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Local business women honored |
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By Robin Kaminski / The Daily Item
 This year's nominees
Sponsored by The Daily Item and Eastern Bank, the event centered around the importance of women choosing to enter careers in the business world and honoring those who have paved the way for the younger generation.
"This event is particularly important since half of the population of the North Shore is being served by women who are mayors in Gloucester, Salem and Lynn," said Wayne Burton, president of North Shore Community College. "This is a very special event to honor the successful women who contribute so much."
One such woman was keynote speaker Andrea Cox, senior engineering manager for General Electric Co.'s Aviation's Advanced Programs in Lynn, who lightheartedly addressed her decision to enter a predominately male-dominated field and the stereotypes she has faced.
"My parents always encouraged me that I could do it, and not that I couldn't, but things didn't come easy for me and I had to work hard," she said. "I've developed a real passion for my job, and after 17 years, I still love my job. But, of course, I have my days."
Passionate about recruiting young girls into technical careers, Cox, who won a Pinkham award in 2008, has worked with graduating seniors at Lynn Classical High School, as well as with the Northeastern University's Marine Science Center in Nahant to expose Lynn middle school students to marine and biology career paths.
A mother of two young boys, Cox said she works hard to balance her roles as a mom, wife, athlete and self-proclaimed rocket scientist.
"I'm passionate about doing my part," she said. "Kids are the product of environment and societal influences, and we are the influences. As role models, make it a point to do something positive for kids and do something fun and special for yourself."
This year's winners of the Lydia Pinkham award were chosen from a list of 20 nominees.
Marjorie St. Paul, executive director of the Lynn Shelter Association captured the top spot for the Civic/Non-Profit category, Lorraine Clark, owner of the Blue Moon Restaurant and Lounge won in the small business category, and Marian Deacon, general manager and area executive at General Electric plant in Lynn won the large business category.
Three students at NSCC were each chosen as recipients for a $1,000 scholarship from The Daily Item, Eastern Bank and The Atlantic Referral Exchange, Lynn Chapter of BNI.
Andrea Rovado of Rockport received The Daily Item award, while Sarah Garvey received the Eastern Bank award and Catie Smith of Wakefield was chosen by The Atlantic Referral Exchange, Lynn Chapter of BNI. |
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