Atlantic Cape Celebrates International Women’s Day at its Three Campuses Highlighting Prominent Females in the Workforce

MAYS LANDING — As part of a month-long Women’s History Month celebration, Atlantic Cape Community College’s three campuses held International Women’s Day panel discussions and a meet the artists reception on Wednesday, March 8 featuring prominent women speaking about their career paths and the importance of embracing equity.

During a Conversations with Women in STEM question and answer forum, Dr. Terri-Lynn Hamby, Director of Science Labs at the Mays Landing campus STEM building, spoke of the challenges of being a woman, mother, wife and student determined to ultimately achieve her goal of earning a doctorate degree.

“I was a non-traditional student with a child when I started my education and I have a husband that is very supportive in letting me ‘do my thing,’” said Hamby, who has a master’s degree in Geoscience and a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. “I wanted to get my degrees because of and for my kids. I was the first in my family to get a doctorate. Do not let the naysayers tell you can’t do that, because you can.”

Moderating the panel discussion was Atlantic Cape sophomore student Jasmin Caldwell, a biology and liberal arts major, Student Government Association president and student lab assistant in the college’s work study program. Originally from Atlantic City, Caldwell plans on transferring to Stockton University to complete her bachelor’s degree before applying to medical schools. She asked Hamby of the important role that women play in the STEM field.

“We can all bring our different experiences to STEM,” Hamby replied. “Atlantic Cape sets a really good example for women to enter into STEM by having a diverse faculty.”

The Atlantic City Charles D. Worthington campus held a Career Paths Panel Discussion featuring Atlantic Cape’s Dean of STEM Programs Dr. Kalpana Jain, Dean of Nursing and Health Sciences Myrna Morales-Keklak, Atlantic City High School Principal Constance Days-Chapman and Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor Diana Garcres.

The Cape May County campus held a Meet the Artists Reception that featured female artists who spoke about their works of art and the inspiration that ultimately moves them spiritually to create their masterpieces.

About Atlantic Cape Community College

Atlantic Cape is a comprehensive two-year community college serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. The college offers over 40 career, transfer and workforce development programs to more than 8,000 students annually at three campuses in New Jersey: Atlantic City, Cape May Court House and Mays Landing.