by Carrie Resch
Staff Writer
Jacqueline Williams knows all about being a professional woman. Not only is she the current chair of the mayor’s commission on the status of women, she also owns her own business, Jacqueline P. Williams Interior Design, Inc.
Williams’ brought the Jacksonville Women’s Lawyers Association up to date on the commission’s work during a recent meeting. She also discussed Women’s History Month with the professional group.
The commission is dedicated to women’s advancement, said Williams. That’s accomplished through a three-part strategy comprising education, advocacy and celebration of women’s accomplishments. The commission also works to increase the number of women in public office. The focus is primarily local, but the commission works for national advancement as well.
The commission brings together 25 women from different professional backgrounds including housewives, lawyers, doctors and professors appointed by the mayor.
“We want our organization to be inclusive of all women,” said Williams.
The organization serves as a watchdog group, reporting the results of their research directly to the mayor on a quarterly basis. The commission also issues quarterly public policy statements about women’s issues.
“It’s a very interesting group of women and I’m proud to be chair this year,” she said. “Women are always an issue we deal with issues of the glass ceiling and not getting the recognition we do deserve.”
Mayor John Peyton has been accessible to the commission and has shown real interest in the issues it brings to his attention, she said.
“We are his liaison, we want to be seen and heard,” said Williams.
The commission is appointed by the mayor, but it’s no mouthpiece for his policies, she said. Peyton values independent thinking, and she said he gets it from the commission.
“It’s what we think, and we want to get him on our side,” she said.
The last research project dealt with the issue of violence against women. The next topic of research might focus on how changes in the social security policy will affect women. Williams asked the JWLA to suggest topics or issues for research.
The monthly meetings of the commission are open to the public. “We welcome ideas and welcome input,” Williams said.
The organization also focuses on young women. Workshops are planned for professional and young women on how to build good relationships and get ahead in their careers.
Also planned is the annual Women’s History Month Breakfast on March 8 at the UNF Center to recognize groups of women who are nominated by their peers. This year four new women will be recognized along with nine young women between the ages of 16 and 25.
“They will be recognized because of their incredible vision and amount of volunteer work they do,” Williams said. “They will be our next leaders.”
Next month there will be a lunch honoring World War II icon “Rosie the Riveter” and women with non-traditional careers. Nominations are due by March 15.