Rider University :: newswire@Rider :: Seminar for Women in the Workforce

Chamber of Commerce Partners with Rider to Host Seminar for Women in the Workforce

Women who desire to reenter the workforce, or enter for the first time, will have an opportunity to gain insight about that process from career counselors, human resource executives and Rider University faculty during a one-day “Women in Transition” seminar at Rider University on Wednesday, April 18.

Sponsored by Rider University’s Center for the Development of Leadership Skills (CDLS) and the Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Women in Business Committee, the seminar will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Bart Luedeke Center (BLC) on Rider’s Lawrenceville campus. Breakfast and registration begin at 8:45 a.m. Admission, which includes breakfast and lunch, is $35. Limited seating is available so register early.

Christy Stephenson, former president and CEO of Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) University Hospital at Hamilton, will give the keynote address in the Cavalla Room.

Michele Siekerka, Esq., president and CEO of the Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, will give welcoming remarks and will present a local overview addressing, “Trends, Opportunities and Emerging Areas in Mercer County.” Robin Fogel, president of Robin Fogel and Associates, LLC, a coaching and consulting firm, will share the unique challenges and opportunities that women returning to the work force can have, and strategies for handling them successfully.

According to Cassie Iacovelli, assistant dean of campus life at Rider and seminar coordinator, this is also an opportunity for Rider University to “further solidify its partnership with the Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce and to showcase both employment, business opportunities, and educational programs.”

Dr. Joy Schneer, professor of management and human resources in Rider’s College of Business Administration, will facilitate a discussion with a host of panelists focusing on examples of and alternative approaches for successful re-entry into the work force. Panelists will include: Robin Seiz, director of human resources for Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research; Judith Lindenberger, principal of The Lindenberger Group; a human resources consulting firm; and Maureen DeCicco, a CPA with the firm WithumSmith+Brown.

During the afternoon breakout, presenters will share their “lessons learned,” provide practical, hands-on experiences and strategies and discuss a host of “How To” issues, among them, making the transition, educational opportunities and hot job markets. The presenters will include Alicia Boyko, director of human resources for the West Windsor Plainsboro School District, Melissa Tenzer, president of Careers USA, Renee Altman, president of PC Training, Inc.; and Dr. Ron Cook, director of the Rider Center for Entrepreneurship.

Karen Crowell, associate dean of the College of Continuing Studies at Rider, will also give remarks.

Representatives of the Women in Business Committee, including co-chairs Rachel Stark of Stark and Stark and Marsha Stoltman of The Stoltman Group, will be present as well to interact with participants.

According to Liz Tindall, assistant director of the Mercer Regional Chamber of Commerce, “Committee members, panelists and presenters will assist attendees in not only making connections, but also enhancing their confidence and addressing fears associated with transition.”

This seminar is one of many ways that Rider connects with our community, noted John Farrell, the director of the CDLS. “This distinctive program will introduce or re-introduce women to a broad range of possibilities in today’s work environment, as well as provide them with great networking opportunities,” he said.

To register and pay online, visit:: http://www.mercerchamber.org/events/eventView.asp?EventID=1252