Jennifer Erdos, Coordinator
- E-mail jerdos@ucnj.org
- Phone 908-527-4216
- Fax 908-527-4875
- Address 10 Elizabethtown Plaza, Third Floor, Elizabeth, New Jersey
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Mission
The Union County Office on Women (OoW), established by the Board of County Commissioners in 2016, is the first county-level office of its kind.
Dedicated to empowering women from all walks of life, the OoW connects women to essential programs and services that address their diverse needs, including leadership development, equality, and advancement in education, business, health, and community engagement.
Through analysis, research, and strategic partnerships, the OoW ensures that local resources provide meaningful support at every stage of life while celebrating the vital contributions women make to the social, economic, and cultural fabric of Union County.
Women’s Equality Day – Tuesday, August 26, 2025
After years of advocacy, American women secured the right to vote with the passage of the 19th Amendment, certified on August 26, 1920. To honor this landmark achievement and the ongoing pursuit of equality, Congress designated August 26th as Women’s Equality Day. This day affirms equal citizenship rights for all and honors the progress women have made since 1920, from gaining the vote to securing workplace, education, and athletic opportunities.
Women’s Equality Day celebrates the progress made and renews our commitment to the work ahead!
Empower & Protect – Self Defense Essentials
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“These classes are your chance to develop real-life skills and take charge of your personal safety,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon. “We want every young woman to feel strong, confident, and prepared—especially as you head back to campus this fall. To our college students home for the summer, now is the perfect time to invest in your safety.”
Experienced and certified officers will guide participants through effective self-defense techniques, safety strategies, and ways to reduce risk in everyday situations. Participants will learn not only self-defense techniques, but also how to sharpen their situational awareness to recognize and avoid danger before it escalates. This class is designed for women to build confidence and gain skills to protect themselves and those they care about, empowering them to respond to threats.
“Being aware of your surroundings is one of the most powerful tools you can have,” said Union County Sheriff Peter Corvelli. “These self-defense classes aren’t just about self-defense moves, but learning how to spot red flags and how to make quick decisions under stress. We want young women to head into every situation, whether home in Union County or back on campus, with confidence.”To participate, attendees must complete a waiver and are advised to wear comfortable gym attire.
2025 SHERO Awards
Celebrating Mother’s Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly unveils the nominees for the prestigious Union County SHERO Award.
This prestigious award is presented in honor of Women’s History celebrating the remarkable achievements of women who have made significant contributions to our community.