Theme of “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations” highlighted the lives of local women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership
JERSEY CITY, NJ — On March 27, Hudson County Executive Craig Guy and the Board of County Commissioners proudly celebrated 15 remarkable Hudson County women during the annual Women’s History Month Celebration at the Historic Brennan Court House. The theme for this year’s celebration was “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations,” honoring the collective strength and influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership. Through their efforts, they have served as an inspiration for all generations.
Kearny Mayor Carol Jean Doyle served as the emcee for the event. Speakes included Jenny Davis, Chief of Staff to County Executive; Congressman Rob Menendez (NJ-08); Commissioners Anthony Romano, Fanny Cedeno, Yraida Aponte-Lipski, and Caridad Rodriguez; and East Newark Mayor Dina Grilo. The Celebration featured a dance presentation by Miah Fowler, a student at Explore Middle School, and a music presentation by Sydney Millevoi, Pop and R&B Singer-Songwriter.
The following note from County Executive Guy was featured in the event’s program:
“Congratulations to the 2025 Honorees – all of you represent the best of Hudson County, and your dedicated efforts in leading future generations are a testament to the selfless power of women. As your County Executive, I want to thank you for your devotion to bettering the lives of those in Hudson County. Now more than ever, we must stand together in celebration of each other and our shared goal of moving forward as we seek to inspire others to do the same.
Once again, congratulations to our phenomenal mentors, leaders and friends. I am truly grateful to each of you and your partners across the County.”
The 2025 Hudson County Women’s History Month Celebration honorees bios are included below:
BAYONNE: Maria V. Kazimir
A proud lifelong resident of Bayonne, Maria V. Kazimir has dedicated over 30 years to education and leadership. Inspired by her immigrant parents, who ran a daycare center for over three decades, she developed a deep passion for shaping young minds. Maria began her career as a Grade 3 teacher at Washington Community School before teaching Grades 6, 7 & 8 at Philip G. Vroom School. In 2006, she transitioned into leadership as Assistant Principal at Walter F. Robinson School, later becoming Principal and spearheading the district’s only ESL/Bilingual Program. In 2010, she was appointed Principal of PS #14, home to Bayonne’s Gifted & Talented Program. That same year, the school was renamed in honor of Bayonne Congressional Medal of Honor recipient Nicholas Oresko. Now in her tenth year as Principal of Henry E. Harris Community School (HEH), Maria continues to foster academic excellence. Under her leadership, HEH received national recognition as a Bronze Award recipient from the National Alliance for a Healthier Generation. Maria is the proud mother of Brianna, a teacher at Horace Mann Community School, and Justin, a student-athlete at Widener University. She is married to Charles, a retired Clifton Police Detective and the current Assistant Supervisor of Security for Bayonne Schools. Her unwavering commitment to education, leadership, and community continues to inspire those around her.
EAST NEWARK: Magaly Garnica
True leadership should always be celebrated, to instill hope and inspire the next generation. The Borough of East Newark would like to highlight Magaly Garnica on her contributions and impactful actions as a dedicated leader in the community. She currently serves as a trustee on the East Newark Board of Education and serves as president of the East Newark PTO for over five years. As a mother of three — ages 19, 13, and 9 — Magaly understands firsthand the importance of fostering a love for learning and helping children recognize their potential. Magaly is committed to making East Newark an enjoyable and meaningful place for all, especially the young kids, ensuring they feel supported, included, and proud to be part of their community. Beyond her work in the school, Magaly has collaborated closely with fellow parents, community members, and local leaders, including the mayor, to organize events that bring East Newark families together. Whether planning school programs or community celebrations, she is always working to create opportunities that enrich the lives of those around her. Her strides, determination, and passion to service the community continue to make a lasting impact on the town she loves and is grateful to call home. Greatness always begets greatness.
GUTTENBERG: Patricia Ahern
Patricia Ahern or “Mrs. Ahern” as she is affectionately known to countless students at the Anna L. Klein (ALK) School in Guttenberg has been a paraprofessional for 45 years. During her tenure, Patricia has worn many hats, worked at various grade levels and with many wonderful teachers, paraprofessionals, staff and administrators, whom she counts as her second family. For the last 10 years, Patricia’s most rewarding role continues to be working with the special needs students at ALK. During this time Patricia has not only assisted with the educational needs of her students but more importantly, has served as both mentor and role model, inspiring and helping them to succeed not only in high school and college but life beyond school. Patricia, through her dedication and mentorship continues to be an inspiration for all her students.
HARRISON: Rosemary Bennett
Rosemary Bennett has been a resident of Harrison for many years. She is very active at all culture and community events. Rose, as she is lovingly called, is recognized by the Town of Harrison as a person who is always contributing to the community. She works for the Harrison Police Department and does public relations for police programs, such as “pizza with a cop”, “coffee with a cop” and “Christmas Angels.” Her dedication and community involvement play a crucial role with residents. She is a great mother and proud grandmother. We are proud to have Rose in our community and we are honored to nominate her for “Woman of the Year”.
HOBOKEN: Jen Giattino (Posthumously)
Jen Giattino’s unwavering commitment to her family, friends, and community was the cornerstone of her life. A devoted wife and mother, her greatest joy was her husband Joe, their three sons — Joey, Jack, and Alex — and their beloved dog, Jane. That same love guided her service to Hoboken, where she was elected four times to the City Council and chosen as Council President six times. Jen led with fairness, integrity, and a rare ability to unite people, championing parks, sustainability, and the city’s most vulnerable. She gave her hand and heart to all, uplifting friends, small businesses, and community causes. Guided by her belief that “you can never do wrong by doing the right thing,” she left Hoboken forever better. Though deeply missed, her legacy continues to inspire.
HOBOKEN: Elaine Maidhoff
Elaine Maidhoff’s career as a pre-school educator in Puerto Rico was the first step towards becoming the person she is today. Blessed with a position in St. Mary Hospital in Hoboken within the social work department: adopt-a-family in December, she has assisted families with basic necessities and gifts at Christmas time, participated in the school supply collection program for those less fortunate called the One Child at a Time, clothes pantry for our indigent population, durable medical equipment donations and distribution for our uninsured. She feels more than blessed to serve her community.
JERSEY CITY: Veronica Park
Veronica is a dynamic business executive and community leader with over 25 years of experience in business development, strategic partnerships, and brand expansion. As a co-founder and partner at BeyondBrands, she helps build and scale companies in the Natural Products Industry. Previously, she spent 27 years at Starbucks Coffee Company, where she played a pivotal role in global expansion—spearheading the launch and growth of operations across Asia Pacific and Europe, the Middle East and Africa, including Singapore and the Philippines—while driving innovation in retail, licensing, and food service. A dedicated Jersey City resident for over 20 years, Veronica is deeply involved in the community. She serves as a Board Member for RWJ Barnabas Health, Vice President of the Hudson County Schools of Technology Foundation Board, and an Advisory Board Member for Bareburger. She previously served on the board of Jersey City Medical Center for over 10 years. Additionally, she is the founding chairwoman of the Youth Foundation of Jersey City, demonstrating her commitment to education and local development.
JERSEY CITY: Stephanie Glover Wilson
President and Founder of Hunger Free — Unity in the Community (HFUIC); born and raised in Jersey City, Stephanie has always advocated for the fundamental right to basic food security, often saying, “No one goes to bed hungry.” There is not a single person you could meet out in the community that would be a fiercer and more fearless advocate for everyday people and families. Stephanie has worked and started several local food pantries in Jersey City before deciding to start HFUIC in Bayonne. Although the organization once only served Bayonne and parts of Jersey City, COVID created a need for more locations to be serviced, and Steph answered the call! It is clear in all of Stephanie’ s work how passionate she truly is about taking care of our community. Fun fact about Stephanie: She was the first African American altar girl in the state of New Jersey out of St. Patrick’s Church in Jersey City, NJ!
JERSEY CITY: Shirin Vazir MacCormack
As Founder and Board President of the McGinley Square Community Board, Shirin Vazir MacCormack has demonstrated outstanding commitment and vision as a community leader, organizer, and advocate. Because of her recent efforts in galvanizing her Glenwood Avenue neighbors against out-of-scale and out-of-character development, the architectural character and identity of the district has been preserved, even in the face of relentless real estate pressures. As the owner of a delicately restored 19th-century Victorian home on Glenwood Avenue, she appreciates the vitality of historic preservation and has shared her passion for Jersey City’s historicity and cultural value. To her, preservation is a quality-of-life issue, not merely a means of increasing property values. Her strength and character and ability to inspire others all, speak to her dedication to, and belief in, the city that she and her husband Nathan have called home for decades. Shirin has also recently joined the board of the Jersey City Landmarks Conservancy, a non-profit organization founded in 1999 to preserve, protect, and promote Jersey City’s historic buildings, sites, and districts.
KEARNY: Patricia Sherwen
Patricia Sherwen has devoted much of her life to working with children. She graduated from Newark State College (Kean University) receiving a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and a master’s degree in Reading Specialization. She was a first-grade teacher and reading specialist for 43 years. Patricia has also served as a religious education teacher at Saint Stephen’s Parish in Kearny working with students of various age groups including high school and junior high levels. For the last 16 years she has been teaching second grade students preparing them for the sacraments of Penance and First Communion. She presently assists the current minister with group activities. She is proud to have been a member for over 50 years in the New Jersey State Federation of Women’s Clubs through her membership in the Junior Woman’s Club of Arlington and the Woman’s Club of Arlington. These groups have given her the opportunity to serve others not only in Kearny but our state and beyond. She has held many leadership positions on state, district and local levels and is presently co president of the Arlington club. Patricia is a trustee of the Kearny Public Library serving as vice president and the vice president/secretary of the Friends of the Kearny Library. She is also a long-time member of St. Stephen’s Finance Council.
NORTH BERGEN: Ruth Shaw
Ruth Shaw’s dedication to Hudson County, particularly North Bergen, makes her an exemplary Woman of the Year. A lifelong resident, her 32-year tenure at the North Bergen Municipal Utilities Authority showcases her unwavering commitment to public service. She has been a county committeewoman for three decades, deeply invested in local governance. Shaw’s six terms as an elected North Bergen Board of Education trustee, including two presidencies, underscore her passion for education. Beyond professional roles, her 13 years volunteering at the North Bergen Recreation Center and over 50 years of marriage to John Shaw, with children John Jr. and Tiffani Paglione and two grandchildren, highlight her dedication to family and community.
SECAUCUS: Agnes Bowman
Agnes’ journey began as a shy teenager, quickly learning to communicate, problem-solve, and advocate while interpreting for her immigrant parents. These skills gave her the confidence to navigate male-dominated industries, lead a real estate sales team, and teach real estate classes to help agents achieve their goals. Giving back is her passion—whether through mentoring, teaching, or community service. As a team leader at King’s Kitchen, she and volunteers prepare and deliver meals to homebound seniors, alongside dedicated volunteers, mostly women. Volunteering is contagious, inspiring others to step up and serve. She also volunteers for a women and children’s shelter in Paterson, promoting support to those in dire need. In addition, Agnes is a committee member of the Women’s Golf Association of New Jersey, encouraging women and girls to participate in golf as well as helping one another for the sport. Her goal has always been to pave the way for those in need and future generations—ensuring that every woman and girl recognizes her potential, steps forward with confidence by helping those less fortunate, and leads by example
UNION CITY: Mirtha Benitez
Since arriving from Cuba in 2016, Mirtha Benitez has been one of the most dedicated teachers in Union City. A bilingual educator and ESL instructor, she has served the district with unwavering passion, making a lasting impact on her students and community. Living and working in Union City since the day she arrived, Mirtha has poured her heart into her work, giving her all to the children she teaches. With no immediate family in the U.S., she considers her students to be her family, shaping their futures with the care, love, and dedication of a true mentor. Union City is fortunate to have an educator like Mirtha Benitez—one whose devotion to her students is unmatched.
WEEHAWKEN: Kathleen McMahon
Kate McMahon has been a resident of Weehawken for over 33 years. She has been instructing generations of children, teens and adults for 23 years. As the recreation coordinator she has taught all ages- not only with sports but also activities like floral design, painting and many different activities and crafts. During these crafts and activities, she instructs a wide range of ages from children, adults and in particularly seniors. She also has helped teach babies, toddlers and their families while teaching circle time at the Weehawken Public Library. Kate does not stop there; she has also worked organizing activities which benefit the Special Olympics in Weehawken- again, working with all ages. Her instructional influence in all these categories is why Kate McMahon is Weehawken’s 2025 Woman of the Year.
WEST NEW YORK: Katharine Chao
Katharine Chao is a dedicated special education teacher with over thirty years of experience serving the West New York School District students since 1994. As a lifelong resident of Hudson County, she is committed to fostering and creating an inclusive learning environment where every student is encouraged to work hard and do their best. She has a Bachelor of Arts degree from Montclair State University and a master’s degree in special education from New Jersey City University. Beyond education, she is an active leader in the community. She serves as a member of the Hudson County Democratic Committee and the Vice Chairwoman of the West New York Zoning Board of Adjustment, the first woman on the board who has held this position. Katharine is also an active member of the West New York Education Association and has represented Hudson County on several New Jersey Education Association Committees. In June 2021, Katharine faced a challenge that she never expected to have to go through. She underwent brain surgery after being diagnosed with a brain aneurysm, an experience that has given her a second chance at life. She remains deeply grateful for the opportunity to continue to work in the field of education and public service.
WEST NEW YORK: Yoliesy Yanez
In 1999 after graduating from Havana University with a degree in law she settled to live in West New York, where she initially worked in an embroidery factory. Discovering a new passion for education, she returned to school, this time at New Jersey City University, where she received a scholarship to complete a master’s degree in special education with an endorsement in bilingual education. she was hired at Public School 5 to work in a self-contained classroom for students of multiple abilities. The following school year, Yoleisy was selected to work in a new inclusion program at the West New York Middle School, where she taught for an important part of her career. She continued her professional growth when she pursued science courses at Stevens Institute of Technology. She successfully introduced the aquaponics system and a greenhouse at a small scale in a collaboration with general and special education colleagues. She served as a Commissioner of Public Works for four years during one of the most challenging episodes in history—the COVID-19 pandemic. Today, she continues to serve her community as a district supervisor of special education and gifted and talented programs.
For photos from the 2025 Women’s History Month Celebration, click here.