Facts of Life Star Speaks to Livingston Students on National Disabilities Mentoring Day

A group of students from Livingston’s CPNJ Horizon High School visited Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation on National Disability Mentoring Day, for a hands-on career exploration event.

“Every year I come to Novartis Disability Mentoring Day,” Ryan Ahlberg, a student at the Livingston school said. “It has been great!”

Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation (NPC) in East Hanover hosted more than 100 high school students with disabilities on October 15. Students from 11 schools in the area participated.

The purpose of the initiative at the Company’s East Hanover campus was to share insights with special needs young adults about career possibilities and to help build a diverse local future workforce.

The students engaged in interactive career sessions, and heard a keynote speech from Geri Jewell, an award winning author, performer and motivational speaker, who received worldwide recognition being the first person with a disability to be cast in a prime-time series, NBC’s The Facts of Life.

During her remarks, Ms. Jewell told the audience of students, chaperones and company associates, “One of the secrets to many of my successes is that I’ve always had an essence of creative visualization. You have to see yourself doing what you want to do. Create it in your mind; then it will manifest in reality.”

Reflecting on the day, Robert Ackerman, Head Region United States, Novartis Business Service – REFS, said, “Disability Mentoring Day is a wonderful opportunity for Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation to show local high school and college students with special needs that they are a valuable talent pool and introduce them to the many career opportunities within a corporate environment. The students gain a new perspective through this day of exploration and inspiration.”

A panel of NPC employees and family members who have disabilities also provided guidance about overcoming obstacles and described their careers. National Disability Mentoring Day is sponsored nationally by the American Association of People with Disabilities.

Information courtesy of Julie Masow.