As March marks Women’s History Month and the world celebrates International Women’s Day on March 8, organizations across the Meadowlands are recognizing the impact women have made in business, community leadership, and public life.
The Meadowlands Chamber’s Professional Women’s Initiative (PWI), which turns the spotlight on the Meadowlands Chamber’s female members, is one of six special interest committees.
PWI: Building a Community of Women Leaders
PWI was created to support women in the Meadowlands business community through professional development, networking, and leadership opportunities. The committee is focused on providing events that enhance skill development, promote leadership, and cultivate a community of women.
The recent Galentine’s Day Potluck Lunch at the Meadowlands Chamber Headquarters in Lyndhurst, New Jersey, highlighted the committee’s mission by combining informal conversation with a discussion of personal growth and success. Nearly 40 women participated in an afternoon of connection, conversation, and shared goals.
In addition, Elisse Glennon (Elisse Gannon Consulting) led a discussion unpacking insights from Justin Wright’s “9 Mindsets of the Most Successful People,” which encourages people to embrace growth and lead with intention.
The event also served as a moment of recognition for two longtime PWI leaders. The Chamber thanked outgoing chairs Andrea Lokshin and Susan Kelminson, who helped guide the initiative for the past five years and expanded its programming and reach.
Two Powerful Women Leading New Jersey
Democrat Mikie Sherrill is the second woman to serve as governor of New Jersey and the first female military veteran elected governor of any U.S. state. She broke a record for the most votes cast by any gubernatorial candidate in New Jersey’s history and stopped a 64-year trend in which New Jersey voters had not supported the same party for more than two consecutive terms.
Kathryn Garcia became the first female Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The PANYNJ operates the busiest seaport on the East Coast, the world’s busiest bridge (George Washington), the region’s largest airport system, and key interstate bridges and tunnels.
The Port Authority’s five major departments — Aviation, Tunnels, Bridges & Terminals, World Trade Center, PATH and Port operations — are also now led by women, underscoring the growing presence of female leadership in infrastructure and transportation.
March 8, 2026: Celebrating 115 Years of International Women’s Day
On March 8, 2026, International Women’s Day (IWD) marks its 115th anniversary. IWD traces its roots to the early 20th century, when activists organized to demand fair wages, safer working conditions, and women’s voting rights. Over the decades, the movement helped open doors to professions and leadership roles that were once closed to women.
The annual observance is now both a celebration and a call to action. While progress has been made, challenges such as pay disparities, underrepresentation in leadership, and unequal access to opportunities remain worldwide.
Holidays Created for TV, By TV
Several U.S. holidays popularized in pop culture were created by fictional characters, and some have caught on IRL.
- Galentine’s Day (Feb. 13): Created by Leslie Knope in Parks and Recreation to celebrate female friendships, now widely observed in real life.
- Festivus (Dec. 23): From the 1990s sitcom Seinfeld, George Costanza’s family invented Festivus as an alternative to mainstream Christmas and Hanukkah traditions.
- Chrismukkah: Popularized by Seth Cohen on The O.C. to blend Christmas and Hanukkah traditions.
- Merlinpeen was first introduced on 30 Rock in 2009 to avoid Kenneth’s Secret Santa. It’s a day to leave work early to watch movies and drink rootbeer on whatever day Secret Santa or other holiday “fun” is scheduled at work.
- Treat Yo Self Day: Another one from Parks and Recreation, Oct. 13 is a day of splurging without guilt. Sip champagne while slipping your feet into Louboutins and styling Haute Couture. Or whatever whispers “luxury” to you.
- Life Day (Nov. 17): A Star Wars holiday (originally from the 1978 Holiday Special) where Wookiees celebrate family and joy.
Celebrating Women Across Bergen County
International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month both share the same purpose: honoring the women who helped shape history while continuing the work of creating equal opportunities for the next generation.
As journalist and activist Gloria Steinem once said, “The story of women’s struggle for equality belongs to no single feminist nor to any one organization, but to the collective efforts of all who care about human rights.”
Communities across Bergen County are marking Women’s History Month with events that highlight women’s achievements and support important causes.
Among them:
- International Women’s Day 5K (March 8) in Ridgefield Park, raising funds for JBWS (Jersey Battered Women’s Service), which supports survivors of domestic violence.
- Bergen County Women’s Celebration (March 12) hosted by Bergen County Executive Jim Tedesco and the Board of Commissioners, honoring women working toward a sustainable and equitable future.
- Community gatherings and business spotlights throughout March, highlighting women-owned businesses and local leaders.
