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- Unlocking Potential: Hiring for Ability, Not Disability
Unlocking Potential: Hiring for Ability, Not Disability
Thursday, March 27
7:00 pm - 9:00 pm (EDT)
Join Federation’s Greater MetroWest ABLE and Business & Professionals Network (BPN) to gain insights and strategies to enhance your workforce with an untapped part of our community, people with disabilities.
We’ll hear from with industry leaders Patti Scott, Director of Professional Development at Lowenstein Sandler LLP, and Patricia O’Rourke, Senior Director of Global Distribution Operations and Michael Polesovsky, Assistant Manager, at Tiffany & Co. in a panel moderated by Rebecca Wanatick, Director, Disability Inclusion & Belonging, at Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ.
Panelists will discuss benefits and best practices they have implemented as they created more inclusive and diverse work environments that benefit all employees. Vocational experts from our Federation partner agencies at JESPY and Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) will be available to answer questions and provide resources to support you as you endeavor into more inclusive employment opportunities.
7:00 p.m. Cocktails and Light Bites
7:45 p.m. Program
8:15 p.m. Table Talks
8:30 p.m. Dessert Reception (kosher dietary laws observed)
You will also hear about:
- The unique values of an inclusive work environment, providing diverse perspectives and access to a broader talent pool
- Hiring and coaching resources available for you and your team, including assistive technology and training programs
- Contributions to workforce, including improved team dynamics, positive workplace culture and increased employee morale
Registration is now closed.
Questions? Contact Rebecca Wanatick at [email protected] or Marcy Fink at [email protected].
Stacy Ennis, ABLE Chair
Matt Beck and Aliza Freud, 2025 BPN Division Chairs
BPN Committee
Philip Bershad, Tracy Biebelberg, Shari Brandt, Craig Bronsnick, Becky Novin Cannon, Michele Fine, Lisa Glassman, Adam Haberfield, Marc Hausman, Casey Holstein, Deborah Jacob, Michael Kaplan, Sherri Langburt, Liz Liss, Lisa Malat, Mark Polson, Rachel Braun Scherl, Zev Scherl, Evan Schonfeld, Alex Skibinsky, Brent Weisenberg, Melissa Wernick, Ari Wise
ABLE Committee
Sharon Amtzis, Aryn Barer, Ann Beckerman, Liz Bier, Marisa Cohen, Danielle Crum, Stacy Ennis, Anita Finkel, Levi Grossbaum, Jeff Horowitz, Heather Klein, Ann Leeb, Eta Levenson, Michael Levinson, Sharon Maas, Beth Mitchell, Linda Press, Michelle Reback, Denise Rekem, June Schechner, Rebecca Shulman, Diane Squadron, Lynda Wachsteter, Lara Stolman Watzky, Audrey Winkler
*The location and street address for Federation events will be emailed to each guest the day before the event, using the email address provided at registration.
Security at Federation Events
The Gloria and Jesse Weissberg Community Security Initiative (CSI) is coordinating all security with local, county, and state law enforcement. At every Federation event, all available resources are utilized to ensure your safety. Important items of note:
- Bag policy: Backpacks, luggage, and large purses are not permitted at events. We encourage you not to bring a bag, if possible, or to bring a very small bag. All bags may be subject to search.
- Additional security measures: Additional security procedures may be implemented (e.g. metal detectors) as needed.
- Social media protocol: We ask you not to share the location of a Federation event prior to or during the event and to refrain from posting about a Federation activity until after it has ended, and the site is clear of attendees.
Building an inclusive community is a priority. Please email [email protected] to let us know if you require an accommodation to meaningfully participate in an event. One of our Federation professionals will reach out to you to learn more.