Honoring the Women of Hour Children

Celebrating the Women of Hour Children

Hour Children is a leading provider of services to incarcerated and formerly incarcerated women in New York State. Focused on women and their children, they support families during a mother’s incarceration and help families get back on their feet upon release.

Stephanie Gonzalez, After School Program Coordinator

Why are you most proud to be a part of the Hour Children family?
I am proud to be a part of the Hour Children family because I am surrounded by a team of understanding and supportive individuals. I direct one of the children programs and I am especially proud of the impact that we make on our community by providing programs and services to all of the families and children we serve.

With most businesses being led by men, how do you feel HC differs from an organization led and operated by mostly female personnel?
Working for Hour Children in my opinion has been an inspirational and purposeful experience. The children/mothers lives I had the opportunity to be a part of brings new meaning to my own life. Working for HC which is operated by mostly female personnel inspires and empowers me as a woman. I believe HC differs from businesses being led by men because HC increases diversity among the male-dominated workplace.

Female empowerment is a huge topic, but what challenges do you feel women still face in a professional environment?
The main challenges I feel that women are still faced with in a professional environment is career advancement with competitive pay and the influence they hold within the organization. Women have to work harder to achieve recognition or promotions.

Kellie Phelan, Community Program Coordinator

Why are you most proud to be a part of the Hour Children family?
What makes me most proud to be a part of Hour Children is supporting mothers and children as they reunify and supporting our neighbors here in LIC.

With most businesses being led by men, how do you feel HC differs from an organization led and operated by mostly female personnel?
We are not only led by women but many of our staff and leaders have experience in the justice system. I think what makes us unique is that criminal justice involvement is shared by so many and taken into account in building the organization.

Female empowerment is a huge topic, but what challenges do you feel women still face in a professional environment?
The challenges of having our voices heard and building organizational policies and practices in line with the realities of life for women.

Crystal Salas, Assistant Program Coordinator

Why are you most proud to be a part of the Hour Children family?
I’m most proud to be a part of the Hour Children family because it is a community where you feel loved and wanted. Essentially an extended family I can call my own. Not only do I receive value from the program but also somewhere I can add value.

With most businesses being led by men, how do you feel HC differs from an organization led and operated by mostly female personnel?
I feel like HC differs from an organization led and operated by men because most women not only mean business, but we also tend to lead with our hearts, creating more of a safe space for the clients to be heard as well as employees – knowing the leaders of HC will have our best interest at heart!

Female empowerment is a huge topic, but what challenges do you feel women still face in a professional environment?
I feel as though we still aren’t valued 100% equally when it comes to employment opportunities. Whether it be in regards to salary or even expectations of work ethic. There’s still work to be done on equality.

Patricia Daly, Director of Development

Why are you most proud to be a part of the Hour Children family?
I am most proud to be a part of the Hour Children family because everything they do is steeped in love and respect for the women, the children and for each other. They truly live the beliefs that Love Makes The Difference and Change Takes Time.

With most businesses being led by men, how do you feel HC differs from an organization led and operated by mostly female personnel?
I have had the honor of working in the not-for-profit world for 30+ years for organizations whose mission and staff have been predominantly women focused. I came out of corporate America where the companies were led by men. What I have found is there is a more visible layer of compassion, acceptance, and consensus building that happens in a predominantly female staffed organization.

Female empowerment is a huge topic, but what challenges do you feel women still face in a professional environment?
What I have noticed is women still suffer from imposter syndrome, not feeling like they actually belong in positions of leadership, even though they have the years of experience that absolutely gives them the right to be there. As always, even in the not for profit world, pay equity is still an issue. However, what I have always experienced is amazing support and camaraderie from my female colleagues.