| Married and single
working mothers face a tremendous amount of challenges when
trying to balance work and family commitments. This half-hour
program explores the often conflicting messages that women
receive on-the-job, as well as from society-at-large about
their roles as both employee and mother. The panel considers
ways to combat stress, fatigue and guilt. They discuss strategies
to effectively negotiate spending enough time with the family
and balancing that with pressure from employers to spend
more time at work. Accessing affordable and reputable childcare
and the importance of building support systems are examined.
Additionally, the panel will debunk common stereotypical
misconceptions about women in the workplace. Women are traditionally
perceived as a greater hiring risk because they may leave
once they have children. However, statistically men are
more likely to leave than women - making men more "costly
hires." New and emerging trends such as single women
in their 40's and 50's who are well established in their
careers and making the decision to adopt children is highlighted.
Tape Piece: The program begins with a mini-documentary
produced by Paula M. Levine, featuring an expert on the subject
and profiles a working mom. What would you do if your husband
left you when you were 27 years old, had 3 kids under the
age of 6, and another one on the way? Most women would have
buckled under the strain but not Teresa Collier. In an unimaginable
show of strength, determination and courage, she sought help
from relatives, mined the resources of public assistance and
the Womens Rights Information Center and fought her way back.
Today, she holds down a full-time job, all of her kids are
in private school, and she's saving for her first home. We'll
bring this incredible story to life and we'll visit the Womens
Rights Center and talk with their Director, Suzan Burr; We'll
interview Teresa, we'll meet her children, and we'll see how
she manages to balance her work life and her home life.
Dr. Elizabeth Haines |
Noreen Courtney-Wilds |
Barbara Holstein |
Mira Kostak |
Guests:
Dr. Elizabeth L. Haines – A married
mother of two and Assistant Professor of Psychology at William
Paterson University.
Noreen Courtney-Wilds – A married
mother of twins with a third child on the way and Director
of Sales for JetBlue Airlines.
Barbara Holstein – Teacher of the
Handicapped at Willowglen Academy in Sparta, NJ and a single
mother of five-year-old-daughter, Saige.
Mira Kostak – Director, Kean University
Small Business Development Center and a single mother of
two adopted daughters.
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