In 2015, women from across Ocean County came together to help launch the Ocean County College Foundation’s 100 Women Campaign! One year later, this exciting campaign has grown to include more than just 100 women, but has helped more than 50 young women blossom in both their academics and personal lives.

According to Heather Barberi, Executive Director of the Ocean County College Foundation, the mission of the “100 Women Campaign” is to bring together dynamic, innovative, and accomplished women who will support each other’s life and career goals, share their insights and experiences, and encourage education through Ocean County College.

“In 2015, it took less than six months for the Campaign to bring together over 100 incredible women in the community who are passionate about education and giving back,” Barberi said.

“The Ocean County College Foundation is thrilled that the 100 Women Campaign had so much success in its first year,” she explained. “One hundred incredible community leaders were recruited, nearly $10,000 in direct scholarship support was provided to OCC students, and over 50 students participated in the mentoring program. We are ecstatic with the results, and can’t wait to build on the program in year two.”

Over the next four years, the goal of the “100 Women Campaign” will be to raise its first $50,000 in order to retain and reward talented women, in both S.T.E.M.-related (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) and general academic disciplines at Ocean County College through scholarship support. Additionally, these students will be mentored throughout their tenure at Ocean County College.

“This type of support is known to have a tremendous impact on the lives of students, creating a positive, crucial difference in ensuring their future success,” Barberi continued.

The “100 Women Campaign” also seeks to provide an avenue for connections to be made among all the women, and networking events will take place throughout the year. The Ocean County College Foundation held its first leadHERship Symposium in May 2016, celebrating the one-year anniversary of the program.

The Women’s Leadership Panel was moderated by Noelle Lotano Carino, CEO of Greater Toms River Chamber of Commerce, and the audience included both campaign members and Ocean County College students. Participants enjoyed an informative panel discussion featuring Virginia E. “Ginny” Haines, Ocean County Freeholder; Dr. Teri Kubiel, Assistant Vice President of Community Medical Center; Jean Mikle, Staff Writer, Asbury Park Press; and Melissa Ann McCooley, Superintendent, Little Egg Harbor School District. The event was sponsored by Provident Bank.

Barberi explained, “The passion and excitement surrounding this campaign from the start has been amazing and we are looking forward to great things in the future!”

For information on the “100 Women Campaign,” visit www.ocean.edu/100women, or call Heather Barberi, Executive Director of the Ocean County College Foundation, at 732-255-0400, ext. 2534.