New York, NY, Oct. 20, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- “Speak up, and Speak Out.” It was a message that rang clear from Melissa DeRosa, Secretary to New York State Governor Andrew M. Cuomo, and fellow women leaders of the community during Day 1 of “Women in Media: The Courage to Own Your Story,” an event hosted by Berkeley College at its campus in Midtown Manhattan, NY, on October 18, 2017.
Ms. DeRosa delivered the keynote address as leaders from media and marketing participated in the forum held in honor of Women’s Entrepreneurship Week. Discussions included how women are shaping the news landscape, how entrepreneurs can develop their brand and protect their digital presence, and the courage needed to make your voice heard in the face of adversity.
Melissa DeRosa Delivers Keynote Address
“So let’s start with the truth. Sexism and misogyny is alive and well,” Ms. DeRosa said during her keynote address. She detailed occasions during her career when she was the receiver of harassment from male colleagues. While she experienced these situations early on in her career, Ms. DeRosa revealed the harassment she continues to receive even today, despite being a top official in New York State government.
“We must acknowledge and address that this behavior is not limited to one man, or one profession, or one political party,” Ms. DeRosa said. “In this moment women can make a real impact through the use of media – sharing our stories, working together to find solutions, and raising awareness simply by saying #MeToo. I’m not going to shut up anytime soon, and you shouldn’t either.”
Click here to read Ms. DeRosa’s keynote address in its entirety.
“This event is about individuals who have written their own stories, taken charge of their own destiny,” said Michael J. Smith, President of Berkeley College, during opening remarks. “In the news, we hear a lot about issues regarding men and their behaviors. Now is the time for leadership and to discuss this issue.”
Angela Harrington, Vice President, Communications and External Relations, Berkeley College, added, “We admire Ms. DeRosa for displaying such courage. More than ever, we need to amplify women’s voices to impact change. Berkeley College is a place where important conversations like these can continue.”
Asking Questions – a Sign of Strength
Jill Kaplan, Vice President and Publisher, Crain’s New York Business , moderated the first panel. Panelists acknowledged that a key to making your voice heard is to not refrain from asking questions.
“The biggest mistake people make is, if they are afraid to ask a question, they might say ‘Well, I’m just going to do it myself,’” said Cristyne Nicholas, CEO, Nicholas & Lence Communications. “If you don’t really know that material and you try to do it yourself…it hurts everybody.”
Gail Smith, Managing Director, Impacto Latino, echoed the importance of her employees being proactive. “As a boss, we like people who want to contribute and are willing to do more than is required.”
Another key message panelists communicated was the value of finding a mentor. “Networking and progress never ends,” said Bernadine Han, Group Vice President, Spectrum Networks . “I am a huge advocate for internships. The chance to learn from someone who can become your mentor or maybe even get you a job, while you’re in college, is very important.”
Also appearing on the first panel were Dena Bateh, Professor, Management, Berkeley College Larry L. Luing School of Business®; and Monica C. Smith, CEO and Founder, Marketsmith, Inc.
Journalism Takes Courage
Angie Tang, Board Trustee, Berkeley College, and Impact Investing Advisor, moderated the second panel. The discussion began with a look at the hardships journalists face when conducting a story, especially in today’s political climate.
“Often times, you have to figure out how to get answers during a sensitive situation,” said Christal Young, Fashion Correspondent, “Good Day New York,” FOX 5 New York . “Too many people react from an emotional stand point, rather than taking a second to think.”
The conversation turned to adversities each panelist has faced in the newsroom. After recalling experiences with harassment from male colleagues, the panelists urged women to support one another.
“If you are in a situation like that, do not think you have to go through it alone,” said Hilary Russ, Public Finance Reporter, Reuters . “We have to stick together.”
Also appearing on the second panel were Marla Diamond, Reporter and Anchor, WCBS Newsradio 880 ; and Jenna Flanagan, Host/Reporter, “MetroFocus,” WLIW21 for WNET .
Click here to read remarks from all of the speakers who spoke at the first day of this year’s “Women in Media: The Courage to Own Your Story” in Manhattan, NY.
“Women in Media: The Courage to Own Your Story” took place in Manhattan and Woodbridge, NJ, on October 18 and 19, 2017 respectively. It is the third annual forum Berkeley College has hosted in honor of Women’s Entrepreneurship Week, a weekly celebration held annually nationwide.
To view all photos from “Women in Media: The Courage to Own Your Story,” click here .
A leader in providing career-focused education since 1931, Berkeley College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and enrolls more than 7,100 students – including more than 440 international students – in its Master’s, Bachelor’s and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs. Students can study in more than 20 career fields. Berkeley College is comprised of the Larry L. Luing School of Business®, the School of Professional Studies, the School of Health Studies, and the School of Liberal Arts. The School of Graduate Studies offers an MBA in Management online and in Woodland Park, NJ.
Berkeley College has three campuses in New York – Midtown Manhattan, Brooklyn and White Plains. In New Jersey there are five campuses – Dover, Newark, Paramus, Woodbridge and Woodland Park. Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. For four consecutive years, U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans. The website address is www.BerkeleyCollege.edu .
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Ilene Greenfield Berkeley College 973-278-5400 IGL@BerkeleyCollege.edu
