Senator Diane Allen, Bob Hugin Host Women’s Roundtable; Discuss Equal Pay

MOUNTAINSIDE, NJ — This afternoon U.S. Senate candidate Bob Hugin hosted a roundtable discussion with women involved in business, government, and nonprofit industries to discuss equal pay for equal work, challenges facing women in the workplace, and other cultural and policy changes needed to help end the gender wage gap and create an even playing field for all.

“Today’s discussion was an important one, and it highlights how we all need to continue to reflect and evolve for the future,” said Hugin. “Everyone has a unique experience and listening to the women around the table, who are all trailblazers in their own right, and having the opportunity to learn from them was a true privilege.”

“Today’s discussion is long overdue for New Jersey U.S. Senate candidates,” said former State Senator Diane Allen. “I would be proud to call Bob Hugin my Senator because I know he will do what’s right for constituents, men and women, as he has done what is right for families and employees for many years in the private sector.”

“The wide-ranging discussion about issues facing women in the workplace — maternity leave, interrupted careers to raise children, and care for family members — and how it impacts their lives are unique challenges that we must address. As technology transforms the jobs of the future, it’s our job to find innovative solutions to keep pace,” said Hugin.

Hugin also reflected on his time at Princeton University’s Tiger Inn and the decades-old controversy surrounding the legal battle over admitting undergraduate women into the organization. Hugin was not on the Graduate Board when the suit was initially filed, but was President when it was settled 13 years later.

“Everyone evolves over time. I view many things differently today than I did 25 years ago,” said Hugin, who discussed how fatherhood, leading a global company and the passage of time shaped his views over the years on a host of issues. “The Tiger Inn becoming co-ed was a very positive development for the organization and has strengthened it on every level. The decision, made by the undergraduate members, to admit women back in the early 90’s was without question the right thing to do. Personally, I wish I had taken a leadership role in making it happen sooner.”

Hugin said personal growth is important and that more elected officials should embrace and be open to discussing it in their public lives.

“Personal growth should be seen as a strength, not a weakness,” said Hugin. “I am proud to say that my views on issues have evolved over the years. Forty-years ago, discussion about gay marriage was nearly non-existent and women being the breadwinners in their homes was a rarity. Today, thankfully, both of those things have changed, and America is a better place for it,” said Hugin. “I couldn’t imagine living in a world where my daughter Hilary didn’t have the same opportunities as my sons. As Senator, I will be a leader on issues of equality from day one.”

Regina Egea commended Hugin on his leadership and will to empower women. “I’ve met so many fathers raising their daughters today and they see them differently, not like you — that is a real testament of a good leader.”

Hugin and Allen were joined by Kathy Hugin; Lydia Valencia, CEO of NJ Puerto Rican Congress; Irene Kim Asbury, State Committeewoman for Hudson County; Christina Renna, Vice President of Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey; Michele Arnold, Mayor of Palmyra; Marlene Jass, former committeewoman from Delanco; Camille Whittick, Gloucester County Committeewoman; Andrea Mandel, Andrea Mandel & Associates Packaging Consulting; and  Regina Egea, Head of Garden State Initiative.

Bob Hugin, a Marine Corps Veteran and business leader who has created thousands of New Jersey jobs, is seeking the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate to challenge incumbent Democrat Senator Bob Menendez.

###