Berkeley College Women's History Month Event Continues a Conversation of Positivity and Progress

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, March 11, 2026

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Photo Caption: Althea Ford, Vice President, Government Affairs, New Jersey Business & Industry Association (far left), delivers the keynote address during Berkeley College's 14th Annual Women's History Month celebration, held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ.

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Leaders in business, government, and the nonprofit sector focused on community and shared progress during Berkeley College's 14th Annual Women's History Month celebration, held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ. Althea Ford, Vice President, Government Affairs, New Jersey Business & Industry Association, delivered the keynote address.

The event, titled "Moving Forward Together Positively: Continuing the Conversation," expanded on the momentum of last year's event by bringing together voices of women and men from both sides of the aisle.

"At Berkeley College conversations like today are especially meaningful because our history is rooted in opportunity," said Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College. "This year is particularly special as Berkeley College celebrates 95 years of putting students first. Today's program reflects the power of partnership between education, government, business, and community organizations."

During her keynote address Ford spoke about the meaning of progress across generations, industries, and genders.

"Progress is not a moment, it is a commitment," she said. "Progress means creating spaces where women do not have to shrink, soften, or second guess their leadership to belong, and that is where real collaboration matters most.

She added, "There is not 'room' for women at the table - there is a 'need' for women at the table."

"This was a wonderful celebration filled with great sharing that left all of those who attended with renewed energy and optimism," said Teri Duda, Senior Vice President, Government Relations, Berkeley College.

More for Women's History Month: Join Berkeley College in New York City or virtually for a panel event spotlighting influential authors whose work champions women's empowerment, leadership and self-advocacy. Click here for more information and to register.

Photo Caption: Leaders in business, government, and the nonprofit sector focused on community and shared progress during Berkeley College's 14th Annual Women's History Month celebration, held on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Berkeley College in Woodland Park, NJ. Pictured (L to R) are Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College; Melissa Baralt, PhD, Professor, Sciences, Berkeley College Division of General Education; Althea Ford, Vice President, Government Affairs, New Jersey Business & Industry Association; Orlando Cruz, Deputy Director, Passaic County, and President, Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce; Howard Haughton, CEO, Eva's Village; Cassandra "Sandi" Lazara, Director, Board of County Commissioners, Passaic County; Michael A. Melham, Mayor of Belleville; Christina Schratz, Commissioner, Passaic County; Kevin L. Luing, Board Chairman, Berkeley College; and LaTysha "Ty" Gaines, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in Woodland Park.

MODERATOR

"Berkeley College commemorated Women's History Month with both pride and purpose. Our panel thoughtfully embodied the spirit of 'Moving Forward Together Positively,' underscoring the power of shared vision, collective leadership, and long-term impact. May we continue to stand in solidarity, uplift one another, and celebrate the meaningful strides we make together."
- Melissa Baralt, PhD
Professor, Sciences, Berkeley College Division of General Education

PANELISTS

"Don't be afraid to break out of your comfort zone if you feel like you are in an environment that is holding you down or if you feel like you have more to add. Not everyone is supposed to excel on your level."
- Orlando Cruz
Deputy Director, Passaic County, and President, Greater Paterson Chamber of Commerce

"Connections are built on trust, not transactions. They should not only exist when you need something. They have to be nurtured consistently with mutual respect. I've learned that showing up matters. … Consistency always builds credibility. We have to build each other up. People remember how you make them feel, especially in the challenging moments."
- Cassandra "Sandi" Lazara
Director, Board of County Commissioners, Passaic County

"At the highest ranks women aren't equally represented. … The ability to get them in the room and make sure someone is advocating for them is probably one of the biggest issues we face in municipal government."|
- Michael A. Melham
Mayor of Belleville

"Listening is what helps me connect with any individual. … When building bridges we are listening to communities, we are listening to people - to help them connect, to help them build trust, and to help build relationships. Listening is a very important component to growing - not only as an individual, but as a leader."
- Christina Schratz
Commissioner, Passaic County

"The excellence that I experience in clinical healthcare is coming from women. It is women more often than not who understand what it feels to be connected and related to community."
- Howard Haughton
CEO, Eva's Village

About Berkeley College

Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master's, Bachelor's, and Associate's degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.

Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. 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 for 13 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2026 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.

The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.

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