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Community Corner

Business and Professional Women of NJ Hold Successful State Conference

Business and Professional Women of New Jersey (BPWNJ) held a successful state conference on May 18, 2013 at Monmouth University in West Long Branch.  The event included election of state officers, a scholarship luncheon, an educational program, a business meeting and networking time.  Members wanted to give back to the area that they were meeting in and donated many food items that were given to Open Door, a charity located in Freehold  that provides emergency food, emergency mentoring and scholarships to those in need.

The state officers for 2013/14 are:  President, Cynthia “Cyndy” Friedland (of Manahawkin), Vice President-, Gwendolyn Evans (of Freehold), Treasurer, Penny Miller (of Manahawkin), and Secretary, Rosalind Silletto (of Jackson).

Cynthia "Cyndy" Friedland was elected to her second term as President of Business and Professional Women of New Jersey.  She was born and raised in Binghamton, New York where her work ethic and business acumen developed as a result of involvement in the family business: a small chain of ladies' apparel stores. Cyndy graduated from Binghamton Central High School and Stevens Business College in Fitchburg, Massachusetts. Her administrative skills lead her then to Supervisory and Customer Service positions in major companies in the New York and New Jersey area.

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Cyndy then entered yet another phase of management; this time as a mother. Cyndy's son, Justin, was born in Teaneck. She became an active member of Temple Emeth and as their Chairperson of the Early Childhood Center, she utilized her business skills, revamped the pre-school, hired a new director, staff and as a result, the school evolved to become one of the top pre-schools in the area.  She is currently employed as a Real Estate Associate with Oceanside Realty covering the areas of Harvey Cedars and Surf City.

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Cyndy’s community involvement is extensive and includes membership in Southern Ocean County BPW where she has served as Vice President and President and has also worked on many different committees.  She is the Founder and President of Congregation Sha'arey Ha-Yam, Manahawkin, NJ, a member of the Barnegat Rent Leveling Board a member of the Barnegat Chamber of Commerce, a member of the Board of Directors of Ocean County Jewish Federation, a past member of the Barnegat Rent Leveling Board and also past member of the Barnegat Chamber of Commerce..

 

Gwendolyn L. Evans has been the College Nurse at Brookdale Community College since August, 1975. She graduated from Brookdale Community College School of Nursing in 1971, receiving an A.A.S degree. In May, 2006, she graduated from Rutgers University, Suma Cum Laude, with a Master’s in Labor and Employee Relations.  Ms. Evans is also a Legal Nurse Consultant, specializing in employment, mental health malpractice, and college health malpractice issues. She will retire in December, 2013, to pursue other interests. In her roles as mother, grandmother, nurse, family member and friend Gwen is always available to lend a helping hand to all of those who need it. She has been active in raising scholarship funds since 2007 in her mother’s name to assist students financially in the Health Science majors. She is also the President of Lincroft Business and Professional Women’s Group, and is presently the Vice-President of New Jersey Business and Professional Women’s Group.   

 

Penny (Priscilla Miller) is currently employed by First Commerce Bank, Lakewood NJ.  She is a former Vice President and Branch Manager for Sovereign Bank, Sun National,

National West, Citizens First, and City Federal.  She is a Past State President for BPWNJ, Current President and Founder of BPWNJ Foundation, President of Southern Ocean County BPW and Chairwoman of the Stafford Business Park Commission located on Recovery Road, Manahawkin, NJ.  Penny is the mother of two sons, Brian Jr. and Matthew Veprek and grandmother of four, Tyler, Delaney, Alexandra, & Samantha.  She is married to Steven R. Miller.

 

Rosalind Silletto was born and raised in New York City.  She attended New York University and has a BA in Psychology. Rosalind is an avid traveler and has worked for over 25 years in the travel industry. At present she is a home-based travel consultant. In 2010, Rosalind joined Business & Professional Women Southern Ocean County and has been active with this organization since. She is now their president for her local and is the secretary for BPWNJ. She feels strongly about women's issues and that the only way change can be made is for women band together and speak out. Rosalind works hard for women to be empowered and strengthened by their numbers and knows that as a group nothing is impossible. Conversely, as an individual, a woman is also a force to be reckoned with and can move mountains if the situation calls for it. She is encouraged by the mission of BPWNJ and looks forward to working closely with all members to let their legislators know what change women want.

 

At the scholarship luncheon the BPWNJ Foundation awarded $ 3750.00 to six recipients.  Penny Miller, President of the BPWNJ Foundation stated, “We are an organization of women helping women.  Members donated the funds that were distributed and were honored to be able to provide financial assistance to such worthwhile candidates.”

 

Chartered in 1919, BPW/NJ is a statewide organization presiding over multi-regional local organizations. The ultimate goal for BPWNJ is equality for all women in areas of pay, opportunity, growth, health and well-being.  The mission of the organization is to provide a supportive environment for women working towards personal and professional fulfillment, by advocating women's economic, educational and health issue.  The vision is to be the leading advocate for New Jersey women. Membership is open to all individuals who support the vision and mission of BPW/NJ.  Three statewide meetings are scheduled for 2013/14 on October 12, 2013, February 8, 2014 and May 17, 2014.  The meetings will be held at Monmouth University in West Long Branch.  Meetings include networking time and an educational program.  Guests are always welcome.  Visit www.businessandprofessionalwomennj.org to learn more about the organization.

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