This year’s Women’s Empowerment Week, presented by Schumacher Insurance and organized by the Montclair Center BID, has grown to include a Forum at The Wellmont, a schedule of talks by experts, and a Ladies Night Out to close the week. Throughout April 1 – 9, locations throughout Montclair Center will be collecting funds, clothing and personal hygiene products for the county’s rape care center, SAVE of Essex, a program of Family Service League.
“We have assembled some of the leading experts on empowerment, entrepreneurship, health and personal fulfillment to speak throughout Montclair Center,” said Israel Cronk, Executive Director of the Montclair Center BID. “It really speaks to our community that so many accomplished people want to volunteer their time to sharing their stories and helping others.”
Here is the 2017 Women’s Empowerment Week schedule of events:
- The week’s events will begin Saturday, April 1. First, there will be a self-defense empowerment workshop at the YMCA on Park Street at 1:30pm. The workshop is a $10 donation, with all proceeds going to SAVE of Essex. To register for the workshop, please visit online here. At 2 pm, Montclair Riding Company will host a talk by Shari Ives, owner of Motorcycle Training Schools, about the freedom of motorcycle riding. The talk is free, but donations to SAVE of Essex are encouraged.
- Sunday, April 2 will have an evening event at Studio Air Aerial Dance and Fitness Center at 180 Bloomfield Avenue. The event, Strength in Silk, will be a one hour aerial silks class for the community to come together and support SAVE of Essex. The class is a $25 minimum donation and 100% of the proceeds will be donated to SAVE. The class is open to all levels and only requires a willing spirit. Space is limited so please RSVP here.
- The Women’s Empowerment Forum on Tuesday, April 4 will include enlightening and inspirational stories from local women of distinction including WOR radio host Joan Herrmann, nationally recognized career and life coach Laura Berman Fortgang, Montclair Township Council Member Renee Baskerville, producer and activist Peg Cafferty, business owner and teacher Omni Kitts Ferrara and Masiel Rodriquez-Vars, Executive Director, Montclair Fund for Educational Excellence. The event will be hosted by local entrepreneur Donna Miller. For tickets and information, visit online here.
- From Wednesday, April 5 through Friday, April 7, over 30 talks have been scheduled throughout downtown Montclair Center from leading women professionals, health and nutrition experts, and entrepreneurs. These talks include Elisa Charters of Latina Surge speaking about empowerment and equal pay, Virginia Cornue Ph.D. and Linda Lombri discussing life after retirement, artist Stephanie Spitz and artist/owners Amy Tingle and Maya Stein sharing about their lives in art, Serena Chen, MD discussing IVF and talks about entrepreneurship, surviving trauma, fitness and health. Check montclaircenter.com for the developing schedule of talks. Attendees will be asked for a small donation ($2-5) to benefit SAVE of Essex.
- Finally, Women’s Empowerment will include Ladies Night Out on Friday, April 7. The evening will begin with drink specials at the Pig & Prince at 5:00 pm and a giveaway of selfie sticks for shoppers can have fun and share on social media. The evening will then continue from 6-9 pm with events and specials throughout downtown Montclair and special selfie stations so shoppers can share the fun on social media.