Women empowering women — nonprofit hosts annual panel in South Jersey

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — South Jersey nonprofit Women, Words, and Wisdom held its annual Panel of Power luncheon Thursday.

The event is dedicated to informing women of issues affecting them so they can make informed choices. It also provides educational scholarships for young women in financial need.

Nonprofit President Jo-Ann Weiner says the theme of this year’s discussions was “Successfully Thriving in a World of Uncertainty.”

They touched on key issues that will be on women’s minds as they head to the polls on Nov. 5, like women’s health, education and pay equity.

“We looked at what's going on around our country, we looked at things that were egregious to women and we also looked at things that were not as egregious but happened over and over again to women,” Weiner said.

Loretta Winters is president of the Gloucester County NAACP. She was presented with the Ida B. Wells Award for her work in social justice and civil rights. She says a lot is at stake this election cycle.

“Women were always the last on the totem pole and we continue to be last, and we're holding up the rear — we're holding up democracy — and if we don't get out there and vote, it’s almost criminal.”

The event was held in Cherry Hill and Congressman Andy Kim gave the keynote speech. The organization is working with area legislators to help bring about positive changes for women.