Northwell Health celebrates Women’s Equality Day

Women’s Equality Day, observed on August 26th, is an annual event that celebrates the adoption of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution, marking American women’s advancement towards equality with men. This year we celebrate the 99th year of the passage of the amendment which granted full woman suffrage. In honor of this important day, we are featuring some of our Women in Healthcare BERG leaders, members and supporters.

Northwell’s Women in Healthcare BERG is empowering women across all levels of Northwell as well as in our communities. The Women in Healthcare BERG aims to not only promote growth for women and foster greater employee engagement, but it is also a key part of our mission of transforming the future of healthcare.

Please join us as we celebrate this important day!

Stacey Rosen, MD – SVP, Women’s Health; Women in Healthcare BERG co-chair:

“Women’s Equality Day celebrates the passage of the 19th amendment, which granted women the right to vote. Activists such as Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Alice Paul were leaders in the women’s rights movement. Their focus was to ensure that women were given a fair and equal right to vote. These women have inspired me to carry their message in my current role. While we have made a lot of progress for women’s equality, women are still underrepresented in business leadership positions. It is known that organizations that promote diversity and inclusion, especially at the leadership level, perform better. This is one of many reasons why I decided to become a co-chair or the Women in Healthcare BERG.  Our BERG gives our members exposure to leadership and development opportunities that they may not otherwise have in their current role. Our mission is to create a pipeline of women leaders at all levels in our health system.”

Maxine Carrington, JD – Deputy Chief HR Officer; Women in Healthcare BERG co-chair:

“We can never ignore our history and the impact of the past on our present-day thoughts, actions, policies, and systems. Women’s Equality Day and other such recognition days enable us to pause and remember, acknowledge how far we’ve come, and contemplate what still needs to be achieved to ensure that everyone is treated with dignity and respect – as they deserve to be – and that their voices, contributions, and human rights are valued. The tremendous enrollment in and support for our new Women in Healthcare BERG is evidence that there is still much work to be done, but also that our Northwell citizens are committed to the work. Given our mission, values, and the collective power that we have, it’s our obligation.”

Joseph Moscola, PA – SVP & Chief People Officer, Northwell Health:

“Women’s Equality Day is such an important day to pause, reflect and evaluate where we are on the journey to equality for women. It gives us the opportunity to rejoice in the successes while together transparently discussing the opportunities and working hard to put words into action. Together we can accomplish anything, advancing the culture of Northwell and thereby the culture of the communities we serve.”

Kerri Anne Scanlon, RN – System Deputy Chief Nurse Executive, CNO North Shore University Hospital; Women in Healthcare BERG co-chair:

“In today’s environment, it is more important than ever to celebrate a day that reminds us not only of how far we’ve come but also how much further we have to go within professional environments to ensure true equality. We are fortunate to be part of an organization that is fiercely dedicated to the promotion of diversity, inclusion, and to the elimination of inequities for all. The newly-formed Women in Healthcare BERG is a prime example of Northwell Health’s commitment to the promotion of career progression and advancement, mentoring, and succession planning for women across clinical, administrative, and academic settings. This BERG will serve as a catalyst for change within our organization and create a positive ripple effect, allowing for amplification of our voice across the industry and the communities we serve. On behalf of the Women in Healthcare BERG, I’m proud to celebrate a day of such historical significance, and to stand together to build a future that engages and empowers all members of our diverse workforce.”

Stevania Williams – Credentialing Specialist; Women in Healthcare BERG member:

“Women’s equality is important in today’s society because 1) Women make up more than half of the population in the United States and 2) Women in fact make up the majority of voters in the United States. Women’s equality has come a long way but there is still a lot more that needs to be accomplished. When women’s equality is fully established to its highest potential, we as women can have a better legislation to help push for equal rights and opportunities, which includes economic participation and decision making.  “A society cannot operate to its full potential when half of its members do not have an equal voice.”

I joined the Women in Healthcare BERG because the gap that is associated with women leadership in healthcare is addressed. This program helps women like myself lean into their careers through mentorship which in return develops a pipeline of women leaders within Northwell Health.”

Elizabeth Alexander – Admin Support Associate; Women in Healthcare BERG member:

“Generally speaking, women in healthcare tend to forget to advocate for themselves because we are focused on treating patients and taking care of their own families as primary care-givers. It is important for us to get involved in professional organizations, continue learning, volunteer and cultivate a professional network. I joined the Women in Healthcare BERG because it’s a great forum for team building, networking and professional development that promotes diversity and inclusiveness in the workplace.  This is an excellent opportunity to get involved and support fellow colleagues, so that together we can advocate, thrive and inspire!”

Patricia Farrell – VP, Katz Institute for Women’s Health; Women in Healthcare BERG member:

“Women do not want power over men, they want power over themselves” – Mary Wollstonecraft

“The Women in Healthcare BERG empowers women through both educational and networking opportunities  encouraging them not to accept the status quo but to be that voice and equal seat at the table, to drive change that impacts not only our organization but policy change and change in the communities we live in.”