The Girl Scouts of Delaware-Raritan Inc., continuing its mission to empower all girls from every background, will be recognizing in March six leading New Jersey women role models who have exemplified dedication, leadership and commitment in their communities and in their fields of expertise.
"The leadership of our honorees shows young women that they must persevere and overcome challenges by turning them into opportunities," says Dianne Fairbanks, ED/CEO of Girl Scouts of Delaware-Raritan.
The 12th annual Women of Distinction Awards dinner, sponsored by Educational Testing Service and QualCare Inc., will be held at Forsgate Country Club in Monroe Township on Thursday, March 5, at 5:30 p.m. Judith Leblein, host of WCTC-AM 1450’s Wake Up, Central Jersey will serve as MC for the evening’s event.
In addition, Dr. Patricia Whitley-Williams, associate professor of pediatrics at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, has returned for a second year as event chair.
A nominating committee of women, representing greater Middlesex and Mercer counties’ businesses and communities, chose this year’s honorees from a pool of more than 20 nominees. The six women selected this year have demonstrated excellence in areas of relevance and importance to the Girl Scout movement.
This year’s recipients are:
The World of Healthcare: Annette Catino, president and executive officer of QualCare Inc.;
World Citizen: Christy Davis, Esq., president and chief executive officer of Davis & Partners;
The World of Public Service: Karen Kominsky, deputy commissioner of the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection;
The World of Corporate Leadership: Christine Lokhammer, wealth management regional director of PNC Bank;
The World of Education: Mari Pearlman, vice president of Educational Testing Service, and
The World of the Environment: Carol Royal, founder of Trenton Materials Exchange.
In addition, six Senior Girl Scouts will begin mentoring relationships with the honorees to further demonstrate how successful women involve themselves in their communities.
"The role model aspect of our Women of Distinction tradition shows girls that through hard work, they can achieve any goal they set for themselves and that successful women are everywhere," added Ms. Fairbanks.
The Girl Scouts being honored this year are:
Adriana Natareno of Trenton;
Meaghan Brooks and Kathleen LaCorte, both from Somerset;
Denise Steidel of West Windsor;
Jessica Cheng from East Brunswick, and
Lindsey Hohner of Parlin.
Locally, Ms. Lokhammer, a Hopewell resident, will be mentoring Denise Steidel, who attends West Windsor-Plainsboro High School South.
Approximately 300 guests are expected to attend the 12th annual Women of Distinction dinner. The evening will include a cocktail hour, dinner, video presentation and award ceremony.
For reservations or further information about Women and Girl Scouts of Distinction, call the Girl Scouts of Delaware-Raritan at (732) 821-9090, ext. 112 or 121.
