05/13/2025
💐 In celebration of Mother's Day, the Union County Board of County Commissioners proudly unveils the nominees for the prestigious Union County SHERO Award. The prestigious award is presented in honor of Women’s History, celebrating the remarkable achievements of women who have made significant contributions to our community.
“It is an honor to bring light to the remarkable women selected for this year’s SHERO Awards, especially on such an important occasion as Mother’s Day. These incredible women have demonstrated bravery, tenacity, and a relentless commitment to improving their communities and the lives of those around them, serving as an inspiration to us all,” said Union County Commissioner Chairwoman Lourdes M. Leon.
Nominations for the Union County SHERO Award were open to individuals who are at least 18 years old, reside or work within Union County, and have made a meaningful impact in their communities—regardless of their role or area of focus.
After careful consideration, the following exceptional women have been chosen as the recipients of the 2025 Union County SHERO Award:
Vernecia Adams, Scotch Plains
Julia Adubato, Cranford
Diane Barbosa, Elizabeth
Jillian Boidy, Cranford
Marlene Borruso, Cranford
Christine Brandenburg, Springfield
Mariann Brenner, Roselle Park
Michelle Brugger, Mountainside
Maria Z. Carvalho, Elizabeth
Noel Crawford, Mountainside
Garima D'Munda, Scotch Plains
Lisa Dressner, Elizabeth
Jean Drexinger, New Providence
Tracy Dunn, RN BSN, Summit
Donna Eleazer, Roselle
Catherine Felegi, Cranford
Karissa Figueroa, Summit
Ernestine Frye, Vauxhall
Gail Fuchs Seely, Berkeley Heights
Linda Galarreta, Roselle
Kaitlin Patricia Glowczynski, Winfield
Lori B. Gorczyca, Clark
Nicole Graves - Watson, Hillside
Karen S. Fern Hadley, Summit
Catherine Hart, Elizabeth
Cynthia Hellen, Mountainside
Cheryl Hoose, Westfield
Lori Houseman McMahon, Kenilworth
Ruth Li, Scotch Plains
Susan Lipstein, Union
Kathleen McCready, New Providence
Daniela McDonnell, Berkeley Heights
Gloria Montealegre, Linden
Melissa Murray, Garwood
Karin Navas, Elizabeth
Jenna Pantin Bermudez, Springfield
Nicole Paz, Linden
Serena Ramos, Rahway
Julie, Annie, Linda Resende Pinho, Roselle
Araceli Reyes, Elizabeth
Beatriz Rodriguez, Linden
Sharon Rubenstein, Berkeley Heights
Nancy Saggio, Scotch Plains
Maira Santana, Elizabeth
Lisa Sawyer Derman, Westfield
Dr. Jaime M Segal, Linden
ShonTe' Smith, Plainfield
Hawaiian Thompson-Epps, Hillside
Jean Wands, Roselle Park
Tonya Williams, Scotch Plains
Marianne Wilson, Berkeley Heights
Celia Maribel Xicara, Elizabeth
Peggy Young, Hillside
These nominees reflect the rich fabric of Union County, each bringing a unique perspective and an unwavering commitment to making a difference in our community. Their efforts serve as an inspiration to us all, embodying the spirit of Women’s History Month and the values we proudly uphold in Union County, New Jersey.
The SHERO Award is a one-time honor, proudly recognizing extraordinary women for their lasting impact. Please view our past SHERO recipients to celebrate their inspiring contributions.
For more information about the 2025 Union County SHERO Award, please reach out to Jennifer Erdos at the Union County Office on Women: 908-527-4216 or email jerdos@ucnj.org or visit https://ucnj.org/shero-award. 💐
