Skidmore welcomes state Council on Women and Girls

Skidmore welcomed members of the New York State Council on Women and Girls to present the 2019 Women's Justice Agenda, which aims to provide opportunities for women and girls through state policy. 

President Philip A. Glotzbach opened the April 4 event by thanking the Council members and approximately 90 members of the Skidmore community in attendance for “showing support for the important work that we, as a society, must continue to do to ensure that opportunities for women continue to grow and improve.” 

“From its inception, Skidmore’s educational mission has been tied to the academic, professional and social advancement of women,” he said. 

Connie Neal, of the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence and a steering committee member for the Council on Women and Girls, outlined the Council’s work and provided an overview of the Women’s Justice Agenda, which was launched by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last year. 

“Since then, we’ve made remarkable progress enacting nation-leading policies,” she said, citing initiatives such as investing in computer science programs to close the gender gap in STEM and investing $25 million to expand pre-K and after-school programs. 

Kelli Owens, director of Women’s Affairs in the office of the governor, outlined other approved and pending legislation. 

“I have the greatest job in the world,” she said, “listening to women and girls across the state about what they need.” 

Students were given the opportunity to submit inquiries anonymously throughout the program, with Minita Sanghvi, assistant professor of marketing, helping to facilitate the question-and-answer sessions. 

Monique Owens, an Empire State fellow for Women’s Affairs, wrapped up the event by encouraging students to stay engaged in the conversation. She invited students to apply to serve on a statewide board or consider pursuing a state internship or fellowship in advocacy.