On behalf of the Gloucester County NAACP and its membership, I extend my deepest gratitude for your presence at our Women’s Conference. This year, we were intentional about creating a space that meets the moment we are living in a moment marked by rising mental‑health challenges, community trauma, economic strain, and the ongoing fight for justice and safety for women and families.
Your participation made this gathering not only special, but necessary. Your engagement, your insights, and your willingness to show up despite the weight many of us carry are a testament to the strength and resilience of women who continue to lead, advocate, and push for equality even in difficult times.
This conference is more than an event. It is a response to the realities women face today: the pressure to be strong in every room, the emotional labor we shoulder, the violence and inequities that still threaten our communities, and the urgent need for healing spaces where we can breathe, be seen, and be restored. Through courageous conversations, meaningful connections, and shared moments of reflection, you helped create an atmosphere of hope, empowerment, and collective renewal.
We hope the dialogue sparked today will continue to fuel your work and your well‑being. The challenges before us are real, but so is our power. Your commitment to uplifting voices, protecting our communities, and shaping a brighter, safer future does not go unnoticed. We look forward to witnessing the incredible strides you will continue to make in the days ahead.
Thank you again for joining us, for choosing healing, and for being a vital part of this movement. We appreciate you deeply and cannot wait to see you at future gatherings.
Visit Museum, Vendors, and the Children's Room Lower Level
Book Signing by Mayor Londo, Penns Grove
Hors d’oeuvres served, Sandwiches Served
Cheese and Cracker Tray
Freshly Brewed Coffee, Tea, and Water
Infused Fashion Show Throughout the Night
7:15 PM Mistress of Ceremonies: Tiffany B. Walker, MBA, 1st VP GC NAACP
Welcome: Yolanda Garcia-Balicki Esq, Commissioner Cumberland County
Opening Prayer: Dr. Irene Mintz, GC NAACP Asst. Treasurer
Leatrice Lambert: “Lift Every Voice & Sing”
Acknowledgement of Sponsors: Loretta Winter, President GC NAACP
Remarks: Fawn Martin/First Harvest CU; Robin Walton/Inspira Health
7:40 PM Panelist:
Katrina Altersitz-Wells,
Ray Watkins, Councilman Winslow Twp
Charles Johnson, Community Activist
9:00 PM
Awards Ceremony
Asw Heather Simmons LD3
Mayor La’Daena Londo. Penns Grove, NJ
Dr. Michele Turner-Wood, Glassboro, NJ
9:30 PM Dancing on the Veranda with LIGHTS
Revisit the Museum
“Complimentary Ride From the Museum to Your Car”
Benediction
Please visit Our vendors before you leave.
"To all the incredible women and men gathered here today, thank you for your presence, your insights, and the inspiration you've shared. As you embark on your journey home, may you travel safely, carrying with you the strength, wisdom, and connections forged in this space. Until we meet again, take care and continue to shine!"
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
TIFFANY WALKER, CHAIR
LORETTA WINTERS
GINA BURTON
LEATRICE LAMBERT
AQUASIA DAVIS
CAT PAIGE
SONNY WINTERS
BOB BALICKI
TIFFANY WINTERS
Tiffany Winters is a business leader, community advocate, speaker, and organizational strategist who is passionate about helping people, programs, and communities grow with purpose. Known for her relatable leadership style and ability to connect across generations and backgrounds, Tiffany has spent years creating impact throughout South Jersey through nonprofit leadership, civic engagement, mentorship, and business development.
A proud Rowan University graduate, Tiffany recently earned her MBA after previously obtaining her bachelor’s degree in Leadership and Social Innovation. Her professional background spans executive leadership, operations, community outreach, organizational development, marketing strategy, and public engagement across nonprofit, government, and entrepreneurial spaces.
Tiffany currently serves as First Vice President of the Gloucester County NAACP and has dedicated much of her work to advocating for underserved communities, empowering women and youth, and building stronger pathways for leadership, education, and wellness.
Whether she’s facilitating conversations, mentoring emerging leaders, organizing community initiatives, or speaking on stages like this one, Tiffany brings authenticity, humor, heart, and real-life perspective into every room she enters.
Above all, Tiffany believes that leadership is not about titles. It’s about service, connection, and leaving people better than you found them.
Asw Heather Simmons
s Leadership Award
2026 Women
Asw. Simmons served four terms as a Gloucester County Commissioner from 2011-2023. She was the longest-serving female Commissioner in Gloucester County history and was the first woman elected Deputy Director of the Board in 2022. She was Commissioner Liaison to the Departments of Economic Development, Public Works and Agriculture, including oversight of Community and Economic Development, Workforce Development Board, One Stop Career Center, Business Attraction and Retention, Tourism, South Jersey Film Commission, Engineering, Public Works, Roads and Highways, Fleet Management, Mosquito Control, Solid Waste Advisory Commission, Tri-County Water Quality Management, Land Preservation, Board of Agriculture, Agriculture Development Board and Rutgers Extension Services. She currently serves as Vice-Chair of the Assembly Agriculture and Natural Resources Committee and is a member of the Financial Institutions and Insurance Health Infrastructure Committees.
As a County Commissioner, Simmons launched the 70-member Gloucester County Economic Recovery Collaborative in 2021 with a focus on post-pandemic economic recovery and resiliency. She spearheaded the County’s first small business revolving loan fund, resulting in $15 million in low-interest loans for more than 250 businesses.
Asw Simmons is Vice President of Strategic Planning and Institutional Advancement at Rowan College of South Jersey. She was previously Assistant Vice President for Strategic Initiatives at Rowan University. Prior to that she owned her own communications firm.
Asw. Simmons sat on the boards of the NJ Association of Counties, the NJAC Foundation and the Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission. She was the honoree at the 2019 Gloucester County Boys and Girls Club Fall Fundraiser and raised an unprecedented $400,000 for the organization that year. She chaired the Fall Fundraiser on two additional occasions, raising an additional $200,000 for youth programming. She was also the 2016 Campaign Chair for the United Way of Gloucester County.
Asw. Simmons was named one of South Jersey Biz Magazine's "Women to Watch", and "Business Advocate of the Year" by the National Association of Women Business OwnersSouth Jersey Chapter and was recognized by South Jersey Magazine as a local "Superwoman." She has been named "Woman of the Year, Women in Communications", by the Gloucester County Commission on Women.
s Leadership Award
2026 Women
Dr. Michele Turner
Dr. Turner-Wood, a St. Louis native, received her Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Surgery degrees at Howard University in Washington, DC. While matriculating at Howard School of Dentistry, Dr. Turner along with 15 other women founded the first Medical Dental Sorority (Delta Phi Sigma) in 1991, which became incorporated in 2015. To this day, the sorority continues to grow and flourish.
After graduation, Dr. Turner-Wood completed a one General Practice Dental residency at St. Elizabeths Hospital in Washington, DC. After her residency, she was commissioned as an Active Duty Lieutenant, General Dentist, in the United States Public Health Service, and her first assignment was with the Federal Bureau of Prisons in Fairton, NJ where she provided dental care to the general and witness protection population of inmates. While at Fairton, Dr. Turner-Wood received a Unit Commendation award and a Hazardous Duty service ribbon from the Department of Health and Human Services.
After leaving the prison system and working as an Associate dentist in the community health care setting and private practice, Dr. Turner-Wood decided to branch out on her own and open her practice in Glassboro, NJ in 2002. She is a general and cosmetic Dentist serving both adults and children. With the support of the community and friends, her practice has grown and blossomed, and still continues to grow today.
She has received many awards and recognitions during her career, and has been a mentor to many young men and women along the way who are trying to determine their path in dentistry or life in general.
Some of her recognitions/awards are as follows:
Received the Candace Women of Achievement Award for outstanding community service in the area of health by The National Coalition of 100 Black Women
Received an inaugural New Jersey Give Kids a Smile (GKAS) Pioneer award from the New Jersey Dental Association, which is given to individuals who have gone above and beyond in their program volunteerism and have contributed greatly to the growth and planning of GKAS since its inception in 2003. Dr. Turner-Wood provided free dental screenings and services to underserved children ages pre-k to 12 years old every year on the first Friday in February in her dental practice.
She was featured on the CW Philly two years in a row for her contribution to our troops overseas in her Operation Gratitude Halloween Candy Buyback initiative which sent candy, letters, and care packages to our troops.
She was featured in SJ Magazine and selected as a Top Dentist, along with the American Registry adding her to the Registry of Business Excellence She has lectured and resented on many
platforms about the importance of oral health and how it can have a direct effect on our overall health.
She was recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Doctor
She has been a volunteer dentist and provided dental screenings for The Colgate Bright Smiles Bright Future dental van
She was one of the recipients of the Colgate Community Impact Award given by the Continental Societies, Inc., Eastern Region for providing Colgate dental information and resources to children
She was recognized by the Gloucester County Board of Commissioners as Best Dentist of Gloucester County for the years 2020, 2022, 2023, 2024, and2025.
Dr. Turner-Wood is a proud member of both Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated and the Continental Societies, Incorporated where she held the position of 2nd Vice President for 2 terms, and is currently the Corresponding Secretary.
She has a loving and supportive husband of 28 years and a beautiful son who will be graduating college this May. She strongly believes that it is more blessed to give than to receive, and to whom much is given, much is required.
Women ’ s Leadership Award
Mayor La’Daena Londo
Mayor La’Daena Londo is a trailblazing leader, community builder, and the first African American woman to serve as Mayor of Penns Grove and the first woman ever elected to the office. Known for her bold vision and transformative leadership, Mayor Londo has championed infrastructure revitalization, economic development, and public safety reforms, while fiercely advocating for equity and empowerment.
In 2023, Mayor Londo made history once again by winning re-election through a successful write-in campaign. She began her second term in January 2024.
Her historic victory is a testament to the deep trust and admiration she has earned from Penns Grove residents. Since taking office, Mayor Londo has delivered transformative results, including:
• Revitalization of Public Works: Reestablished the Borough’s Public Works Department, restoring reliable municipal services and improved responsiveness.
• Business Development: Brought major businesses like McDonald’s and Wawa to town and is actively working to secure a grocery store to meet community needs.
• Infrastructure & Beautification: Led aggressive code enforcement and cleanup initiatives, improving property conditions and neighborhood appeal
• Public Safety: Advanced a borough-wide security camera installation project to enhance law enforcement efforts and reduce crime.
• Park Improvements: Renovated the local park, added a smaller basketball court for younger children, and installed new bleachers for families and spectators creating a more inclusive and welcoming space.
• Transportation Access: Awarded a $185,000 TAMP Grant to purchase a boroughowned shuttle bus that will transport residents to medical appointments, grocery stores, and workplaces bridging critical transportation gaps.
• Community Center Development:– Secured a $9.5 million Broadband Grant to expand digital access and help complete the borough’s long-awaited Community Center. –Awarded an additional $413,000 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for community center infrastructure and programming.
• Youth & Civic Engagement: Launched youth programs, hosted regular town halls, and created direct channels for resident input and involvement in local government. Mayor Londo continues to lead Penns Grove forward with integrity, passion, and unstoppable determination building a stronger, safer, and more united borough for generations to come.
BookSigning
1992, an 18-year old La’Daena Londo, wide-eyed, hopeful, and full of dreams looked at her friend, Anthony Ways, and boldly declared, “One day, I’m going to become the Mayor of Penns Grove.” At the time, it felt like a dream too big for her, but she learned the words we speak carry power, and when spoken with conviction, can become Destiny.
Today La’Daena Londo stands in the second year of her second term as Mayor of Penns Grove, New Jersey. That teenage promise? It became reality while making history not once, not twice, but three times. In 2020, she became the first woman ever elected Mayor of Penns Grove and the first African American woman elected Mayor in all of Salem County. In 2023, after being removed from the ballot in the General Election, Mayor Londo refused to be silenced. Against all odds, she became the second person in 100 years in the state of New Jersey to win as a write-in candidate for mayor.
But her story is not just about politics. It’s about survival, betrayal, resilience, and faith. It’s about what it means to rise when the world tries to hold you down, and what it takes to lead when others want you to fail.
Born in San Diego, California to a young mother and a father serving in the military, the author claims it was the town of Penns Grove that shaped her. It taught her about struggle and strength, heartbreak and hope. It’s this community that make her who she is and the reason she fights so fiercely for others.
What inspired Londo to write this book was the wisdom of one of the strongest women she’s ever known, her late grandmother, Sallie Jones. In one of the darkest moments of her first term, when it felt like the weight of the world was against her, Grandma Sallie told her: “You’ve been knocked down, but not out.” Those words carried Londo through the hardest seasons of her life, and she dedicates this book to her dear grandmother.
The Campaign of Life is not just a story of courage it’s a message for women, men, young girls and boys everywhere. From Penns Grove, New Jersey, and every corner of the world, this fierce Mayor wants women to know they are strong, resilient, and capable of anything! If life has ever knocked you down, her prayer is that her story will remind you that you can still rise. And, when you rise, rise strong.
WOMEN
Honoring:
Asw Heather Simmons
Mayor LaDeana Londo
Dr. Michele Turner-Wood
Katrina Altersitz-Wella Panelist
Katrina Altersitz Wells is an editor for medical news publications, living in South Jersey with her three beautiful daughters and husband. In 2013, she found out she is a carrier for the BRCA1 mutation and has since undergone prophylactic surgeries to reduce her risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer. She will discuss knowing your own cancer risk and understanding the options available for screening and risk reduction.
Ray Watkins, Panelist
Who is Ray Watkins?
He is a native of Camden NJ. A proud graduate of Woodrow Wilson High School. Mr. Watkins was raised to treat the janitor the same as the CEO. A man of little words and a lot of action. If you live work or play in Winslow Twp. you have encountered Raymond Watkins. Currently he works as Food Service Manager for the Winslow Twp. School District. Mr. Watkins also served as Deputy Mayor in 2024/ Ward 3 Committeeman in Winslow Twp. and the Board at Camden County Council On Economic Opportunity. His community roles have been liaison to the Winslow Twp. Zoning Board, Director of Public Works Winslow Township, Liaison to the Municipal Alcohol and Drug Alliance, Liaison to the School Board, Celebrations Committee, National Night Out Committee, Family Day and Juneteenth Director. In addition he has been known to organize and host clothes, toys, book drives and PPE Give aways in Winslow Twp. and other surrounding communities like Camden, Bridgeton, Chesilhurst, Mitzvah, Clementon, Lindenwold, and Blackwood to name a few. He also helps managed campaigns for many elected officials. Ray Watkins is one who thinks, plans and executes. Ray is a landlord, an audio engineer with over 35 years of music production experience. To add to his library of creativity he is also a web/ graphic designer and photographer. He is the Owner of Drop Zone Recording Studio, co- owner of Movies Plus Outside Entertainment, and The R Barbershop in Sicklerville where he always informs and encourages adults and our youth while cutting their hair. The Village of Camden County Inc. is the newest venture that is set to do some great things for the community. Ray Watkins was the recipient of the Omega Psi Phi Citizen of the Year award in 2017 also in 2020 he received The Community Service Award During the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Celebration and Awards Ceremony sponsored by the Community Care Food and Clothing Pantry, in 2021 The “My Roses Now” Award from The DOT Organization and the 2024 recipient of the Camden County’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Medal Award. This entrepreneur, philanthropist community icon is also the proud father of three amazing children. His wife and business partner Desiree brings him peace and support.
Charles Johnson, Panelist
Charles Johnson possess over 34 years of progressive technical training and experience in nuclear power plant operations, nuclear marine propulsion systems, industrial electrical maintenance, supervision, and steel manufacturing. Honorably served as a United States Navy Enlisted Petty Officer and a nuclear-qualified Electrician’s Mate. Experienced as an Electrical Maintenance “A” Nuclear Electrician and Radiological Emergency Response Organization Team Member for a commercial nuclear power utility company. Currently a Senior Technical Training Specialist for Electrical Substations.
