioner, former mayor of Washington Township
- Christine Hoffman, the acting prosecutor for Gloucester County
- Tamar LaSure-Owens, Pleasantville educator, member NJEA Amistad Stakeholders Task Force, Atlantic County Representative to the NJEA Instruction Committee
- Maryam Sarhan, Pleasantville educator, Atlantic County representative to the NJEA Government Relations and Technology committees
- Elizabeth Volz, professor of mathematics at Rowan University, member of the Glassboro Board of Education, voting and women’s rights advocate
- Loretta Winters, president of Gloucester County NAACP
- Paige Wolf, owner operator of Paige Wolf Media and Public Relations
The conversation was wide-ranging, including issues concerning the intersection of politics, education, gender, race, sexuality and religion. Often the first, or one of the first, women in their respective vocations or avocations, the panel discussed overcoming stereotypes and the roles everyone plays, regardless of gender, in building on historic gains and creating a better future.
Following the panel, panelists and attendees participated in a “Period Packing Party.” They stuffed backpacks with sanitary items and other products. These will be delivered to social service agencies for distribution to women experiencing “period poverty.” The backpacks will ensure women have access to these items.
