One Brooklyn
March 31, 2016
BOROUGH PRESIDENT ORGANIZES WORKSHOPS FOCUSED ON ADDRESSING WOMEN’S HEALTH, SUPPORTING YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS, IN ADDITION TO ADVANCING LEGISLATION EMPOWERING BREASTFEEDING MOTHERS
BROOKLYN, NY, March 31, 2016: On Wednesday, Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams capped his celebration of Women’s History Month as he hosted a full day of events at Brooklyn Borough Hall focused on female empowerment at various stages of a woman’s life. More than 300 participants had access to workshops and panel discussions on important topics such as health and wellness, personal finance, and career advancement, in addition to resources from social service providers. In his remarks, Borough President Adams spoke directly to the women in attendance with a positive message of inspiration.
“You will decide what are and who you are going to be,” said Borough President Adams. “Be empowered to do what you do. I believe in what we can do, in the women of the borough of Brooklyn. Your energy will cascade throughout the entire city and the entire country. You are in a place to change the globe. That’s what this day is all about. It’s about planting the seeds of hope and prosperity. But you have to water it. You have to nurture it. You have to give it the room to grow. Your fruits will be the harvest.”
Borough President Adams’ day of Women’s History Month activities, sponsored by Investors Bank and co-hosted by Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo, chair of the Committee on Women’s Issues, kicked off with “Creating Women’s History,” a panel discussion addressing the health, nutritional, financial, and emotional stages of women throughout the life cycle. Health care experts from Brooklyn Perinatal Network, Inc., Brooklyn Women’s Services, Caribbean Women’s Health Association, Institute for Community Living, St. Francis College, and Worksites for Wellness, Inc. discussed hot-button topics such as breastfeeding in the workplace, menopause, postpartum depression, and women’s health equity. The evening concluded with “Beauty, Brains, and Business,” event, a career panel and networking mixer for those interested in finding their passion and using it to help maximize professional success. Women with leadership roles in enterprises such as Brooklyn Cupcake, Brooklyn Resume Studio, Gillian Garcia Artistry, HBO, MIMU MAXI, and MuslimGirl.net discussed their experiences and offered advice to attendees. Additionally, celebrity stylist Cat Wennekamp offered a free raffle giveaway for an all-star day of glamour, and participants were encouraged to share their business cards to build community connections.
“We are enthusiastically sponsoring the health-focused program that is part of Women’s History Month at Brooklyn Borough Hall,” said Ana M. Oliveira, senior vice president and New York regional manager of Investors Bank. “Our bank is committed to supporting significant activities and events that make a positive difference in the many Brooklyn communities that we serve.”
In keeping with his emphasis on female empowerment, as highlighted by the focus of his office’s public observance of Women’s History Month, Borough President Adams proudly submitted testimony to the Committee on Women’s Issues for yesterday’s hearing on Intro 1063-2016, legislation introduced at his request that would require the City to create dedicated space for nursing moms in municipal government offices that serve the public. If passed into law, New York City Human Resources Administration (HRA) job centers and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) offices, New York City Administration for Children’s Services (ACS) borough offices, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH) facilities, and other public-facing locations associated with City agencies will be outfitted with private, non-bathroom spaces where mothers can relax and nurse their babies or pump milk, should they so choose. Intro 1063-2016 has lead sponsorship from Council Member Robert E. Cornegy, Jr. as well as Council Members Cumbo and Corey Johnson; additionally, the measure has garnered bipartisan support, gaining sponsorship in recent days from Council Members Margaret Chin, Daniel Garodnick, Barry Grodenchik, Ben Kallos, Stephen Levin, Mark Treyger, and Eric Ulrich.
“This legislation is a big step in normalizing the conversation around breastfeeding and will place New York City on the forefront of breastfeeding advocacy on a national level,” said Borough President Adams. “When a mother is conducting business at designated locations, she can rest assured knowing that she will have a safe, quiet place to nourish her child.”
“Lactation stations are a public accommodation whose time has come,” said Council Member Cornegy. “The intent is not to hide breastfeeding away, but rather to support this healthy and challenging choice that benefits mothers, babies, and public health. New York City has the power to make a huge improvement in the lives of thousands of families by making this change to its own facilities and I’m determined to see it happen.”
“As chair of the Women’s Issues Committee, I would like to acknowledge the incredible women throughout this city and beyond who unequivocally breastfeed their children anytime and anyplace,” said Council Member Cumbo. “This is a personal decision for every woman, which ought to be respected within our society. This legislation will create additional safe spaces for nursing mothers to feed and care for their child(ren) without public scrutiny.”
“Breastfeeding is one of the fundamental acts of love and nurturing that a mother shows her child,” said Council Member Johnson, chair of the Committee on Health. “It contributes significantly to the child’s health in both short-term and long-term ways. We must work to protect the right of mothers to breastfeed and encourage this important aspect of child-rearing, and this includes legislation like Intro 1063.”
PHOTOS
Brooklyn Borough President Eric L. Adams addressed attendees at his celebration of Women’s History Month at Brooklyn Borough Hall, co-hosted by Council Member Laurie A. Cumbo, chair of the Committee on Women’s Issues (right).
Photo Credit: Erica Sherman/Brooklyn BP’s Office
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