Outstanding BurlCo Women

Ten Outstanding Women of Burlington County will be recognized at the Annual Awards Dinner of the Burlington County Advisory Council on Women Thursday, December 2nd, 6 p.m., at the Regency Palace in Mount Laurel.

The award winners represent seven different areas of recognition for exceptional service.

Freeholder Dawn Marie Addiego who oversees the Council on Women, said, "These women are role models for others by demonstrating the tremendous accomplishments that are possible by women determined to make a difference in helping others. Thanks to them, and other women like them, Burlington County is a better place for all of us today and for our children.”

The following woman are scheduled to receive awards.

Dr. Kris Dixon of Burlington City– Education

As Dean of Community Enrichment at Burlington County College, Dr. Kris Dixon of Burlington City has been involved in special courses and programs, student activities, and the Learning Institute for Elders. She chaired the Burlington County Literacy Committee, created programs to enable unemployed women to develop marketable job skills and worked to create job opportunities for disadvantaged women. As a board member of the Boys and Girls Club, Kris also has played a major role in planning positive activities for young girls.

Founders of Precious Gems-Margaret Blong, Marilyn Geiger, Brenda Lawler, Kathy McGrady– Volunteerism
Margaret “Maggie” Blong of Shamong and Marilyn Geiger, Brenda Lawler and Kathy McGrady of Medford founded the Precious Gems Memorial, Inc. to help other young women and men in memory of their daughters who were killed due to a drunk driving accident in 1999 shortly after the Lawlers moved to North Carolina. The women speak to groups, monitor court cases and judges’ decisions, lobby legislators and officials, fundraise, counsel and mentor others.

Ninfa Saunders of Medford– Medical/Health Services
As executive vice president for health services at Virtua Health in Marlton, Ninfa exemplifies the high-level possibilities for women in health care and the ability to make a difference in society. She leads Virtua’s plans to bring quality health care and the best medical experts to the area. She heads community outreach programs for cancer screenings for the uninsured, as well as support groups and classes. Ninfa serves as a mentor to other women and is dedicated to helping employees balance work and family.

Rev. Hilda Covington of Willingboro– Social Services
Rev. Covington has spent the past 35 years working in the church and community through many organizations. She is pastor of Wayside Ministries in Burlington City, President of SisterHood Inc. and founder of the Burlington County School of Evangelism and the New Yorkshire Neighborhood Consortium. She also is a member of the Burlington City Youth Advisory Council, Burlington County Interagency Action Committee, Community Treatment Solutions, City Watch and Future Solutions Now. She is the first and only woman ordained as a Reverend in the history of Christ Baptist Church in Burlington City. She received four separate nominations from women she has helped.

Nancy Myers of Cinnaminson– Business, Entrepreneur and Law
As owner of QWIC, Inc./Myers Construction Group, Nancy oversees a staff of 35 professionals who provide a broad range of support services. She provides a “bridge” among owners, contractors and consultants and mentors small disadvantaged firms through the government contract and grant process. She has been awarded prestigious grants to provide free training courses to help minority and women-owned businesses succeed.

Dorothea Fresco of Cinnaminson - Journalism, Arts & Entertainment
Since 1985, Dorothea has been bringing art appreciation to youths and adults through her ART ALIVE! business, which teaches women-related themes such as changing images of women in the family by interactive techniques. She also has been active with the Alice Paul Institute in Mount Laurel for the past 10 years teaching the history of women through slide presentations and facilitating leadership programs for young girls.

Rachel Peacock of Riverside– $500 Celeste Arties Scholarship Award for Student Leadership
A senior at Riverside High School and one of six children, Rachel is Student Government President and Class Vice President; captain of the cheerleading squad; treasurer of the National Honor Society; an editor of the yearbook, and a member of Interact and the Drama Club. Rachel received the Rotary Club’s “Service Above Self” award, plans leadership workshops for freshmen and sophomores, and writes for the school paper. She is a certified American Red Cross Blood Services volunteer, participates in the March of Dimes’ Walk America and works at her late cousin’s annual Memorial Golf Tournament to raise money so his two-year-old daughter will be able attend college. Rachel also participates in the Knights of Columbus canned food drive and annual dance and volleyball marathons to raise money for various charities for children. In addition, she collects goods for the troops abroad and plants flowers at the cemetery and municipal building for Memorial Day.

For more information about the award winners, or to buy tickets for the awards dinner ($40), contact Kimberly Mattson at (609) 702-7086.

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Author: Press Release