At International Women's Conference, messages of strength, diversity resonate
From left, Busie Matsiko, of Deer Park; Delali OSUN Haligah, of OSUN Designs; and Danessa Myricks, of Danessa Myricks Beauty, at the International Women's Conference at Hofstra on Saturday. Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Panelists of various professional, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds spoke about the challenges women face in the workforce and outside of it at the International Women's Conference 2024 at Hofstra University on Saturday.
As part of a program themed “International Women of Influence,” discussion topics included women in media; diversity, equity and inclusion; and cultural perspectives on love and relationships. At least 100 women — and several men — attended the daylong conference held at Hofstra's student center.
"Every woman has a different story," said public relations strategist Sharon Leid, founder of the media relations firm Netstruc PR who moderated a discussion on women in media. "It's like a fingerprint; every one is different."
Organized by Neva Helena Alexander through her professional development company Nevalliance and with funding from various sponsors, the annual conference is in its eighth year. In the spirit of international reach, attendees included Jamaica's ambassador to the U.S. Audrey Marks and Consul General of Jamaica Alsion Roach Wilson. The event was held in conjunction with Women's History Month.
“It is important for us, as women, to support and encourage each other,” Wilson said to a chorus of yes’s. “It is important for us to uplift each other. It is important for us to have dialogue with each other."
Among the panelists and speakers were Cosmopolitan lifestyle editor Christen Johnson, One Brooklyn Health Interim CEO Dr. Sandra Scott, beauty company founder and CEO Danessa Myricks, Newsday managing editor Rochell Bishop Sleets, and Hofstra students.
“I didn’t necessarily see the possibility of me in the spaces that I was operating in," said Myricks, who used a $250 unemployment check to start Danessa Myricks Beauty, now a multimillion-dollar brand sold at Sephora. "I couldn't find that other single mom with two kids who started a brand who was successful to know that that was possible for me."
Now, she said, other women often tell her that seeing her success has opened their eyes to possibility.
"The accomplishments of women are so very important to note, to celebrate, and to keep supporting," Marks said. "Because we must never take it for granted."
Much of the day’s dialogue was centered around the challenge of fostering diversity in various environments. In journalism, Samer Nasser, executive director of the Press Credentials Office at the New York City Mayor's Office of Media and Entertainment, encourages reporters to actively seek diverse populations and tell stories about them.
“Women’s stories are not a one-size-fit-all," said Nasser, who sat on the media panel. She emphasized the importance of letting women tell their own stories, highlighting accomplishment and avoiding the use of language that perpetuates stereotypes.
Raven Perkins, 24, of Glen Cove, attended the conference with Patricia Poggi, 46, of Centereach.
"Something I'd say would stick with me is taking care of your emotional well-being before going out there and being a hero to others," Perkins said. "I've learned the importance of putting yourself first to be able to put in better energy for other people, and be a healthier version of yourself."
Inspired by her own experience living in the Middle East, Alexander held her first conference of this sort on Long Island in 2017. “It’s more than just, you know, we gather and we talk,” she said. “I believe a lot in knowledge and education, so I infused the conference with that.”
Arielle Dollinger joined Newsday as a staff reporter in 2022. Previously, she covered local and national news as a freelancer for The New York Times, Newsday and other outlets.
