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Awards and Past Honorees

Each year WPCNJ celebrates those whose leadership, civic involvement, and professional efforts have helped make New Jersey a better place for women.

Below is a list of awards and past honorees

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The Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award

Presented to a woman who has had a successful career, is a leader who has promoted policies in support of women and families, and has made progressive and effective efforts to advance the careers of and to create opportunities for other women.

In 1983, Barbara Boggs Sigmund was elected the first female Mayor of Princeton during her service as Mercer County Freeholder She was an example that women need to take risks even if they do not succeed. Her living example was running as a candidate in the US. Senate Primary in 1982. (She placed fourth out of nine candidates.)

Those who were privileged to know this scion of one of America’s most prominent political families knew a woman of humor, intelligence, grace and charisma who advocated and supported that women are integral to the political landscape and practiced her convictions.

Trailblazer Award
The Trailblazer Award is presented annually to a person in recognition of their outstanding efforts that break down barriers, “blazing a trail” for the next generation.
Good Guy Award(s)
Presented each year to a male from either the Democrat, Republican or Independent party, who have demonstrated leadership in advancing policies in support of women and families either in their businesses or in public policy. The honorees have made exceptional efforts to advance the careers of and to create opportunities for women.
Mary Philbrook Award
Presented to a woman who is an attorney with a distinguished career during which she has removed barriers and created opportunities for other women in the interest of advancing equality in all spheres.

Mary Philbrook of Jersey City was the first woman attorney in New Jersey. She used her legal training to advance women’s rights, including a gender-free writing of the modern NJ Constitution which made discrimination on the basis of sex unconstitutional. She was instrumental in the founding of what is now DouglassResidentialCollege at RutgersUniversity. A suffragist, she supported Alice Paul in the fight for the Equal Rights Amendment to the U.S Constitution.

Corporate Award
Presented to a business that has met the particular needs of its female employees and their families, has provided critical services to women, girls or families, or has made a meaningful effort to improve the gender diversity of its workforce.
Social Justice Award
Presented to an individual or organization that inspires, supports and expresses effective social action. The award recognizes those who devote their time & energy to improve their community, especially for women and girls.
President Award
The President Award is presented to a woman who has contributed extraordinary service to WPCNJ. They have donated their time, talent and resources to not only strengthen the core mission of the organization but help pave the way for the next generation.

Past Honorees:

Full List

2024

Trailblazer Awards
Carol R. Katz

Spotlight Award
Asw. Annette Chaparro

Mary Philbrook Award
Arlene Quinones Perez, Esq

Good Guy Awards
Anthony “Skip” Cimino, Alfred J. Gaburo

Corporate Award
Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey

Social Justice Award
Rebecca L. Williams

2023

Trailblazer Awards
Laura Matos & Teri O’Connor

Spotlight Award
Asw. Annette Chaparro

Spotlight Award
Asw. Annette Chaparro

Mary Philbrook Award
Justice Jaynee LaVecchia, Esq

Good Guy Awards
Speaker Craig J. Coughlin & Bill Layton

Corporate Award
Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind

Social Justice Award
Gerville “Gerry” Gibbs Jr

2022

Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award
Noreen Giblin

Spotlight Award
Asw. Valerie Vainieri Huttle

Mary Philbrook Award
Wanda M. Akin, Esq.

Good Guy Awards
Assembly Majority Leader Louis Greenwald & Marshall McLean

Corporate Award
Orsted

Social Justice Award
Aisha Glover

President Award
Chrissy Buteas

2021

Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award
Kelly Stewart Maer

Carol Murphy Award
Jeanette Hoffman

Mary Philbrook Award
Michellene Davis, Esq.

Good Guy Awards
Assemblyman Anthony Verrelli & Michael Egenton

Corporate Award
Kivvit

Social Justice Award
Marcia W. Brown, Esq.

2020

Mary Philbrook Award
Lori Grifa, Esq.

Good Guy Awards
Kris Kolluri & Matt McDermott

Corporate Award
Virtua Health

Social Justice Award
BlueWaveNJ

2019

Barbara Boggs Sigmund Award
Karin Elkis

Carol Murphy Award
Kate Gibbs

Mary Philbrook Award
Madeline Ferraro, Esq.

Good Guy Award
Assemblyman Daniel R. Benson

Good Guy Award
Gil Medina

Corporate Award
AECOM

Social Justice Award
Reverend Deborah Stapleton

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