Worship for Life Community Outreach, Inc., a Jackson based non-profit organization, recently held the inaugural ‘Prestigious Woman of New Jersey’ luncheon. The event, held at the Metuchen Golf and Country Club in Edison, recognized the community service and business accomplishments of women throughout the state.

“A prestigious woman is a woman of virtue,” said Madie Nash, co-founder of Worship for Life Community Outreach and Senior Account Manager, Sales and Marketing for Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey. “These women have demonstrated this with their devotion to those in their professions and in their communities.”

 

One of the most unique aspects of the ceremony was that in addition to receiving a trophy and recognition of their accomplishments, each honoree was encouraged to bring a guest who would also receive a trophy. The honorees in turn honored friends, relatives and colleagues and shared hugs and stories about each other as they held their awards and the whole room was inspired by the example of sisterhood on display.

In addition to the luncheon, the event featured a classical singer and a dance troupe, all young women who performed for the honorees and their guests.

“Don't get stuck behind any walls of containment,” Nash said in her opening remarks.  “Break them down and keep it moving.  Go to the heights you imagine.  Continue until you get to your finish.”

Honored at the ceremony were:

• Janet Oscar of Essex Fells - Honored for her success in business and extensive volunteer work with the Montclair Historical Society, the Montclair and Speertown Kiwanis Clubs the Montclair Kinberly, the Montclair Women's club and the State Federation of Women's Clubs.

• Nicole Gunia of Flanders – Honored as a Past President of the New Jersey Association of Health Underwriters and for her volunteer work with the Susan G. Komen Foundation, The Alzheimer’s Foundation, Ride 2 Recovery and the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation.

• Patricia Lewis of East Orange - Honored for corporate communications and for providing Chaplain services within her community.

• Lenore Levine of Flemington - Honored for success in business and her faithful support of several Chabad groups and the Jewish community in New Jersey.

• Kathy Jones of Sayreville – Honored for her work as a community volunteer mentoring young adult women ages 18 to 25 in life skills and physical fitness.

• Helen Hicks of South Amboy - Honored for providing couture fashions and costume designs for community performing arts groups.

• Lillie Gatling of Burlington – Honored for providing social and economic development services, including placing individuals and families in affordable housing, educating first time homeowners and providing senior services.

• Chemil Bradshaw of Franklin Park - Honored for providing "head to toe" makeovers to individuals in need.

• Linda Adolph of Westfield - Honored for her leadership abilities and success in corporate sales and for educating and motivating others towards success.

• Sheila Burke of Irvington:  Honored for her charitable fundraising efforts and her work with the Corporate/Community Diversity counsel.

• Mary Corrao of Upper Montclair – Honored for volunteering her time to Toys for Tots, The United Way, The Susan B. Komen Foundation and the March of Dimes.

• Antionette Adams of Jackson - Honored for her volunteer work with Jackson Women of Today, a group dedicated to community service in Jackson and neighboring towns.

• Michele Burke of Brick: Honored as a corporate communications and public speaking mentor who encourages women to be successful leaders and entrepreneurs.

• Jean Angelo of Hillsborough:  Honored for providing business, economic and social skills training to young women in need.

• Charmaine Boykin of Bloomfield - Honored for her support of talented and gifted young women.

• Maureen Boccardi of Cranford:  Honored for her work as an educator and trainer in communications, public speaking and giving presentations.

• Carrie Mitchell of Matawan: Honored for her work as a licensed counselor providing assistance to at risk families.

• Mary Thompson of South Plainfield - Honored for her volunteer work in providing financial and spiritual empowerment.

Worship for Life Community Outreach is a non-profit, Evangelical Christian organization focused on charity, education, and providing a space for worship and spiritual development. The organization’s Prestigious Women program is dedicated to helping women build confidence and realize their full potential. The program offers leadership workshops and enrichment seminars in public speaking, interpersonal skills, financial empowerment and other areas of personal development.