with Esmilda Abreu
Esmilda Abreu
Born:
Dominican Republic; raised in New York City
Degrees:
Master’s, Columbia University Teacher’s College, N.Y., organizational
and industrial psychology
Bachelor’s, Hampshire College, Mass., psychology, minor in women’s
studies and dance
Family:
Husband, Michael
Son, Liam, 10 months
Interests:
Karate
Jewelry making
Hypnotism
As a student at a New York City high school, Esmilda Abreu first witnessed
the struggle of women who believed they couldn't stand up for themselves.
It was then she decided to become an advocate for women, a role she's
continued for the past two years at Montclair State.
"As director of the Women's
Center I am finding the practical application of feminism for students
and faculty," Esmilda said. "The mission of the Center is to
allow all voices to be heard, support personal development and explore
the expanding roles and rights of women in today's society."
The Women's Center, which will celebrate its 30th anniversary in January,
provides programs, counseling and advocacy services to all members of
the campus community. The Center also distributes a biannual newsletter
and has an extensive library. "My greatest accomplishment so far
has been my ability hold up the traditions and integrity of the Women's
Center," said Esmilda, who also teaches in the Women's Studies Program.
The Center has a Web site that provides a list of services, resources,
links to related sites, a newsletter and a calendar of events, offering
the opportunity to access information 24 hours a day.
Plans for the Center include broadening its community outreach and embracing
a greater variety of programs to address new issues. "I also would
like to work more closely with older students and commuter students,"
Esmilda said. The Center offers programs in self-defense, self-esteem,
yoga, healthy relationships and a safe summer campaign. Recently renovated,
it offered 45 programs last year.
After college, Esmilda joined the Women's Rights Information Center in
Englewood, which provides career counseling and a legal clinic. She became
the program coordinator with the Department of Labor for FAMESS (Female
Accomplishment Means Economic Self-Sufficiency). "The program, which
received Governor Whitman's Pride Award, got 200 women ready for college
and provided tuition funding," she explained.
In addition to being an advocate for women, Esmilda is also a patient
advocate. She worked at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in the Cardiac
Surgery Department helping patients prepare emotionally for surgery. Esmilda
uses the principal elements of complimentary medicine in her work at the
Women's Center. "I want to empower people regardless of their circumstances,"
she said.