Girl Scouts will celebrate, recognize and honor eight Jersey Shore women for their accomplishments at work and in the community at a Phenomenal Women Under 40 event on Sept. 22 in Howell.
Among the honorees are Eatontown residents Danielle M. Jones and Shannon Oreficé, according to a press release from Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore.
“Our Jersey Shore community is home to many remarkable women,” said Eileen Higgins, chief executive officer of Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. “This year, we are thrilled to recognize and celebrate eight outstanding role models who embody the Girl Scout go-getter spirit.”
“In this challenging time, Girl Scouts more than ever need positive role models to inspire them and encourage them on their path to becoming leaders,” Higgins added.
Phenom Award recipients were selected from a public nomination process that considered “leadership in the workplace, community volunteerism, and demonstrated hard work and dedication necessary to be a success,” said Teri O’Connor, chairwoman of Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Board of Directors.
Jones is a member of the Eatontown Borough Council. She serves as Student Communications and Leadership Development specialist for the Educational Opportunity Fund at Brookdale Community College.
Oreficé is the director of programs for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Coastal and Northern New Jersey and advocates for social justice.
Also being honored are: Alaina Bontales, Holmdel; Kristina Henderson, Pine Beach; Chelsea Masterson, Toms River; Megan O’Keefe, Bayville; Melissa Schwaner, Manahawkin; and Eboné Lawrence-Smith, Neptune.
The community is invited to attend the outdoor event, which will take place from 6-8 p.m., under a tent adjoining the Girl Scout Program Activity Center in Howell. COVID-19 guidelines will be followed, according to the press release.
The Ohana Grill Food Truck and the Roving Bar will roll up with dinner, dessert and beverages for guests.
Proceeds will support leadership programs for nearly 9,000 Girl Scouts representing every ZIP code in Monmouth and Ocean counties and help fund the organization’s financial assistance program to ensure all girls can join and benefit from leadership programs.
Event co-chairs are past Phenom honorees Jamie Bertram, Jersey Shore BlueClaws; Kate Dowd, New Jersey Resources; and Stephanie Toal, OceanFirst Foundation.
Sponsorship and underwriting opportunities ranging from $350 to $3,000 are available to local businesses and individuals. Event tickets are $85 and tickets for a 50/50 raffle, to be drawn at the event, are $10 each.
To attend, sponsor or get more information about the event, go to GSFun.org/phenom or call 800-785-2090.