The Legacy Club Awards Ceremony, Reception and Dinner
Dear Friends,
Welcome to the 2025 Women of Achievement Awards Reception! We are delighted to join you this evening as we celebrate the remarkable women whose leadership, service, and dedication have made a lasting impact across South Jersey.
Each of tonight’s honorees exemplifies what it means to lead with integrity, compassion, and purpose. Their achievements remind us that when women support one another, our entire community grows stronger. Through their work—in business, education, government, and service—they inspire the next generation to dream big, break barriers, and make a difference.
Your presence and support tonight also help advance the mission of Scouting America Garden State Council. Together, we’re empowering thousands of young people to develop character, leadership, and confidence through hands-on experiences that prepare them for life.
Thank you for joining us in honoring these outstanding women and for investing in the future leaders of our communities. We hope you enjoy this special evening of celebration, inspiration, and fellowship.
With appreciation,
Joanne Connor, Ed.D.
Tammy Garrison
Event Co-Chairs
Women of Achievement Awards Reception
Scouting America is the nation’s leading youth development movement, empowering young people to be Prepared. For Life.® through character building, leadership development, and community service. With more than one million youth members and hundreds of thousands of adult volunteers nationwide, Scouting instills values of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, and citizenship that last a lifetime.
The Garden State Council, chartered by Scouting America, serves thousands of youth across Burlington, Camden, Cape May, Cumberland, Gloucester, and Salem counties. Through programs like Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts, and Exploring, young people experience hands-on learning, outdoor adventure, and opportunities to lead and serve their communities.
Scouting thrives through a partnership of volunteers, families, donors, and community leaders. While volunteers give their time and skills to deliver the program, community support sustains the infrastructure that keeps Scouting safe, welcoming, and accessible. Donations fund training, camp operations, outreach, and camperships, helping recruit new members and provide every youth the chance to grow in confidence, leadership, and service across South Jersey.
OUR MISSION
The mission of Scouting America Garden State Council is to prepare young people to make ethical and moral choices over their lifetimes by instilling in them the values of the Scout Oath and Law.
THE SCOUT OATH
On my honor I will do my best
To do my duty to God and my Country and To obey the Scout Law; To help other people at all times; To keep myself physically strong, mentally awake and morally straight.
THE SCOUT LAW
A Scout is trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.
THE SCOUT MOTTO
Be Prepared.
Welcome Reception
Hors d’oeuvres & Cocktails
Opening Ceremony
Pledge, Scout Oath and Law & Invocation
Dinner Stations
Welcome
Joanne Connor, Ed.D., Co-Chair
Sr. Assoc. Dean for External Affairs and Assoc. Professor, Rowan University
Patrick Linfors, Scout Executive, Garden State Council
Maya Serotta
Scouts BSA, Troop 2026 – Medford, NJ
Crew 3065 – Haddonfield, NJ
Maya Serotta is a Life Scout with Troop 2026 of Medford and a sophomore at Jack Barrack Hebrew Academy. She serves as President of Crew 3065 in Haddonfield, Vice President of Programming for the Venturing Officers’ Association, and is a Brotherhood member of the Order of the Arrow.
She has earned the Pathfinder Award in Venturing, the National Outdoor Achievement Awards in Camping and Aquatics, the Mile Swim Award twice, and the Ner Tamid Religious Emblem Award. In 2025, Maya served as Historian at National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT) and completed 200 hours of service, including Crew and merit badge service projects, Cub Fun Day, and Traumapalooza.
Maya has participated in Seabase and Northern Tier High Adventure programs and is a member of Sea Scout Ship 613, a national unit based in South Carolina. Later this month, she will receive a Certificate of Merit for providing first aid to a middle schooler who was hit by a car while riding a bike near her home. This summer, she looks forward to Philmont Scout Ranch and the National Jamboree.
Beyond Scouting, Maya rides with the Camden County Interscholastic Mountain Biking Crew and enjoys reading, puzzles, and recreational swimming.
ABOUT THE WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
The Women of Achievement Award, presented by the Garden State Council, honors exceptional women who embody the values of leadership, determination, and service—principles central to Scouting. This important award celebrates women whose contributions have made a lasting impact on the growth and well-being of Southern New Jersey.
Funds raised through this event directly support Scouting programs across the area, helping to provide over 4,000 youth with life-changing opportunities in leadership, outdoor adventure, and community service. Your generous support helps nurture confident, ethical leaders who positively shape their communities.
Past recipients include influential civic, business, and philanthropic leaders, each leaving a significant mark on the community.
Keisha Stephenson Taylor, Ed.D.
Senior Director, Alumni and Postsecondary Engagement at NAF
Burlington
County Honoree
Dr. Keisha Stephenson Taylor is the Senior Director, Alumni and Postsecondary Engagement at NAF. NAF is a national network of education, business, and community leaders who work together to ensure high school students are college, career, and future ready. Keisha is a college and career readiness expert, and has the responsibility of leading and implementing a postsecondary plan to support college exploration, access, preparation, and success for students across NAF’s national network. She is also responsible for leading NAF’s alumni engagement, providing resources and opportunities for the alumni. A key component of that work is leading the workforce development committee with corporate partners where Keisha convenes the committee as the group plans workforce related events and activities to increase hiring opportunities for NAF’s alumni.
Keisha has spent the last twenty years volunteering in the community; from serving on her children’s school PTO board as secretary and vice president, to serving as a trustee of the Mount Laurel Public Education Fund, currently in the role of president. Keisha serves on several nonprofit boards providing service and support in the following areas: supporting veterans, local community arts, local businesses, diabetes awareness, autism, and higher education.
Keisha earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rowan University, where she majored in English and Secondary School Education (1998). She earned her Master’s in Higher Education Administration from Rowan University (2000) and earned her Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Innovation from Wilmington University (2006). She is an extremely proud mother of two sons, a recent college graduate and a college junior. She is looking forward to spending more time traveling and exploring new hobbies with her husband of twenty-four years.
Janice Campbell
Founder and President of Tri-State Canine Response Team
Camden County Honoree
Founder and President of Tri-State Canine Response Team, Janice Campbell has grown the nonprofit from five teams to nearly 100 handler/dog teams serving more than 210,000 people worldwide. She has been honored with the NJ Governor’s Volunteerism Award and MHANJ’s Behavioral Healthcare Hero Award for her visionary leadership and compassionate service.
Amy J. Mahon
Partner & Chief Operating Officer
Reich Asset Management, LLC
May County Honoree
As COO of Reich Asset Management, LLC, Amy is instrumental in streamlining operations, enhancing efficiency, and supporting firm growth. She has over 15 years of experience in the industry. Amy holds her Series 7 (General Securities Representative) and Series 66 (Uniform Combined State Law Exam) licenses. She received her New Jersey Life Producer License in 2013. Amy was recently named a partner of the firm.
Appointed to the Kestra Staff Advisory Council in 2020, Amy serves among an elite group of service professionals across the country providing feedback to Kestra, which serves to enhance operational efficiencies and the overall client experience. Amy also serves on Kestra’s Technology Council. Amy was awarded the 2018 Volunteer of the Year Award and the 2016 Young Professional Award by the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce. In 2012, she was chosen as one of Atlantic City Weekly’s “Top 40 Under 40”. Amy was also honored as a 2024 Woman of Wonder by the Cape May County Women’s Commission and the Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation. Amy earned Bachelor of Arts degrees in Chemistry and French from Lafayette College in 2000. She remains dedicated to her alma mater by volunteering as an Alumni Admissions Representative and serving as a chapter leader for the Jersey Shore South Alumni Chapter.
Outside of the office, Amy is president of the Love of Linda Cancer Fund, Inc., a local non-profit organization providing financial assistance to Cape May County cancer patients. In addition, she is the immediate past Chairwoman of the Board of the Cape May County Chamber of Commerce, trustee of the Chamber’s Education Foundation, and chair of the Chamber’s Strategic Planning Committee. Amy is a graduate of the second Leadership Cape May County class. She previously served on the Cape May County Women’s Commission.
Amy has a passion and talent for painting and is a Board member of the Ocean City Fine Arts League and a contributor to their Art on Asbury gallery. She loves to cook and is a food blogger at Sunday Girl Eats, which is featured in Ocean City Magazine. A native of Wildwood Crest, Amy resides in Ocean City, NJ.
Cape
2025 HONOREES
Dawn S. Hunter
Executive Director of the Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce in Cumberland County
Cumberland County Honoree
Dawn S. Hunter is the Executive Director of the Greater Vineland Chamber of Commerce in Cumberland County, New Jersey that has over 410 member businesses and organizations. She has held this position since 2010 and is dedicated to supporting the business community. Dawn is originally from Hingham, Massachusetts, but has lived in Vineland for over 20 years with her husband Joe. She has a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Eastern Nazarene College and an Associate of Science degree in Travel & Tourism from Bay State College. Dawn believes in giving back to her community and has served on numerous boards and committees over the years. Currently, she is serving as a member of the New Jersey State Chamber of Commerce Alliance, Rowan College of South Jersey Entrepreneurship Advisory Committee, Vineland’s Downtown District Economic Development Committee, Vineland’s Green Committee, Vineland Public Schools Community Partnership Action Committee, and is an active member of Vineland’s Rotary Club.
Dawn is a member of several clubs and organizations. She has been involved with Big Brothers Big Sisters for many years and was a Big Sister to Niyah for 10 years. They still remain close friends. She is a proud member of the National Society of the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) with the Independence Hall Chapter of Philadelphia.
In the IHC-DAR she is currently serving as Vice Regent, as Chair of the Board Nominating Committee, and Chair of the America250 Committee that focuses on activities celebrating America’s 250th Anniversary. For the Pennsylvania State Society of DAR, Dawn is Vice Chair of the Service for Veterans Committee Awards.
In 2023, Dawn received the inaugural NJ State Chamber Alliance Partner of the Year Award, and in 2024, was presented with a State of New Jersey Joint Legislative Resolution from the Senate and General Assembly honoring her for her achievements.
Vojislava “Voki” Pophristic, Ph.D.
Provost, Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs at Rowan University
Gloucester County Honoree
Vojislava “Voki” Pophristic, Ph.D., is provost and executive vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at Rowan University, where she oversees academics, student life, enrollment, research and faculty affairs.
Appointed July 1, she was previously Dean of the College of Science & Mathematics and the School of Earth & Environment. Under her leadership, the college and school introduced new degree programs, expanded research activities and facilities, and achieved substantial growth in research funding—all while maintaining strong enrollment increases, particularly at the graduate level.
Before joining Rowan University in 2021, Pophristic served as interim Dean of the Misher College of Arts and Sciences at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia, where she was also a professor in the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. A prolific researcher, she has earned major funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Institutes of Health and industry partners, and co-authored 40 publications.
She holds a B.S. in physical chemistry from the University of Belgrade and a Ph.D. in chemistry from Rutgers University–New Brunswick, followed by postdoctoral research at the University of Pennsylvania.
Candice M. Racite, Ed.D
Associate Vice President of Industry Engagement at Rowan College of South Jersey
Salem County Honoree
Candice M. Racite, Ed.D, is a seasoned educator and executive coach with over 18 years of experience. She specializes in guiding individuals towards creative career opportunities and personal growth.
Candice’s expertise includes executive coaching, program management, business development and networking. She holds a leadership position as the Associate Vice President of Industry Engagement at Rowan College of South Jersey, where she fosters employer partnerships, and aligns program offerings with workforce demands. With a background in marketing, leadership, and public speaking, Candice is known for her dynamic leadership style and commitment to excellence. Presently, she serves on the Board for the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, at the Gloucester County Boys & Girls Club and for the Southern District Board for Junior Achievement New Jersey. In addition, Candice is the leadership development faciliator for the Lead Gloucester Program for the county. She has received recognition, with the Women to Watch award from South Jersey Biz Magazine, for her outstanding contributions to education and business development.
5,784 Total Youth Served
70,662 lb. Food Donated by Scouting for Food
135 SCOUTS In our Council Earned the Eagle Scout Award
$96,286 In Costs to Deliver Scouting to Underserved Youth
Chris Aziz
Longtime Scouter and Volunteer
Chris Aziz exemplifies the true spirit of Scouting through more than 30 years of dedicated volunteer service. Her leadership and commitment have positively influenced the lives of thousands of young people and fellow Scouters.
In the 1990s, Chris began her Scouting journey as a Cub Scouter, serving in multiple roles including Assistant Den Leader, Den Leader, Assistant Cubmaster, and Day Camp Director—leading four camps for Burlington County Council and one for Southern Jersey Council. For more than two decades, she has also served as Trading Post Manager for Day Camp Trading Posts across 24 summers. Her organizational skill and generosity extended to serving as Quartermaster for Webelos Weekends, where she coordinated meals for more than 300 participants on numerous occasions, and supporting countless Cuborees.
Since 1998, Chris has served in nearly every capacity within Scouting America, including Committee Member, Advancement Chair, Unit Commissioner, Assistant District Commissioner, District Commissioner, Merit Badge Counselor, and Assistant Scoutmaster. Her leadership has extended to national and international events as well. She has served on National Jamboree Staff as part of the Culinary Team (2005, 2010, 2013), as Subcamp Commissioner (2017), and as Jamboree Scoutmaster (2023). At the World Scout Jamboree in 2019, she contributed to the International Food Houses team.
Chris’ passion for Scouting education and leadership training is equally evident through her service as Quartermaster for Wood Badge and NYLT, and as an Instructor for Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills (IOLS) for many years. She has also been a consistent presence at Summer Camp, serving from 2003 to 2025 with Troop 36, and more recently with Troops 397G and 55G.
Her outstanding service has been recognized with numerous awards, including the Commissioner Arrowhead Honor, Commissioner’s Key, Distinguished Commissioner’s Award with three clusters, District Award of Merit, Silver Beaver Award, and the Order of the Arrow Vigil Honor.
Chris is married to Distinguished Eagle Scout and Troop 36 Scoutmaster, Tom Soszynski. Together, they have raised two Eagle Scouts, both of whom also earned the Vigil Honor. Beyond Scouting, Chris continues her commitment to service through volunteer work with her local St. Vincent de Paul food pantry.
PAST AWARD RECIPIENTS
COUNTY NAME
Burlington Bridget Wiese
Camden Dr. Helene Burns
Cape May Melanie Collette
Cumberland Veronica Sergiacomi
Gloucester Patricia D. Claghorn, Ed.D.
Salem Elizabeth "Betsy" Harris
COUNTY NAME
Burlington Anne Caruso
Camden Christina Renna
Cape May Joanne Carrocino
Cumberland Minerva Alvarado
Gloucester Joanne Connor, Ed.D.
Salem Theresa Widger
COUNTY NAME
Burlington Dr. Tiffani A. Worthy
Camden Betty Maul
Cape May Denise Beckson
Cumberland Christy DiLeonardo
Gloucester Robin Walton
Salem Elaine Dunner
COUNTY NAME
Burlington Kristi Howell
Camden Lavinia Awosanya
Cape May Camille Fitzmartin
Cumberland Tyrese Gould Jacinto
Glouster Catherine Allen-Carlozo
Salem Sue Ann Leighty
COUNTY NAME
Burlington Nicole Gillespie
Camden Gaetane Jean-Marie, Ph.D.
Cape May Rubye Hutchinson
Cumberland Donna M. Perez
Gloucester Eve Pappas
Salem Debbie Behnke
Joanne Connor, Ed.D.
Dr. Joanne Connor is the Senior Associate Dean for External Affairs in the College of Education and an Associate Professor in the Educational Leadership, Administration, and Research Department at Rowan University. Prior to this, Dr. Connor spent ten years in the President’s Office where she served as Chief of Staff to the President and liaison to the Board of Trustees of Rowan University. As a member of the senior leadership team, she oversaw a wide variety of strategic initiatives and worked closely with external constituent groups. She oversaw Human Resources, Government Relations, Audit & Compliance, Public Safety and University Events. She was responsible for ensuring progress on major University-wide initiatives, and advised the President on matters affecting the University. Dr. Connor spent 13 years in P-12 education--as a special education teacher and as a principal. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Spanish from St. Joseph’s University, a master’s in School Administration and a doctorate in Educational Leadership from Rowan University. She is a founding member of the Chief of Staff Roundtable, the definitive source and trusted community for Chiefs of Staff from every industry across the globe. Dr. Connor is married to Glenn Davila. Together they have five children and reside in Haddonfield.
Tammy Garrison
Tammy Garrison is the Director of Sales at South Jersey Gas Company, where she has dedicated over 35 years. She takes pride in leading a committed Sales team focused on customer growth and delivering exceptional service.
Tammy is deeply involved in her community, serving as Vice President of Fund Development for the Garden State Council and as Vice President on the Emmanuel Cancer Foundation board. As Cubmaster for Pack 25 in Millville, she enjoys guiding Cub Scouts through badge work, fostering growth, and creating lasting family memories.
A lifelong resident of Cumberland County, Tammy lives in Millville with her husband, Dan, and their blended family of four children and eight grandchildren. She holds a bachelor’s degree from Wilmington University.
COMMITTEE MEMBERS
ABOUT THE COMMITTEE
The Women of Achievement Awards Committee is a dedicated group of community leaders committed to advancing the mission of Scouting in South Jersey. Through their time, outreach, and generosity, committee members help secure sponsors, engage community support and ensure the success of this annual celebration. Their efforts directly benefit the youth served by Scouting America Garden State Council.
MEMBERS
Lavinia Awosanya
Vivian Smith Badon
Debbie Behnke
Allison Eckel
Gaëtane Jean-Marie, Ph.D.
Betty Maul
Barbara McCormick
Christine Mohan
Eve Pappas
Pat Purdy
Debra Rosen, Esq.
Kimberly Schieber
AES Corporation
Bob’s Auto Body
Boulevard Liquor Store, Inc.
Bruce and Carol Gooberman
Christine Mohan
Cumberland County Improvement Authority
Eduardo Fernandez
Elizabeth Maul
Gruccio, Pepper, De Santo & Ruth
Inspira Health Network, Inc.
Kimberly Weiser
Morgan Stanley
Robert Morris
Salem Community College
South Jersey Women in Business
Thomas H. Soszynski
Whibco, Inc.
From Christine and Mike Mohan, we extend our heartfelt gratitude for your inspiring contributions and congratulations on this well-deserved recognition. to the Garden State Council’s 2025 Women
