In honor of Women’s History Month, Covenant House New Jersey (CHNJ) partnered with Audible for a powerful and uplifting “Breaking the Ceiling Challenge,” celebrating women’s achievements while empowering young women at CHNJ to envision futures without limits. This dynamic event brought together CHNJ youth and ten inspiring women from Women@Audible Employee Resource to engage in conversation, collaboration, and courageous action aimed at dismantling the invisible barriers women still face across many areas of life.
The event began with an insightful presentation that set the stage: participants explored the concept of the “glass ceiling,” learned how to recognize barriers and biases, and discussed real strategies for pushing through them. These conversations reflected CHNJ’s mission to provide love, respect, and comprehensive support to youth facing homelessness and trafficking—many of whom are young women who have already overcome tremendous obstacles. Creating a space to acknowledge and confront gender-based challenges is essential to the healing and empowerment that CHNJ provides every day.
The heart of the event was a four-round interactive challenge designed to honor women’s contributions and cultivate critical thinking and teamwork. Participants tested their knowledge of women in Science by matching trailblazing scientists to their achievements, completed powerful quotes from iconic political figures, assembled puzzles featuring influential women in the Arts, and competed in a high-energy bean bag toss while answering Sports trivia. Each activity was a celebration of the women who have shaped history and a reminder of the potential each CHNJ youth holds.
With each completed round, teams collected pieces of a symbolic glass ceiling puzzle. At the close of the event, they gathered to shatter the completed puzzle together—a powerful and joyful representation of breaking down barriers and redefining what’s possible. For the youth of CHNJ, this was more than just a fun activity; it was a moment to see themselves reflected in stories of greatness and to feel supported by a community that believes in their dreams.
Women’s History Month is a time to honor the past and inspire the future—and that’s exactly what this event accomplished. It echoed CHNJ’s core belief that every young person deserves the opportunity to rise, to lead, and to thrive, regardless of the challenges they face. By connecting youth with strong female role models and encouraging them to challenge societal ceilings, CHNJ continues to foster an environment of empowerment, resilience, and hope.
As the final pieces of the glass ceiling came crashing down, the message was clear: bold, brilliant, and brave young women can help shape our future—and at CHNJ, we help foster those possibilities. Thank you to all the women who support us, including the 10 females from Audible who helped make this day memorable.
