2009
Susan M. Adams, Dr. Brigid C. Harrison, Patricia A. Johnson, Fran J. Northridge, Jill Teresa Ojserkis, Annie R. Smith, Ann J. Smith Gray, Judy Sobkow
Susan M. Adams - Health Sciences
Susan Adams, is founder of the Atlantic Riding Center for the Handicapped. She is lead evaluator and faculty member for national instructor workshops and certification throughout the country. Susan is a role model for ARCH volunteers and young horse enthusiasts to consider careers in the equine industry, special education and medical fields which all enhance therapeutic horseback riding programs.
Ann J. Smith Gray - Social Services/Volunteerism
Ann J. Smith Gray, is a former Chairwoman and Commissioner of the Atlantic County Advisory Commission on Women. Ann served two terms with this non-partisan organization which provides oversight on issues of women’s rights, healthcare, employment and women’s service organizations. Ann is the Immediate Past President of Child Federation, a non-profit agency providing well child care immunizations, vision and hearing screening along with routine physicals to uninsured children – Deceased
Brigid C. Harrison - Education
Brigid C. Harrison is a professor of Political Science and Law at Montclair State University. A frequent commentator in print and electronic media on national and New Jersey politics, she often provides political analysis to NJN and commentary to other local and national news programs. Here in her community, she is a charter member of the Women’s Leadership Initiative of Atlantic County United Way, Atlantic County Women’s Center and American Cancer Society.
Patricia A.Johnson - Social Services/Volunteerism
Patricia Johnson’s volunteerism covers many facets. She is a board member of Atlantic Health Initiatives, which provides health care to uninsured Atlantic City residents, the Boys and Girls Cub of Atlantic City and a volunteer for SCORE. A member of the Pleasantville Board of Education from 1994 to 2000, she was involved in initiatives for strengthening the infrastructure of Pleasantville’s educational system.
Fran J. Northridge - Social Services/Volunteerism
Fran J. Northridge volunteers her time for many worthwhile causes in Atlantic County such as the HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers and the Atlantic County Women’s Center. For several years she has played a key role in organizing Millennium Radio’s Women’s Expo & Baby Fair, an event that raises awareness for breast cancer. Fran also volunteers as a board member of the South Jersey Field of Dreams.
Jill T. Ojserkis - Law
Jill T. Ojserkis was the first female partner and member of the Executive Committee of the Atlantic City law firm of Horn, Goldberg, which merged into Fox Rothschild in 1999. She is the recipient of the Outstanding Service to the Community and Bar Award from the Atlantic County Bar Association. Jill also received the Benjamin A. Rimm Award from the Atlantic County Bar Association, which is presented to the Outstanding Young Lawyer of the Year for service to the legal profession and community.
Annie R. Smith - Social Services/Volunteerism
Annie R. Smith, in 1992, became the first female and African American councilwoman to be elected by the citizens of the City of Pleasantville. She was the City Council representative who met monthly with the Yacht Basin Neighborhood group to prepare plans for the preservation of the area. After retiring, Annie continues to support many civic organizations and encourages other women to seek political positions.
Judy Sobkow - Social Services/Volunteerism
Judy Sobkow began her “career” in volunteerism by chairing committees of many community organizations, including “The Friends of Jean Webster”. She became Chair of the Family Partners Committee for Habitat for Humanity (Atlantic County) and was presented the 2004 Volunteer of the Year Award. Judy was named a “Woman Who Makes A Difference” in 2006 by the Atlantic City Area chapter of Zonta International.