Burlington Review

Ten Burlington County women will be recognized for their leadership, achievements, and service to their communities during this year’s 2024 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 improving local communities. This year’s recipients will be recognized on Sept. 17 at a reception at the Riverton Country Club. The event will begin at 6 PM.

“For far too long, the contributions of women were downplayed or ignored, so it’s gratifying to help lead a county that is home to so many outstanding women and to celebrate women, their achievements and community service,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson, who serves as liaison to the Women’s Advisory Council. “Each of these women has their own unique story and background that has had significant and lasting impacts on Burlington County.”

This year’s honorees are:

Business Leadership: Mariel Giletto, a top attorney with the law firm of Flaster Greenberg specializing in business and corporate law. Giletto has counseled a broad range of businesses from small local businesses and startups to large publicly traded companies. She is also the chair of the Rancocas Woods Business Association in Mount Laurel and a member of the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Board of Directors.

Community Service and Volunteerism: Pastor Darlene Trappier, founder and executive director of Beacon of Hope, a Mount Holly-based nonprofit group that provides food assistance, clothing, and sheltering to people without homes, along with others in need. Trappier and Beacon of Hope also assist residents with life skills and nutritional training, re-entry services, holiday dinner baskets, and toy donations.

Diversity and Inclusion: Malikah Morris, Deputy Director of the Burlington County Department of Human Services and chair of the Burlington County Minority Equality Rights Task Force (MERT). In both roles, Morris has demonstrated outstanding leadership and helped oversee the delivery of critical services to Burlington County’s most vulnerable residents. She assisted with creating operations for the Burlington County Housing Hub and has been integral to food insecurity programs, community outreach initiatives, and advocacy efforts.

Education: Dr. Carol Birnbohm, Superintendent of the Lenape Regional High School District. During her 12 years leading the district, Lenape schools have remained among New Jersey’s highest academic achievers. Birnbohm was recognized as New Jersey Region III Superintendent of the Year in 2018. She has also been a strong supporter and key contributor to Burlington County’s “Stigma-Free County” campaign aimed at eliminating stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders.

First Responder/Law Enforcement: Officer Christina Bieri, School Resource Officer with the Burlington Township Police Department. Officer Bieri also serves as a member of the department’s field training unit, bicycle patrol unit, and community resources bureau. During her eight years with the force she is credited with organizing a memorial 5K run to raise awareness about suicide along with other community policing programs including Youth Emergency Services Academy events.

Humanities/History: Lisa Fox Pfeiffer has directed the organization since 2007; she is deeply involved with developing its Children’s History Center—a family-friendly space for children/adults exploring pasts while advocating preservation historical buildings launching new engaging programs/tours serving grant reviewer Department Resource Conservation member Tourism Council American Association State Local History

Law: Judge Marie White Bell former Superior Court Judge Willingboro mayor first Black woman serve Township Council town's female mayor first municipal court judge Camden counties bench serving recall age founding mid-1980s

Military/Veterans: Retired Army SFC Constance Cotton outspoken advocate assisting families obtaining benefits/resources vocal activist mental health challenges enlisting logistics medical units deployments Gulf War

Health Care: Connie Garrano nurse Special Services School District certified treatment autism spectrum disorder medically fragile special needs COVID-19 response integral guidance support care protecting vulnerable students pandemic collaborator Special Olympics ensuring athletes complete paperwork physicals medical needs met

Government: Dionne Bolden Director Recreation Parks Willingboro Township overseeing programs Kennedy Center community parks special events Jazz Festival lifelong resident prevention specialist elected Board Education co-founder Livin’ Proof grassroots youth basketball clinics

The ten award recipients were selected from nominations submitted by public marking first time Commissioners/Council recognizing excelling humanities visual performing arts history music writing impressive group above beyond continue doing so said Commissioner Allison Eckel liaison Spotlighting leaders achievers inspire taking leadership roles proud legacy Tickets $85 available purchased online https://co.burlington.nj.us/263/Womens-Advisory-Council Sponsorship opportunities email womenscouncil@co.burlington.nj.us ad rates levels information https://co.burlington.nj.us/263/Womens-Advisory-Council