New York State agencies are celebrating Women’s History Month with an online event: “Women in the Workforce: A Multi-Generational Perspective”. The online panel discussion will take place on March 9, 2022 at 5:30 PM. Registration for the program is open here.

The program will feature Chief Diversity Officer Julissa Gutierrez, DHR Commissioner Maria Imperial, OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy, DOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon, WCB Chair Clarissa Rodriguez, and two young women from the New York State Mentoring Program. The program will be co-moderated by Madison Garrett of the Girl Scouts of Greater New York. The speakers will discuss the challenges they faced in their career paths and their thoughts on women in the workforce going forward.      

Chief Diversity Officer Julissa Gutierrez said: “A diverse workplace is one that is more innovative, productive, and representative of New York State. I look forward to sharing my perspective as the Chief Diversity Officer, hearing from my fellow panelists, and strategizing ways to elevate women in the workforce.”

DHR Commissioner Maria Imperial said: “We are fortunate to live in a state that is not only the cradle of the women’s movement but also has been at the forefront in the fight for equality and justice for all New Yorkers.  DHR will continue to work to ensure that every woman has an equal opportunity at the workplace.”

OGS Commissioner Jeanette Moy said, “Each year, we set aside the 31 days in March to recognize the contributions women have made to our great state and the nation. Underrepresented and marginalized in so many areas of society for too long, the women of New York State, from Sojourner Truth to Governor Hochul, have persisted in leading the path toward gender equality. It is an honor to participate on this panel with my esteemed colleagues to discuss women’s role in the workplace and acknowledge how far we’ve come, where we are, and what we must do to build upon our successes and remove the barriers to equality that are still very real today.” 

DOL Commissioner Roberta Reardon said: “Women have made great strides in terms of equity in the workforce, but we still have a long way to go, and the pandemic only made it worse. It is through open discussion at forums like these that we can continue to examine the issue and collectively come up with tangible solutions that will advance across New York State.” 

WCB Chair Clarissa Rodriguez said: “I am honored to be a part of this impressive panel, not only to share my personal experiences as a working parent, but also to highlight the nation-leading Paid Family Leave program administered by us at the Workers’ Compensation Board. New York State has long been a force for change when it comes to creating equality for women in all areas of life. We at the Board are proud to continue this mission and are steadfast in our commitment to protecting the rights of working women – and all employees – ensuring they are afforded the benefits they are due and treated with the dignity they deserve.”