BCPWN & YWCA Northern NJ Present "Going Beyond the Black Box -- A Panel Discussion on Racial Equality and White Allyship"
Join BCPWN and YWCA of Northern NJ for a meaningful afternoon of dialogue and discussion around diversity and race. In this virtual session, dynamic leaders will share strategies on how to deepen your awareness and ask the “tough questions” around racial equality and white allyship, to create a more diverse and expanded perspective.
The program will be led and moderated by BCPWN Executive Director, Mary E. Adams, CMP and YWCA Northern NJ CEO, Helen Archontou. Zoom Log-In Credentials will be sent to all registered participants 24 hours before the event.
While this event is complimentary to all, we are asking registrants to please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to the YWCA Northern New Jersey as a way to show support of their programs and mission. Donate directly here: https://ops1.operations.daxko.com/online/4065/OnlineGiving/Donation.mvc
Our esteemed group of panelists is comprised of current/past YWCA Board Members who will share their perspectives around systemic racism and how they are making an impact in the segments of education, corporate workplace and the community.
Meet the Panelists:
Erika Monell: BD, Technology & Global Services
Erika Monell is an Information Technology Professional at BD & Founder, From Distraction to Destiny Coaching, LLC. Erika is passionate about leading others toward a life of fulfillment through discovery of their peace, passion, and purpose. Born and raised in the Bronx, NY her career in corporate America has spanned over 20 years and led her to a variety of positions with increasing responsibility. Throughout her professional journey, her passion and commitment to the personal and professional development of women and people of color has remained constant. Erika is the proud mother of two sons and a board member of YWCA.
Dr. Christine Thorpe – Certified Wellness Coach, Health Education Specialist, Author and Dean of the Nathan Weiss Graduate College at Kean University.
Dr. Thorpe is a certified wellness coach, health education specialist and the dean of the Nathan Weiss Graduate College at Kean University. Dr. Thorpe is the author of Living Beyond the Façade: Inside the Health and Wealth Practices of Americans of African Descent and often speaks on the topics of health and wealth in diverse families. She and her husband recently launched the podcast Beyond the Facade with the mission to strengthen our health, build our wealth and cultivate intergenerational legacy through the power of community. Dr. Thorpe has 2 children and is a board member of YWCA.
Sonya Burnham - Product Manager, Express Scripts Inc. (a Pharmacy Benefit Manager)
Sonya Burnham is a Product Manager at Express Scripts Inc. (a Pharmacy Benefit Manager), with 25 years’ experience in the corporate environment, she consistently ensures the long-term viability of a multi-million dollar Medicare/Medicaid product portfolio. A native of Guyana, South America, she lived in Jersey City, NJ during her childhood, and had the privilege of growing up with people of mixed ethnic and socio economic backgrounds. She is a life member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. but most importantly, Sonya is the mother of two active children, Elijah and Amelia, and are the manifestation of her true purpose. Sonya is also the former President of YWCA Board of Directors.
Helen Archontou, MSW, LSW: As Chief Executive Officer since July 2011, is focused on guiding YWCA Northern New Jersey—formerly YWCA Bergen County—into its next century of living its mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and strengthen families and communities. Under Helen’s leadership, the organization has expanded and deepened its mission-based programming by providing a continuum of programs and services to support women in every stage of life and facilitating ongoing community conversations on racial justice. In 2019, the organization expanded its service area to additional northern NJ counties and changed its name to YWCA Northern New Jersey, now serving Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic in addition to Bergen County.
Mary E. Adams, CMP, ECG: Mary is a Certified Meeting Professional (CMP) with more than 15 years in business. Mary’s expertise includes a focus on financial services association and event management, marketing, and communications. Mary is passionate about empowering women in business. In addition to running ECG, she is the Executive Director for the Bergen County Professional Women’s Network. NJ’s BCPWN is a leading professional organization, including almost 2,000 women in its community, producing more than 25 annual events and valuable networking opportunities. Prior to launching ECG, Mary was a professional sales representative for Merck & Co., produced conferences and established the Life Sciences division of Worldwide Business Research, and managed sales and marketing for an automotive engineering company in Cleveland, Ohio.
