Eleven Burlington County women will be recognized for their leadership and service to their communities during this year’s 2023 Outstanding Women of Burlington County Awards reception.
For more than two decades the Burlington County Commissioners and Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council have honored county women for their contributions to elevating women and making local communities better. This year’s group will be honored on October 3 during a reception at the Riverton Country Club. The reception will provide opportunities for friends, family and community members to learn more about the often unknown or unpublicized accomplishments of women leaders.
“For far too long, the contributions of women were downplayed or ignored, so it’s incredibly gratifying to help lead a county that is home to so many outstanding women and to continue this tradition of celebrating their achievements and community service,” said Commissioner Felicia Hopson, who serves as liaison to the Women’s Advisory Council. “Each of these women has their own unique story and background, but they each have had a great and lasting impact on our county.”
This year’s honorees are:
Business Leadership: Sandra Sciacca, president of Sciacca’s Upholstering & Design Center in Delran and a leader with the Delran Business Association, Riverside Business Association and Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Community Service: Libby Majewski, Marlton resident and executive director of Prevention Plus of Burlington County, a nonprofit group dedicated to preventing youth tobacco, alcohol and drug use.
Diversity and Inclusion: Ashanti Holley, assistant superintendent and chief diversity officer for the Burlington County Institute of Technology and Burlington County Special Services school districts.
Education: Sherry Knight, director of Curriculum, Instruction and Equity for Burlington City School District.
First Responder/Law Enforcement: Anna Czajka, detective corporal with the Burlington City Police Department.
Government: Jennifer Aydjian, Moorestown resident and chief of staff for State Senator Troy Singleton and his 7th Legislative District Office.
Health Care: Linda Flake, Marlton resident and president and CEO of Southern Jersey Family Medical Centers.
Law: Judy Schiavone, chief of the Mount Laurel Police Department.
Military/Veterans: Iraina Witherspoon, U.S. Army combat veteran and sexual assault response coordinator at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst.
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math): Nicole Gillespie, mayor of Moorestown, CEO of the Center for Aquatic Sciences, former president and CEO of the Knowles Teacher Initiative, a nonprofit focused on improving STEM education.
Volunteerism: Gina Capate, Maple Shade resident and coordinator for the Toys for Tots Burlington County Chapter.
The award recipients were selected by a panel of Women’s Advisory Council members from nominations submitted by the public. This year marks the first time the Commissioners and Council recognized a woman excelling in a STEM field
“This impressive list of honorees are the latest in a long line of female leaders and trailblazers who have gone above and beyond for their communities and continue to do so,” said Commissioner Allison Eckel, who is also a liaison to the Women’s Council. “Spotlighting these outstanding mentors and role models will hopefully inspire more women – and especially our next generation – to take on leadership roles and carry on Burlington County’s legacy of outstanding women.”
Tickets for the awards reception are $80 and are now available. They can be purchased online at https://2023BurlcoOutstandingWomen.eventbrite.com
The Council has sponsorship opportunities available for the event. Those interested in a sponsorship or message should email womenscouncil@co.burlington.nj.us for ad rates and sponsorship levels or visit https://BurlcoOutstandingWomenSponsorships.eventbrite.com .