10.24.21 Auletto Catering Deptford, NJ 08096
GLOUCESTER COUNTY NAACP gloucestercountynaacp.org Michael Cesaro, Gala Chair * Loretta Winters, President
Dear Guest, It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to our 2021 Gloucester County NAACP Annual Black & White Gala and Game Changer Award Ceremony. On behalf of the executive board, we thank you for your presence this evening. This Gala is a true celebration of our past, present, and future. It is an opportunity to acknowledge and honor those who have been at the forefront of establishing and contributing to positive change and impact in people’s lives throughout Southern Jersey. This is a time to look ahead to our future and deliver a charge to those who will not only help impact whole neighborhoods but inspire generations. In the spirit of celebration, we would like to acknowledge each of you for making this a memorable event each and every year. It is such a privileged to be able to recognize our awardees before an audience with such a strong commitment to our community and organization.
We also extend a special thanks to our Gala sponsors. Your contributions are invaluable to the organization and will be used to expand our services throughout Gloucester County. I would like to personally thank First Harvest Federal Credit Union for their continued support of the NAACP and their investments in marginalized communities. In addition, the efforts of the Gala Committee, Executive Board members, sponsors, partners and honorees have made this evening priceless ……..It takes a Village! I thank you again for joining us tonight and sincerely hope that you continue to stand with us as we strive to promote and inspire Game Changers throughout Gloucester County and beyond. Enjoy Your Evening! Loretta Winters, President, Gloucester County NAACP
Some people play the game; others change it!
Be a Game Changer!
Master of Ceremonies Quandell Iglesia Dedicated. Passionate. Visionary. Servant -Leader. A few words used to describe Quandell Iglesia, a young and motivated businessman committed to elevating his community and emboldening those around him to pursue their dreams and use their gifts to give back to society. From the age of 16, Quandell has been a problem solver; actively tackling the challenges found within his community. His unique ability to see the potential for successful business opportunities ushered Quandell into the world of entrepreneur in 2015, when as a junior at Williamstown High School, he founded Photobliss, LLC, a full-service photography company. Quandell didn’t stop there. In July 2017, empowered with the lessons and experiences of his own journey, he founded Quandell Iglesia Consulting which specializes in public speaking, and business startups and social media consulting, and in September 2017, he became the founder and president of SNJ Millennials, a nonprofit organization launched to introduce young professionals to new business networks and equip them with business educational resources for their future endeavors. Quandell’s newest venture catapulted him into the field of real estate as the CEO and Team Leader at IQ Real Estate where he and his team serve the communities of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Quandell also operates as a realtor/salesperson for HomeSmart First Advantage Realty. “Your success is connected to your service,” said Iglesia. “I am constantly developing on my own personal growth and expanding in the business world, but most importantly, I strive to help others achieve their goals.” Quandell is the former New Jersey Young Democrats - Southern Vice President, serving from 2019-2021. The New Jersey Young Democrats are a chartered unit of the Young Democrats of America and representing Democrats under the age of 36 in the State of New Jersey. Quandell was recently featured in FunTimes Magazine as Philadelphia Region's 2020 Black Men Icons; South Jersey Biz’s 2019 “20 Under 40”; Suburban Family Magazine as a “Star Citizen”; “Names to Know” in South Jersey by South Jersey Magazine; Newspaper Media Group’s front cover; South Jersey Federal Credit Union's 2018 Spring Magazine; and was the youngest recipient who received the SNJ Business People "40 Under 40" Award. In addition, he also received the 2020 GameChangers Award by KYW Newsradio; 2019 Most Influential African American: People Making a Difference Award by the South Jersey Journal; Phoenix Game Changer Award by the Gloucester County NAACP; Entrepreneur of the Year by the V i n e l a n d A f r i ca n A me r i c a n Community Development Corporation; the 2018 Young Professionals Leadership Award by the Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce; Spirit of Community: Bob Shryock Award by the Volunteer Center of South Jersey; Entrepreneurial Artist Award in Photography, Rotary Youth Leadership Award; and New Jersey DECA February Member of the Month.
Introduction of Master of Ceremonies .......................................... Dr. Mel Pierson, 2nd VP, Gloucester County NAACP Master Of Ceremonies ................................................................. Quandell Iglesia Invocation & Blessing……… .............................................. Pastor Wayne Howard “Lift Every Voice and Sing” ................................................. Catherine “Cat” Paige
Welcome ................................................... Michael Cesaro 3rd VP GC NAACP & Loretta Winters President, GC NAACP Special Greetings ..................................... Stephanie Fisher, Planned Parenthood Introduction of the Executive Board & Acknowledge of Dignitaries ....................... Tiffany Walker, Secretary GC NAACP “Stand” .................................................................................. Catherine “Cat” Paige President’s Award & Power Couple of the Year ...... Presented By Loretta Winters Dinner is served Community Presentations Special Message ..................................................... Commissioner Frank DiMarco Community Presentation Special Presentation ..................................................................... Branch Officers Dancing ................................................................................................. DJ Caution Special Thanks to: DJ Caution Perfectly Stated Cupcakes, and Mo Photography
Gloucester County 2021 GAME CHANGERS
Christine Hoffman, Gloucester County Interim Prosecutor Ernest Huggard, CEO First Harvest Federal Credit Union Jim Jefferson, Commissioner Gloucester County
Dr. Shawnequa Carvalho, Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources and Chief Academic Officer for the West Deptford Public Schools & Dr. Roy Dawson, Superintendent Paulsboro Public School Robert “Balicki” Goodale Commissioner, NJ Parole Board & Yolanda Garcia-Balicki, Esq Immigration Attorney Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P. A.
Communication Award ..........................Clyde Hughes, AC JosepH & Front Runner Community Service Award ... Ronda Abbruzzese, President Habitat for Humanity Corporate Excellence .......................................................... Subaru of America, Inc Excellence In Education ................ Pat Haney, Superintendent, Logan Twp Schools Faith Based ...................................... Wayne Howard, Pastor True Spirit Ministries Government & Public Policy ...... Edmund DeVeaux, NJ Cannabusiness Association Irene Hill Smith Community Service ............................................Stephanie Fisher, Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central and Southern New Jersey Law & Public Safety ...............................Chief Pat Gurcsik, Washington Twp Police Medical Award ......................................... Mark Roberts, President/CEO CAMcare Making A Difference ......................................... Martino Cartier, Wigs and Wishes Veterans & Armed Services....................................................... Dr. Diane D. Turner
WHAT IS A GAME CHANGER? “A game changer is someone who sees an opportunity to
effect change throughout their community, whether that be on a small level or global scale, and acts upon that recognition. It is to recognize that the work one does is bigger than oneself. It also means that they are willing to listen to and work with, not impose upon, the communities they seek to serve. They approach their work with humility and an understanding that the most important work is done in solidarity with others, not alone.” We need to continue to encourage conversations across lines of difference – race, class, gender, etc. Those are necessary conversations if we want a world, starting with our community, with more understanding, love, peace and joy.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD Christine Hoffman Christine A. Hoffman is the Acting Gloucester County Prosecutor and is an assistant attorney general detached from the Division of Criminal Justice. AAG Hoffman served as a Deputy Director of the Division of Criminal Justice, Chief of the Division's Corruption Bureau, and Deputy Chief of the Division's Major Crimes Bureau. She also served as an Assistant Prosecutor with the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office. She is an adjunct professor at Rutgers School of Law, Camden and a faculty member of the N.J. Attorney General’s Advocacy Institute and the National Attorneys General Training and Research Institute. She holds a B.A. in History, Summa Cum Laude, from Rider University and a J.D. with High Honors from Rutgers School of Law, Camden. She is proud to work closely with the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office Diversity Council and the Gloucester County NAACP and support a number of joint initiatives.
CORPORATE EXCELLENCE AWARD SUBARU Company-sponsored Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) are a critical component of how Subaru engages the unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences of our team members to help us bring our DE&I strategy to life. At Subaru, our ERGs are: Black & Latino Employee Network for Diversity at Subaru (BLENDS), EVOLVE, Out+Ally, Subaru Armed Forces Resource Group for Employees (SARGE) & Subaru Women’s Network. These teammate-led groups ensure diverse ideas critical to every aspect of our business, and invite teammates to proudly be their authentic selves while at work. Our five ERGs continue to celebrate our teammates’ unique backgrounds and perspectives, while building the foundation for meeting our business goals. While each has its own projects, our ERGs often find common causes to come together to support, especially in times of high need, and were overjoyed to be able to support the Gloucester County NAACP Scholarship program.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD First Harvest Federal Credit Union Ernest Huggard Ernest D. Huggard was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of South Jersey Federal Credit Union now First Harvest Credit Union in April 2018, after serving as the company’s Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for three years. Prior to joining First Harvest Credit Union , Mr. Huggard spent thirty years in various senior leadership positions within the banking and credit union institutions, starting two de novo banks from capital funding and full regulatory approval to grand opening, buying a bank from the FDIC and converting a mutual savings bank to a publicly traded bank. A retired Lieutenant Colonel in the New Jersey Army National Guard, Mr. Huggard served twenty-eight years, commanding both Company and Battalions’, Inspector General, and Military Liaison in Albania. A member of the Galloway Township Board of Education for nineteen years, he served as the Board’s President for seventeen years. Mr. Huggard also served the community as Chair of Career Opportunity Development, Inc. (CODI), Treasurer of the Holy Spirit High School Fathers Club, and a member of Middle School Now for Galloway Township Public Schools and Imagination Station for Galloway Township. Currently the Assistant Boys’ Crew Coach for Holy Spirit High School, Mr. Huggard was treasurer of the New Jersey Credit Union League and serves on the CrossState Credit Union Association Board of Directors. Mr. Huggard is a Certified Public Accountant and holds a Masters in Management Studies from Stockton University.
PRESIDENT’S AWARD
Jim Jefferson Jim Jefferson, a Woodbury resident with his wife Anne and together they have children Isaiah, Eva, and Victoria. With over a decade of experience working within government, Jim worked previously as a Special Assistant to the New Jersey Speaker of the General Assembly. Working for then Speaker Joseph J. Roberts Jr, he assisted residents and served as a liaison for the Speaker to the Governor's Office, Executive Branch Departments and Agencies and State, Federal and local officials. In January of 2010, Jim was appointed to the NJ State Parole Board by Governor Jon Corzine. He serves as an Associate Board Member and is assigned to the Juvenile Panel. This panel handles all parole matters for juveniles sentenced to the custody of the Juvenile Justice Commission. In addition, he helps establish State Parole Board policies within the Community Program Unit as chair of the Community Programs Committee. In recognition of the work he continues to do while on the State Parole Board, he has been reappointed to the Board by both Governor Chris Christie and Governor Phil Murphy. He is also a member of the Saints Prison Ministry and has visited prisons in many states to help combine faith, athletics and personal responsibility for the rehabilitation of incarcerated individuals. The Saints Prison Ministry is America's largest athletic prison ministry which is based in Moorestown, New Jersey. Having traveled to over 200 prisons in his 17 years with the Saints, the ministry has brought together his passion for his faith, sports, and helping people. A Mount Saint Mary's University graduate, Jim received his BA in Political Science while successfully playing NCAA Division I Baseball for four years and served as team captain for 1 year. He was the recipient of the Mount Saint Mary's University Minority Student Athlete of the Year in 2004.
Communications Clyde Hughes Clyde Hughes is an award-winning journalism veteran who has covered the African American experience in a variety of media forms over nearly four decades. He is currently the founder and editor of AC JosepH Media, which produces Front Runner New Jersey.com. Front Runner New Jersey covers African American leadership and culture in South Jersey. FRNJ Extra on Facebook's Bulletin platform now extends those voices to an exclusive social media audience. FRNJ's Front Runner La Prensa column highlights the Latinx community in South Jersey. Hughes also serves as editor of the monthly publication South Jersey Journal, where he edits and produces print stories of interest to Blacks in the region. Hughes, an accomplished keynote speaker through Toastmasters International, has worked in the mainstream media in Texas, Ohio and Indiana for more than 25 years. In August, he was inducted into the African American Legacy Project Sports Hall of Fame in Toledo, Ohio for his sports reporting while at the Toledo Blade newspaper and co-founding the MLK Basketball Classic there. He has also won journalism awards from the National Association of Black Journalists, the Associated Press and Society of Professional Journalists. A native of Beaumont, Texas, Hughes was elected by his journalism peers to serve two terms on the National Association of Black Journalists board of directors in the 1990s. Last year, he was recognized by the Southern Burlington County branch NAACP for his work with Front Runner New Jersey.com. He has also taught journalism and African American sports history at Purdue University in Indiana and Bowling Green State University in Ohio. Front Runner New Jersey.com https://frontrunnernewjersey.com
AC JosepH Media https://acjosephmedia.blogspot.com/
NAACP POWER COUPLE OF THE YEAR AWARD Robert M Goodale and Yolanda Garcia Balicki, Esq. Bob has had a long and successful career in Corrections that spans more than four decades. Right from the start he was singled out for his exceptional leadership skills and was recruited early in his career to serve as a labor relations specialist, skills he acquired while serving as a Legal Specialist with the NJ National Guard. In this role he learned the art of negotiation as he represented his fellow first line Corrections Officers. After promotion to Sergeant, he continued to represent his fellow officers at the supervisory level in employee relations matters as well as contract negotiations. Once promoted to the Captains Unit, Bob won the right to organize through the NJ Public Employee Relations Commission and was instrumental in the development of the union for the high-ranking supervisory level. He was the founder and first president of the Captain’s Union. After retirement from state corrections Bob returned to the NJ Department of Corrections and served as Assistant Commissioner. He then went on to serve as Director of the Gloucester County Jail followed by an nine-year period as Warden of the Cumberland County Corrections. During his tenure as Warden the Cumberland County Jail received a re-entry grant from the State Attorney General for the development of a substance abuse treatment program, which was the first of its kind for a county jail. Bob was also a candidate for the New Jersey Assembly, 1st Legislative District, and served as the Cumberland County Democratic Party Co-Chair from, 2011 until 2016. He was also elected to serve on the Millville Board of Education from 2002 to 2005. In 2017 Bob was appoint-
ed as an Associate Board Member of the NJ State Parole Board and continues to serve in that capacity. Bob has a Master’s in Public Administration from Rutgers University and a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from The College of New Jersey. Yolanda also had a very long and successful career in Corrections. She began her career with the New Jersey State Parole Board in 1982 and just a few years into her career she realized her dream of attending law school. She attended law school in the evenings while working full-time. After earning her law degree Yolanda continued to grow in her career. In her 20 th year she was appointed Deputy Director of the agency. Yolanda put her legal skills to use and in addition to her official job responsibilities she volunteered to serve as the EEO Officer for the agency for several years and helped write policies and procedures for the agency. She was also the recipient of the Chairman’s Award for Supervisory Excellence in 2012. In 2015 Yolanda retired after 33 years of service. After retirement from state government Yolanda entered the practice of law in the private sector. She was hired as an associate attorney in the immigration department of the law offices of Helmer, Conley & Kasselman, P. A. where she remains employed. Yolanda is also the 1st Vice President of the Gloucester County NAACP, a member of the Board of Trustees of Rowan College of South Jersey, the Rowan College of South Jersey Hispanic Advisory Board, the NJ State Bar Association, Immigration Section of the NJ State Bar Association, Cumberland County Bar Association, a Trustee of the Cumberland County Bar Association, a member of the Cumberland County Bar Association Diversity and Inclusion Committee, and she is currently a Candidate for the NJ Senate in the 1st Legislative District. If elected Yolanda will be the first woman elected to the Senate in the 1st Legislative District. Yolanda holds a Bachelor’s degree from Rutgers University and a Juris Doctorate degree from Rutgers Law School-Camden. Bob and Yolanda recently celebrated five years of marriage but prior to their union they knew each other professionally for more than thirty years. As noted above they each had independent and very successful careers, but it wasn’t until 2014 that destiny would decide that their journey as a couple would begin. The meeting of the minds and of the hearts would bring together two civic minded people who strive to put their time, treasure and talents to use in their community. As individuals and as a couple they have put to good use their gifts and talents to make this world a better place.
NAACP POWER COUPLE OF THE YEAR Dr. Shawnequa Carvalho and Dr. Roy Dawson
Power couples are usually selected because two people are successful professionally, but true power couples reinforce their relationship by reaffirming each other as professionals. Dr. Shawnequa Carvalho and Dr. Roy Dawson have been complimenting each other both at home and in the workplace, for over 20 years. Their story began in what we now know as the most appropriate place: a research center at Temple University. Shawnequa was a Program Development Specialist implementing programming at the school where Roy was Principal. They met and formed a close friendship which eventually turned into a marriage. Now, 20 years, two six-year old twins, two homes, several jobs, and many years of public service later, both Shawnequa and Roy are educational leaders in this region. Dr. Dawson is Superintendent of Paulsboro Public Schools and Dr. Carvalho is Assistant Superintendent of West Deptford Public Schools. They have very busy careers, but at the end of the day, Roy and Shawnequa come home to Tallulah and Tinsley. “TNT” as they are affectionately called, are the pearls of their parent’s lives, and bring so much joy to everyone they meet. The girls are carbon copies of their parents, with Tallulah running the show at home and Tinsley running the show at school.
Both Shawnequa and Roy have served on the Washington Township Board of Education (WTBOE) and most recently Dr. Carvalho was the Vice President for the WTBOE. Roy serves on the Board of Trustees of the library for Washington Township and they both are engaged members in the local democrat party. “Our relationship is based on investing in our strengths and supporting our opportunities,” states Shawnequa. “We are each other’s cheerleaders for every passion and venture,” Roy asserts. “We stand on our own accomplishments, but thrive as a unit.” Education brought Drs. Carvalho and Dawson together, as they were both taught at a young age that the greatest gift one can give another person is education because education is what a person will use to impact his or her own community. Dr. Carvalho and Dr. Dawson have carried this philosophy in their personal and professional lives. Shawnequa and Roy both have mentored countless individuals that have gone on to impact the communities in which they live. Their network of colleagues and friends they have built over the years are considered family. This Power Couple continues to use their influence to transform, reframe, and educate.
COMMUNITY SERVICE AWARD Ronda Abbruzzese Ronda joined Nexus Properties in 2015 as Vice President of Marketing. Ronda is responsible for planning, organizing, development and supervision of Marketing and Leasing programs related to enhancing, promoting, developing and encouraging business attraction, retention and growth in the Borough of Glassboro and for Nexus Properties. Ronda brings to Nexus Properties, demonstrated success in a business-lead environment and proven expertise with a strong ability to improve processes, maximize productivity, and introduce system efficiencies. Ronda values vision with an innovational approach to building corporate value, market share and customer loyalty. She holds a strong record of project successes with an ability to rally people with a ‘can do’ attitude. With the natural ability to bring people together, to grow together, Ronda proudly accepted the role of Board President of Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity on July 1, 2021. With the years spent as Economic Development Director for both the Borough of Glassboro and the City of Woodbury, Ronda brings that same passion for growth to her new role. Formed in the spring of 1986, Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity (GCHFH) is part of a global, nonprofit housing organization operated on Christian principles that seeks to put God’s love into action by building homes, communities and hope. Over the past years, GCHFH has maintained fundraising events to bring attention to the need for affordable housing while building homes in Gloucester County. With Ronda’s leadership and experience, the affiliate is now expanding their scope to not only to continue providing build events but to also provide an opportunity to raise funds and volunteer at our ReStore, the discount home improvement store in Pitman. Knowing that partnerships reshape the community, Ronda has been instrumental with launching outstanding partnership opportunities for businesses ready to support the need for affordable housing in Gloucester County. Uniquely created to help Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity strengthen their roots, the partnership opportunities provide an abundance of wonderful cross-marketing opportunities for businesses large and small. From donating to the ReStore to championing partnerships and team builds, or swinging a hammer and driving nails on the job site, Ronda challenges each and every individual to help Gloucester County Habitat for Humanity make tangible impact on our community and the lives of those who live in it. While community transformation through homeownership is dear to Ronda’s heart she also dedicates her time and talent to First Harvest Credit Union as the Board Secretary, is a member of the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce and numerous committee/teams throughout Glassboro.
EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION Patricia Haney Patricia L. Haney graduated from Temple University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary and Early Childhood Education. She began her teaching career in the Philadelphia Public School System. During her sixteen years of teaching in Philadelphia, she taught students from Kindergarten through sixth grade. Upon graduating from Arcadia University in Glenside, Pa. with a Master's Degree in Educational Administration, she was appointed principal of the C. W. Henry School in the West Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia, where she proudly served Kindergarten to 8th grade students beginning in 1990. In 1994, she moved professionally to New Jersey since that is where she was raising her family, with her husband, James. Because of her interest in curriculum, she enthusiastically accepted her first position in New Jersey as the Director of Curriculum for the Gateway Group Consortium where she served the students of Westville, National Park, Woodbury Heights and Wenonah School Districts. For five years, she developed curriculum with the teachers of these four districts. In 1999, she professionally moved to the Harrison Township School District as Director of Curriculum. After dedicating ten years to this school district, she accepted the position of Superintendent of Logan Township School District, where she has spent the past thirteen years, alongside a supportive Board of Education, as the Educational Leader of this child-centered district focused on Equity for All. Patricia has served on several state-wide committees for multiple years. She just completed her seven year tenure on the New Jersey State Professional Learning Committee (SPLC). She has been a member of the Gloucester County Advisory Board to the Executive County Superintendent since 2014 and continues to be the Gloucester County Representative to the New Jersey Association for School Administrators’ (NJASA) Curriculum and Instruction Committee. Recently, Patricia was asked to serve as Chairperson of the NJASA’s (New Jersey Association of School Administrators) Curriculum and Instruction Committee for the 20212022 school year. Patricia previously served as a proud member of the New Jersey Leadership Academy (NJLA) Development Team for the New Jersey Principal and Supervisor Association (NJPSA). Patricia began her journey on the Equity in Education path as a result of her work with Loretta Winters, President of Gloucester County’s NAACP and Ave Altersitz, Gloucester County’s Executive County Superintendent. She has welcomed the expertise of Dr. Shelley Zion and her doctoral students from Rowan University to her district in many ways, including ongoing professional learning opportunities and coaching around the following four pillars: Culturally Sustaining Teaching; Trauma Sensitive and Restorative Practices and building a Student Centered Environment, which has helped transformed the Logan Township School District into a safe and inclusive environment for all students and staff. In 2019, Logan Township School District, along with Lumberton, Delsea and Elk Township School districts were awarded a $2.4 million grant entitled, “The Case for Student Voice as a Change Agent in Schools: A Focus on Culturally Responsive Climate, Equity and Discipline” under the leadership of Dr. Zion. Here is the link to Logan’s website to gain more insight into the many initiatives this “Equity Grant” has made available to the district: https://tinyurl.com/twa9c9db Patricia Haney has been married for 47 years to her husband, James, and feels blessed to have two children, both of whom she is quite proud. Their son, Ben, and their daughter, Rachel, both graduated from the University of Notre Dame. Ben and his husband, Jamie, live in Philadelphia and Rachel and her husband, Jonathan, live in Portland, Oregon, where Rachel practices Emergency Room Medicine. Rachel and Jonathan recently blessed Patricia and James with a granddaughter, Margot.
Government and Public Policy Edmund DeVeaux When the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association (“NJCBA”) formed as the state’s first and largest cannabis trade organization, Edmund was immediately named as a policy advisor to help advance the association’s mission of forming a responsible and sustainable New Jerseycannabis industry. In December 2020 following overwhelming voter approval of the state’s cannabis legalization referendum, the NJCBA Board of Directors elected Edmund president. With a wealth of experience in matters of public policy, diversity, and economic development, Edmund adopted the tag-line “The Cannabis Chamber of Commerce” and the NJCBA’s new mission statement of forming a “responsible, sustainable, diverse, and profitable cannabis industry”. His sphere of influence has since grown in the cannabis industry. Often recognized as New Jersey’s lead professional African American lobbyist in the cannabis space, Edmund has made public and podcast appearances on the topics of medical and adult-use cannabis, and business opportunities in cannabis with several patient, social justice, and social equity advocacy organizations. Named a “420 Trailblazer in Cannabis” by mjnewsnetwork.com, he has also been listed as an Insider NJ “Top 100 Cannabis Insider”. An accomplished executive, Edmund's corporate career includes leadership roles with the country's largest multinational water-related service and environmental companies. Utilizing his skills in the areas of government affairs and business development, Edmund has been part of the external growth, internal development, and public policy and reputation management strategies for these companies. Edmund was involved with the successful development of some of the nation's largest public-private partnerships for water and wastewater services. Providing numerous television and other media appearances, Edmund established himself as an industry expert on matters involving infrastructure finance and renewal. In other aspects of Edmund's professional life, he attained the rank of captain in the United States Army where he graduated from the US Army Airborne School. He currently serves on the not-for-profit boards of the Civic League of Greater New Brunswick and Elijah’s Promise, and is a former board member of the Foundation for Free Enterprise, the National Conference of Black Mayors Business Council (chair), and the Sustainable Water Infrastructure Coalition (chair).
Irene Hill Smith Civil Rights Award Stephanie Fisher Stephanie Fisher is active in community, educational, civic and religious organizations throughout Camden County and the State of New Jersey. She is the co-founder of the CBCC, Inc. of Voorhees, New Jersey, an organization of local minority families that concentrates on improving educational opportunities for all children who reside in Voorhees. Also, she founded Kids & Co. whose purpose was to expose minority children to all forms of educational opportunities by touring museums, libraries and places of interest throughout the United States. She served on the Eastern Camden County Regional School District Board of Education for 16 years (an elected position) where she chaired the Superintendent Search, Finance, Policy, Athletic Committees, to name a few. Today, she participates on the school’s District Advisory Committee, Educational Foundation, Inc. and Project Graduation. Stephanie is currently on the Board of Directors for the Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central and Southern New Jersey where she is a member of the Executive Committee and the Board Governance Committee. She previously held a position on the Planned Parenthood of Southern New Jersey and was part of the merger team when they became part of the PPNCSNJ. Stephanie is Chairperson of the Educational Leadership Foundation of New Jersey. Based in Trenton, New Jersey ELFNJ raises funds for New Jersey School Boards that aids in the training workshops for State School Board members. It should be noted that while a school board member, she was appointed to both the State and National School Board Associations and is an NJSBA Certified School Board Member. Stephanie is the Chairperson of the Voorhees Cultural and Diversity Committee. She was appointed by the Voorhees Mayor and Township Committee. Their mission is to foster human relations through education and encouragement of respect and understanding among the diverse population of Voorhees Township. Additionally, Stephanie chairs the Campaign for Greater Schools based in Camden, New Jersey that was organized to improve the educational opportunities for students who reside in the City. Stephanie is a lifetime member of the Lawnside Historical Society where she serves as a docent for the Peter Mott House UGRR Museum. She is a member and lifetime member of the following: local and State NAACP, VFW Auxiliary of Lawnside, County Democratic Club, Federation of Democratic Women and the Lawnside Still Family Historical Committee, to name a few. Stephanie was appointed by then Governor Florio to the State Commission on Racism, Racial Violence and Religious Violence. On December 22, 1993 after serving proudly as an officer on this Commission, a Report was published and presented to the Governor and State Legislature. A recipient of numerous awards and honorariums i.e. 2006 Twin Award Tribute to Women and Industry (eliminating racism and empowering women in Camden County and vicinity) Maria’s Women United Award (MWU) named after Maria Barnaby Greenwald who was a mayor and county official and opened doors for women throughout the state. She received the Living Legends award from the CC Cultural and Heritage Commission in 2013 and was honored by the Voorhees Mayor by having February 23, 2013 named in her honor as Stephanie Fisher Day in Voorhees. Her biggest honor was when she was awarded the Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Medal by the County elected officials for espousing the ideals of Dr. King. A member of the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church located in Lawnside, NJ, Stephanie serves as Chairperson of the Staff Parish Relations, Return To Church and Disaster Relief Ministries. She is a member of the Finance and Security Ministries and has served as Director of the Vacation Bible School and as a Sunday School teacher. In closing, Ms. Fisher has been employed by Camden County for 25 years serving in a number of positions i.e. Director of Training and Instruction, Chief of Staff to Camden County Freeholder Riletta L. Cream, Director of Grants for the CC Dept. of Corrections, State Certified Police Academy Instructor and CC Deputy Clerk. She is currently Chief of Staff to the Camden County Police Chief and previously served on the transition team during the creation of this department. Stephanie and her husband Retired Army Colonel Alfred C. Fisher (deceased- passed in 2018) have three adult children i.e. Stephen, Renee and Allyson and seven grandchildren: Whitney, Alex, Jalen, Sydnie, Hunter, Colby and Hadley.
Law & Public Safety Chief Pat Gurcsik Chief Patrick Gurcsik was born and raised in Washington Township with his five brothers. From a young age, he knew he wanted to work for the Washington Township Police Department. He graduated from Washington Township High School in 1988 and received his Associate’s Degree from Gloucester County College while dispatching for the Washington Township Police Department. While a member of the department, Chief Gurcsik went on to earn his Bachelor’s Degree from Rowan and his Master’s Degree from Fairleigh Dickinson University. Recently, Chief Gurcsik earned a NJ Public Manager certificate from Rutgers University. While serving in his role as Chief, he also serves as Washington Township’s Emergency Management Coordinator. Chief Gurcsik’s law enforcement career began in 1987 as a Washington Township Police Explorer. In 1992, Chief Gurcsik entered the Gloucester County Police Academy where he was President of his class. Throughout his career, Chief Gurcsik served in various positions such as; Field Training Officer, K9 Coordinator, Emergency Management Coordinator, Rifleman, Police Academy Instructor, Internal Affairs Investigator and as an adjunct professor at Rowan-Gloucester County. Rising through the ranks from Dispatcher, Special Officer, Patrolman, Corporal, Sergeant and Lieutenant before being sworn in as Chief of the Washington Township Police Department. As Chief, Gurcsik implemented a 5 year plan of transformation leadership. He authored new initiatives and a new mission statement for the agency that articulates a Community Caretaking philosophy with a service oriented mindset. The changing culture and department mission stresses police officers are guardians of the community-not warriors. He has worked tirelessly to implement many new community, training, and diversity police recruiting initiatives. Chief Gurcsik cites NJ Accreditation as his administrations greatest achievement. Considered the Gold Standard Of Policing, accreditation ensures compliance with sound and operationally effective policies and procedures. Chief Gurcsik received The Mayors Excellence in Policing award in 2018. He was named a Hometown Hero by Suburban Magazine in 2019, and the agency won the Best Of South Jersey Police Department award in 2020. Chief Gurcsik resides in Washington Township with his wife of 26 years, Gina and their two sons Angelo and Anthony. His wife Gina is an elementary school teacher in Monroe Twp. Angelo is a senior studying Biology at Mount Saint Mary’s University in Maryland and Anthony is sophomore at Rowan University double majoring in Accounting and Finance.
Medical Service Award Mark Roberts Mark Roberts is the President and CEO of CAMcare Health Corporation, a Federally Qualified Health Center serving the communities of Camden and Gloucester counties. Most recently Mark and CAMcare’s leadership responded to a desperate need in the community of diabetic patients by adding comprehensive Eye Care to their list of in-house services. The pilot program has become the Diabetes Fast Pass Program and includes a same-day visit to four departments: Internal Medicine, Dental, Podiatric, and Optometric services. The DFPP has been successful in decreasing morbidity and improving the quality of life for CAMcare’s diabetic patients. Before moving to CAMcare in December 2016, Mark served as CEO of the Jewish Renaissance Medical Center, an FQHC in north central New Jersey that experienced growth from 9,000 to over 80,000 annual visits and expansion from 1 to 10 sites during his tenure. Prior to leading the JRMC team, Mark, along with a business partner, founded a successful medical billing and information systems consulting firm to help FQHC’s gain a competitive edge in the healthcare industry. The experience in information technology he gained while working with Securities and Exchange Commission in Washington, DC, US Army at Aberdeen Providing Grounds in Maryland, and the Patient and Trademark Office, helped form a passion for practical solutions to challenges and to develop opportunities in the healthcare field.
Making A Difference Martino Cartier www.wigsandwishes.org Celebrity stylist and philanthropist, Martino Cartier, is a fixture in the beauty industry. His humble beginnings have led him to many successes including his top rated 50-station salon in New Jersey, his organization Wigs & Wishes® that supports women and children battling cancer, his brand Martino® by Martino Cartier that became the #1 hair brand on HSN, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Martino created his namesake brand to help women not only look amazing but feel amazing too. Martino® by Martino Cartier hot tools and styling products are made with the finest in all professional hair care. With every purchase, a percentage of net profits is donated to Martino’s foundation, Wigs & Wishes® that provides over 25K wigs to women battling cancer each year at absolutely no charge and grants wishes to children. The organization operates with no red tape. Recently, he changed the lives of those at Washington Township High School, organizing and providing over 500 graduates with swag bags and roses for the teachers at the school. It doesn’t stop there! During the pandemic, Martino spearheaded "Passover with a Purpose" and raised over $42K to purchase an ambulance in Israel for United Hatzalah. In Martino’s words “If you don’t know how to give, you don’t know how to live.” Martino believes in using his time and talents for the greater good. As the founder of Wigs and Wishes by Martino Cartier, he created a network of salon owners, stylists and beauty- industry experts who provide women battling cancer with a wig at no cost, as well as granting wishes to youth battling childhood cancer. Over a decade after founding the organization, Cartier and his team of nearly 200 volunteers are still bringing smiles and tears of joy to the community. They come together every day to help women and children feel dignified, healthy and beautiful. The organization turns no one away—Wigs and Wishes is a home where those battling cancer can come to look and feel cancer free. Cartier’s extraordinary work comes from his strong faith. Following the Bible verse, “Whatever you do unto the least of these, you’ve done unto me,” Cartier believes when he helps someone, it is like helping God. “My personal belief is He is the creator of all things and you can’t outgive Him,” Cartier says. “If you do something for Him, everything changes. It changes the galaxy. It changes the atmosphere. It changes all things.” In the months ahead, Cartier will continue his work with the launch of Zoo Hoo, a petting zoo featuring rescued animals. Created for kids battling cancer who are being treated at local hospitals.
Veterans & Armed Service Dr. Diane D. Turner Dr. Diane D. Turner is Curator of the Charles L. Blockson Afro-American Collection, Temple University Libraries. Dr. Turner holds three Temple University degrees. Her areas of specialization and research include African American Labor, Cultural and Social History, Philadelphia Jazz History, Independent Black Filmmakers, Oral History and Public History. Her dissertation is entitled Organizing and Improvising: A History of Philadelphia’s Black Musicians’ Protective Union Local 274, American Federation of Musician. Dr. Turner has taught African- American history at Brown University, Northeastern University, Rowan University, University of South Florida and other institutions where she mentored many students. She has authored three books published by Third World Press that include My Name is Oney Judge (2010), Feeding the Soul: Black Music, Black Thought (2011) and Our Grand Pop is a Montford Point Marine (2018), co-authored with her father, Corporal Thomas S. Turner Sr. Her writings appear in anthologies and books such as Black Panther: Paradigm Shift or Not? and Philadelphia Jazz Project: Jazz Stories Illustrated as well as scholarly journals such as the Journal of Black Studies. She serves as a consultant on a number of advisory boards and committees such as Bethel Burial Ground Historic Site Memorial Committee, Chronicling Resistance, Scribe Video’s Precious Places, Third World Press Foundation and others. Dr. Turner is president of the Montford Point Marines Association, Philadelphia Chapter #1 Auxiliary. She is currently co-authoring on book entitled Philly Jazz to be published by Arcadia Publishing. In addition, she is working on a biography of Poet, Editor, Publisher, Educator and Institution Builder Haki R. Madhubuti.
Faith Based Pastor Wayne Howard Pastor Wayne Howard was born in Monroe, GA and raised in a family where going to church was not an option. He became a Christian at the age of 15. After graduating from Bridgeton High School, he went on to Lincoln University, Edison State College and Geneva College where he received associate and bachelor of science degrees. Reverend Howard has been very involved in his community. While living in Winslow Township he served on the humanitarian committee and upon moving to Elk Township he served on both the planning board and the board of education. He has been a member of True Spirit Ministries since 1970, starting out as a Sunday school teacher and going on to be superintendent, Head Deacon and eventually a Minister in 1984. In 2007 he was appointed and installed as the Senior Pastor. He currently resides in Mullica Hill with his wife and Co-Pastor, Margeurite Howard and is the proud father of five children.
Stephanie Fisher A Community Game Changer We admire and Respect your Work with Planned Parenthood Thank You! Dr. David and G. Lynn Brown
Congratulations to
Yolanda Garcia Balicki, Esq. & Robert Murray Goodale Recipients of the 2021 Gloucester County NAACP
Power Couple of the Year Award From the Law Offices of Helmer, Conley, & Kasselman, P. A.
Fred Madden
Steve Sweeney
State Senator & Chairman
New Jersey State President
Robert Damminger
Frank DiMarco
Commissioner Director
Commissioner Deputy Director
Heather Simmons
Lyman Barnes
Commissioner
Commissioner
Dan Christy
Jim Lavender
Commissioner
Commissioner
Carmel Morina
James N. Hogan
Sheriff
County Clerk
We are honored to support the Gloucester County NAACP and the 2021 Black & White Gala. Our Congratulations go to each of the honorees, With special congratulations to
Commissioner Jim Jefferson! Thank you for all you do for Gloucester County!
Paid for by Gloucester County Committee 27 South Broad Street, Woodbury, NJ 08096
Congratulations to all the honorees!
The Gloucester County NAACP Congratulates all of the 2021 Game Changers and their Families
Loretta Winters President Yolanda Garcia– Balicki, ESQ 1st Vice President Dr. Mel Pierson 2nd Vice President Michael Cesaro, RMA 3rd Vice President
Tiffany B. Walker Secretary LaTanya Nelson Treasurer Darlema Bey Assistant Secretary Catherine “Cat” Paige Assistant Treasurer
Melissa Fox Evan Palmer Frances Harwell Kim Webster Ralph Ross, Sr. Rachel Ard Rachael Green