On October 20, the Gloucester County Commission for Women hosted its biannual Gloucester County Women of Achievement Ceremony, where women in the county are honored and recognized for their exceptional work and meaningful contributions to their communities.
According to the commission, the women selected “demonstrate leadership, professional excellence, volunteer service, and advocacy, making a lasting impact across Gloucester County” and they “inspire others, strengthen our communities, and help create opportunities that uplift and support women and families, and recognizing them highlights the impact of their contributions.”
Women could be nominated by others or nominate themselves for the award.
This year, three women from Williamstown/Monroe Township were honored by Gloucester County.
Additionally, Mayor Greg Wolfe and the Monroe Township Council recognized each of the women at the start of the council meeting on October 28. Before each woman was recognized at the meeting, Wolfe said, the certificates presented were given to “women throughout our community have demonstrated exceptional strength, dedication, leadership, and compassion, making a lasting difference in the lives of others.”
Wolfe first recognized Janet Gabbianelli, who “exemplifies the qualities of a woman of achievement through her more than 25 years of extraordinary volunteer service to the resident of Gloucester County as president of the local chapter of the Sunshine Foundation, and…has helped fulfill the dreams of countless children living with severe chronic illness and physical disabilities, bringing hope, joy, and unforgetting memories to families during some of the most challenging times of their lives.”
Wolfe then recognized Gina R. Burton, who “exemplifies the qualities of a woman of achievement through her unwavering commitment to service, perseverance, leadership, and advocacy, with her many years of dedicated involvement with the National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Southern New Jersey Chapter of the NAACP, Family Care Connections, the 21st Century Scholars Program, including our economic development commission and the rent leveling board. She dedicates a lot here in the community, among many other endeavors, which reflect her steadfast commitment to civil rights, educational opportunity, and well-being of individuals and families throughout Southern New Jersey.”
Lastly, Wolfe recognized Monroe Township President, Denise Adams. Wolfe said she is a “woman who exemplifies the qualities of a woman of achievement through her more than 30 years of experience developing leaders, fostering inclusive workplace, and empowering others to reach their fullest potential, as well as through her extraordinary volunteer service to the residents of Gloucester County, serving as an elected councilwoman and her current role as council president in Monroe Township…(She mentors women entering the workforce, advocates for mothers with children with dyspraxia and leads life skills groups supporting women returning to the workforce following the recovery, inspiring women to recognize their own abilities, pursue new opportunities, and measure success not by the title they earn but by the lives they impact.”
“Outstanding work by these three individuals that they are recognized by the Gloucester County Commission of Women,” Wolfe said at the end of the presentation. “It’s a great honor to know each and every one of them, and I see each and every day what they do for our community.”
