Burlington Review

Legendary trailblazer Judge Marie White Bell was honored with nine other standout women leaders and achievers Tuesday night during this year’s Outstanding Women of Burlington County Awards Reception.

The annual event is hosted by the Burlington County Commissioners and Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council to shine a spotlight on exceptional women in various fields.

“The Women’s Advisory Council was formed to highlight inspiring leaders like Judge Bell and other outstanding women in our county. By doing so, we hope to raise public awareness and empower more women to take on leadership roles in all fields,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson, a liaison to the Women’s Advisory Council. “The fact is this: When women succeed, all of society succeeds. We must continue to do everything in our power to inspire, empower and elevate opportunities for all women.”

Judge Bell, the first Black municipal court judge in both Burlington and Camden counties and the first Black woman to serve as a Superior Court Judge in Burlington County, was honored in the category of law. She served 19 years on the Superior Court bench and was also the first Black woman on Willingboro Township Council and the first Black woman to serve as the town’s mayor.

The judge is also a founding member of the Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council.

“When we talk about women pioneers and barrier breakers, Judge Bell stands out even among many of our other legends,” said Commissioner Allison Eckel, also a liaison to the Women’s Advisory Council. “She shattered barriers, overcame obstacles and cleared the way for others to follow in her footsteps. All of us here, in our own way, stand on her shoulders.”

Judge Bell was among a remarkable class of award recipients that included leaders in business, community service, education, public safety and more. The other recipients were:

- Mariel Giletto, a top attorney with the law firm Flaster Greenberg and chair of the Rancocas Woods Business Association in Mount Laurel, received the award for business leadership.

- Pastor Darlene Trappier, founder and executive director of Beacon of Hope, a Mount Holly-based nonprofit that provides food assistance, clothing and sheltering for people without homes received an award for community service.

- Malikah Morris, Deputy Director of the Burlington County Department of Human Services and chair of the Burlington County Minority and Equality Rights Task Force received an award for contributions to diversity and inclusion.

- Dr. Carol Birnbohm Superintendent of Lenape Regional High School District received an award for education.

- Officer Christina Bieri School Resource Officer with Burlington Township Police Department received an award for contributions by a first responder or member of law enforcement.

- Dionne Bolden Acting Director Recreation Parks Willingboro Township received an award government service.

- Connie Garrano nurse at Burlington County Special Services School Westampton received an award health care.

- Lisa Fox-Pfeiffer executive director Burlington County Historical Society received an award humanities.

- Retired Army SFC Constance Cotton outspoken advocate South Jersey veterans received an award military veterans’ service.

The Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council works to identify issues affecting women in Burlington County raise public awareness special needs roles enhance quality life all women For more information follow Facebook @BurlingtonCountyWomen visit http://co.burlington.nj.us/263/Womens-Advisory-Council

The following organizations co-sponsors this year awards reception Fulton Bank Samaritan Remington Vernick Engineers Malamut Associates JCT Solutions Flaster Greenberg Office Senator Troy Singleton