2019 Conference
Keynote Speaker Jennifer Kurdyla
Saturday , March 30, 2019
Conference Agenda
8 am - 9 am Breakfast and Registration
9 am - 10 am Opening Remarks and Keynote Speech
10 :15 am - 11:15 am Workshop Session I
11:30 am - 12:30 pm Workshop Session II
12:45 pm Lunch ( Blue Cafeteria)
Walk-in Registration on day of Conference by 9:15 am
What Students say as to why register for the conference:
The Women’s Conference is an amazing event where women from different career fields come together in order to promote leadership. Personally, I think the students of South Brunswick should attend this event because it is a learning experience unlike any other. It is very inspiring to see the journey of each woman and how they use this journey to help us young adults decide our futures. (Shreya S.)
As high schooler, perhaps the most exciting and nerve-wracking thing is planning our future. The SBCW conference provides us with such valuable exposure and guidance that help us to shape our futures. I can speak for not only me but also my peers when I say that those who attend the conference once are sure to attend again! (Hiba J.)
The conference is a great opportunity to discover the tools needed to succeed in a particular profession. It's like a treasure hunt, you never know what you may find or who you'll meet! (Delali K.)
The Annual Leadership and Career Pathways Conference is an opportunity to bolster your leadership skills and open yourself to new opportunities regarding your future. In just a few hours, you will be able to learn so much about careers you are interested in by leaders in those industries. (Natasha A.)
Some reasons why the students of SBHS should consider registering for our conference is because it provides insight on many jobs and lets students understand how a job is and the steps required to get to that place. These stories come from the many influential guest speakers that take part in the conference. Students are free to ask questions after the panels and can make connections while at the conference. Lastly, through the keynote speeches students in the past have been greatly affected by the stories told and have decided to make a change in their life. (Nikita A.)
2019 SBCW Conference Commissioners
Vandana Aiyar - Chair
Dr. Genevieve Kumapley - Vice Chair
Joyce Mehta - Secretary
Beatrice Alexander - Treasurer
Bhavana Arya - Commissioner
Margit Haas-Rethage - Commissioner
Tawanna Sampson - Commissioner
Natasha Arya - Student Commissioner
Shreya Suresh - Student Commissioner
Azra Baig - SB Board of Education Liaison
Archana Grover - SB Township Liaison
Conference Committee Volunteers
Delali Kumapley
Hiba Jamil
Nikita Arya
Rhea Paul
Olivia Forte-Gardner
Karishma Patel
Session I 10: 15 am - 11:15 am
Act Like a Lady: Questioning Media, Challenging Society, Breaking the Box
This is an educational workshop aimed to give young women the opportunity to discuss what it means to be a woman today. Through discussion, viewing of media examples, and an activity called “Gender Boxes,” participants will explore our society’s expectations of women. Additionally, the workshop will demonstrate the media’s impact on these expectations, how these expectations are linked to issues women deal with (such as poor body image and violence), as well as how we can respond to these expectations.
Business
In this panel can be professionals from various industries in areas of Finance, Sales and Marketing, Supply Chain Management, Real Estate and Human Resources
Entrepreneurship
The focus of this panel will be the challenges of owning your own business and marketing your products. The panelists will address questions regarding small business enterprises and getting monetary loans.
Fitness and Wellness
This panel is designed to provide options to students who want to acquire knowledge and skills to work in a non-clinical setting with a focus on improving health and well-being. Some people in this profession include therapists, physical trainers, yoga, meditation and mindfulness instructors.
High School and Beyond
This panel will be run by current high school students. This is intended to be an informative session on transition to high school, time management, extra-curricular activities and a tour of the school. All 8th graders must register for High School and Beyond as the first session choice
Medicine and Dentistry
This panel will introduce you to physicians and dentists with different practice specialties including surgery and pediatrics. In the past, we have had breast surgeons, general practitioners, Ob-GYN, critical care, Emergency Room doctors and Dentists.
Philanthropy
In this panel, we will have speakers from various non-profit organizations. All panelists are taking an active effort to promote human welfare for humanitarian purposes.
Politics and Activism
Examples of political careers within government, political assistant,roles within the civil service, Diplomatic service officer, public affairs consultant, political journalist, public relations officer.
STEAM
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) refers to the academic disciplines which are curriculum based with an interdisciplinary and applied approach. The panel can include professionals from a private business, university and a Fortune 500 company and will talk about integrating STEAM in real world applications.
Session II 11:30 am - 12:30 pm
College and Beyond
This workshop will provide insights on what to expect in College. Some current students and recent graduates will talk about the undergraduate experience that helps them balance the joy of learning with the necessity of career preparation.
Creative and Performing Arts
Panelists in this field use activities that actively engage in imagination through Art, Theater, Graphic Design, Film making, Photography, Fashion and Creative Writing. This workshop is for you if you want to explore the world of visual arts and some career options include graphics / advertising designer, web designer and author.
Computer Science
Computer Science majors need to have a desire for learning to keep up with the latest technological trends and innovations including Artificial Intelligence (AI). This workshop is for you if you want to explore the world of software developers, data administrators, information security analysts, web developers and more.
Education
This panel may include Teachers (Elementary, Middle and High), Principal and Professor. It will provide an inside view point about the training, degree and requirements to establish a career in this field.
Engineering
In this panel, we will have Engineering professionals from various industries in areas of Chemical, Civil, Environmental, Electrical, Mechanical, Biomedical and Computer Engineering. They will provide specific examples on particular areas of applied mathematics, science and the types of application.
Health Care Professions
Careers include Occupational and Physical Therapist, Physician Assistant, Registered Nurse, Advanced Practice Nurse, Radiology-Technician, Paramedic, E.M.T., Surgical Assistant, Registered Dental Hygienist etc. If you are thinking of being in the healthcare field, but not necessarily want to be a physician or dentist, this workshop of related professions would be a good workshop for you.
Law
This workshop may include attorneys and paralegals who practice in diverse areas of the law. This may include defense, litigation, prosecution and mediation attorneys, a government attorney or attorneys in private practices.
Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence
This is an educational workshop aimed to bring awareness and empower young women on issues related to Date Rape, Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence by learning what to do, where to seek help. The panel is usually staffed by professionals such as an Investigator from a Prosecutor’s Office and a Sex Crimes Prosecutor.
Vocational Careers
This workshop is for students interested in undergoing training in a skill or trade to be pursued as a career. These careers include complimentary practical skills relating to the occupation at hand. Some careers include working in Administration, Cosmetology, Massage Therapist, Culinary Arts, Electrician, Hairstylist, Plumber etc.