Pastor Bernadette Falcon-Lopez (far Right) explains the importance of women supporting one another. Noelia Colon (Standing) Jeannette Rios (Sitting)
PERTH AMBOY – The City of Perth Amboy kicked off the first day of Women’s History Month on 3/1/18 with the celebration theme of “The Heart of Perth Amboy.” The event was sponsored by Horizon and held on the Cornucopia: Riverboat St. Charles.
Pastor Bernadette Falcon-Lopez came forward to give the invocation. She told the women present that sometimes your purpose is to help your fellow sister push through. “Honor, love and help another sister out.” She then asked the Lord to help each woman find her purpose and to embrace it. “Let’s honor the Mayor, the City Administration, the City and the United States of America.”
Mayor Wilda Diaz came up to speak, “We make decisions everyday for our families and some of those decisions weigh very heavy. Our achievements were not always recognized. Women’s Day started with the Socialist Party. In February 28, 1909, there was a Garment Workers Strike. Women’s International Day was started first.”
Mayor Diaz then recognized the women from her staff that were present. “We must stand together for our children’s sake. I also want to recognize some of the men that are present.” The then introduced Mylene Colom, (Multicultural Health National from Horizon) who was the moderator.
Colom then introduced the main speakers.
Candace Disler, Account Supervisor, Client Navigation from Green Room Communications spoke first about how to successfully market your business. “Whenever you are meeting a potential client, you should know about that person’s company and any of their problems. Be clear, brief, and consistent. There are 3 rules: who, how, and what. Who is you audience?” She stated that if you are going through changes in your company whether good or bad, it’s important to keep your employees informed through a blog to post any news or press releases.
Neeti Misra, MD, Director of Women’s Health Center, Hackensack Meridian, Raritan Bay Medical Center, Perth Amboy, spoke about the importance of not neglecting your health. She drew a comparison as what a person is instructed to do during an emergency on an airplane. A caretaker is instructed to put on their oxygen mask first, before you tend to the person you’re taking care of. (You can’t help them if you’re incapacitated.) Identify your needs and take care of them. Sometimes saying “No” is okay.” She went on to highlight the different stages of life and what you should take care of mentally and physically. “Sex and hygiene education is important. People go through different stages of experimentation and birth control. Girls are becoming sexually active younger and younger. It’s important to get the HPV Vaccination for young adults: male and female. It’s important to know what testing and what types of percautions are necessary. If you are considering a pregnancy, first have a preconception consultation. It’s important during pregnancy care to take vitamins (if necessary) have genetic testing. Know your options when it comes to breast-feeding. Some women may experience postpartum depression. In your mid-50’s it’s the beginning of your mid-life crisis (hormonal changes). Focus on self-car and exercise more. Osteoporosis may set in.” She emphasized the importance of seeing a gynecologist.
(L to R) Panelists Neeti Misra, M.D., Candace Disler, and Kenia Nunez listen to Mayor Wilda Diaz speak at the 2018 Women’s Business Luncheon at the Riverboat St. Charles. Each panelist spoke on different topics that affect women.
The third speaker was Kenia Nunez, Certified Health Coach and Best Selling Author from SavvyGems. She began speaking about her personal experiences. “I was a secretary up until the age of 40.” She spoke about how her life changed when her husband was diagnosed with cancer at the age of 38. “He was always very health conscious and had just passed his physical with flying colors. It was a shock when the diagnosis came down.” She said the cancer spread so quickly that within 8 months it became stage 4 cancer. “I did a lot of research. We went to a health institution for 3 weeks. He was given 2 weeks to live. We went to different types of specialists including Chiropractors and Acupuncturists. He lived for 5 more months. He passed away March 7, 2013 at the age of 39.”
She and her children wore white to his funeral. “I learned to appreciate life. At the time of his death, good times left us. At times you’re going to feel like crap. I had a six-figure income and worked from home, but yet I wanted to quit my job. When I told my boss, he couldn’t believe it and asked me to see a Psychiatrist which didn’t work out.”
Kenia then stated she decided to put God first and foremost. “Everyone should have a mentor at every stage of their life. I started to run marathons at the age of 40. World peace begins with inner peace.”
After everyone spoke, the Mayor made closing remarks, “I am so inspired by these women who have given me great tips. This is my 10th year as Mayor and I don’t get enough exercise. I’m going to start. We take so much for granted, forget about ourselves, and do so much for others. This was an awakening. Thank God for these women. Kenia should go and share her story with children.”
It was a great event of food, music, and connecting with professionals and the community at large.
Over 100 women attended the 2018 Women’s Business Luncheon held on the Cornucopia Cruise Line: Riverboat St Charles, Perth Amboy 3/1/18 *Photo Courtesy of the City of Perth Amboy
