Ten Burlington County women will be recognized for their leadership, achievements and community service at this year’s Outstanding Women of Burlington County Awards reception at the Riverton Country Club on Tuesday, Sept. 17.
One of those women is Dr. Carol Birnbohm, superintendent of the Lenape Regional High School District, who said she is “deeply honored” for the recognition in the field of education.
“… Especially considering the many exceptional leaders I am privileged to collaborate with, both within our district and beyond,” she said. “In the Lenape Regional High School District, I am proud to lead a team that is unwaveringly committed to doing what is best for our students. As a co-founder of the Burlington County Association of Administrators Women in Leadership group, where mentorship and collaboration are the norm, we support one another, a practice that is essential to student success throughout the county.
“My success is a reflection of the courageous women leaders who paved the way for me,” Birnbohm added, “the inspiring teachers who ignited my passion for learning, and my family, who challenge me to grow, inspire me with their boldness and provide the love and support that every leader needs.”
During Birnbohm’s 12 years leading the district, the Lenape schools have remained among the state’s academic achievers, and she was recognized as New Jersey Region III Superintendent of the Year in 2018. Birnbohm has also been a strong supporter and key contributor to the county’s Stigma-Free County campaign to eliminate stigma surrounding mental health and substance use disorders.
Other honorees include:
Business Leadership: Mariel Giletto, an attorney with the law firm of Flaster Greenberg specializing in business and corporate law.
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.
Diversity and Inclusion: Malikah Morris, deputy director of the Burlington County Department of Human Services and the chair of the Burlington County Minority and Equality Rights Task Force (MERT).
First Responder/Law Enforcement: Officer Christina Bieri, school resource officer with the Burlington Township Police Department.
Humanities/History: Lisa Fox Pfeiffer, executive director of the Burlington County Historical Society. Fox Pfeiffer has directed the organization since 2007.
Law: Judge Marie White Bell, former New Jersey Superior Court Judge and former Willingboro mayor.
Military /Veterans: Retired Army Sgt. First Class Constance Cotton.
Health Care: Connie Garrano, nurse for Burlington County Special Services School District.
Government: Dionne Bolden, director of Recreation and Parks for Willingboro Township.
The 10 award recipients were selected from nominations submitted by the public. This year marks the first time the commissioners and council recognized a woman excelling in humanities, which included visual and performing arts, history, music, and writing.
The awards will provide opportunities for friends, family and community members to celebrate the women’s accomplishments. For a list of honorees, visit www.co.burlington.nj.us. For more information on the reception, visit https://co.burlington.nj.us/263/Womens-Advisory-Council.
Sponsorship opportunities are also available for the event. Those interested in a sponsorship or message in the event program should email womenscouncil@co.burlington.nj.us for ad rates and sponsorship levels. Sponsorship information is also available at https://co.burlington.nj.us/263/Womens-Advisory-Council.
