Providing Role Models to the Young Women of South Brunswick

Young women in South Brunswick will have an opportunity to hear the inspiring stories of professional women in varying fields at Saturday's fourteenth annual Leadership Conference and Career Pathways event.  The program, which takes place at South Brunswick High School and is sponsored by the South Brunswick Commission on Women , is designed to help young women meet professionals who act as role models and help provide networking opportunities.  

"This career workshop brings women from different professions to talk to the students about their careers and what kind of education and training is required so they can plan their courses accordingly," said South Brunswick Commission on Women Chair Rama Ramaraj.  "We want to expose them to the different career opportunites that are out there to help shape their futures."

The program has about 60 speakers lined up for different workshops that will be attended by about 300 different students.  The keynote speaker for the conference will be Jessica G. Ortiz, who is the acting operational vice president of development and director of grants at the Liberty Science Center. 

The commission will also award two $1,000 scholarships to two graduating seniors from South Brunswick who have done outstanding community service and have taken leadership roles in their community.

The program is made possible by donations from various businesses and individuals and through funding by the township.  Ramaraj said the conference provides numerous benefits for the student attendees.

"They get to meet people who are actively practicing different careers to give them practical and anecdotal examples that relate to the students," she said.  "They will learn how these women balance work and family life, while at the same time asking questions.  It's all about providing positive role models and networking."

The conference will begin at 8:30 a.m. at SBHS on Saturday.