In honor of International Women’s Day on March 8, Malden Career Services Coordinator Kashawna Harling and Malden Health & Human Services Department Community Communication and Outreach Specialist Tamerlie Roc organized an Informational Panel consisting of nine career women with ties to Malden. International Women’s Day is held each year to honor women’s economic, political and cultural achievements and to promote gender equality.
Following a warm welcome by Mayor Gary Christenson, panelists discussed their current profession along with their background and the path that led them there. Event attendees heard from Chamber of Commerce Director Joan Ford Mongeau, Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women’s 2017 Unsung Heroine Anna Tse, Mayor’s Office Administrative Officer Kathleen Manning Hall, Office of Strategic Planning and Community Development Director Deborah Burke, Malden Overcoming Addiction Recovery Coach Supervisor Dawna Aiello, Special Assistant to the Mayor Maria Luise, Malden Police Department Detective Renee Kelley, North Shore Hispanic Association President Gladys Rivera Rogers, Malden City Clerk Carol Ann Desiderio, East Cambridge Savings Bank, Malden, Business Development Manager Fiona Nattabi and Cataldo Ambulance’s Manager of Workplace Experience & Community Outreach, EMT Mariah Mulcahy. Assistant City Solicitor Alicia McNeil was unable to participate due to an ongoing trial. Many shared personal experiences and funny anecdotes they faced along the way.
Following the speaking portion, guests enjoyed refreshments while they networked. Each participant was presented with a certificate of appreciation and flowers.
“I was thrilled to hear about and celebrate the accomplishments and contributions of each of these women,” said Mayor Gary Christenson. “Our next generation can learn much from their example and experiences.”