These Inspiring Bloomfield Women ‘Embrace Equality,’ Officials Say

BLOOMFIELD, NJ — A trio of council members from Bloomfield gave a well-deserved shout-out to some inspiring members of the community for 2023 International Women’s Day.

The Township of Bloomfield Women’s History Month Committee recently sought nominations for the 2023 Bloomfield Women to Watch awards, an annual event recognizes and celebrates women who have made “significant contributions to the community and have demonstrated leadership, innovation, and impact in their personal and professional lives.”

The town didn’t disappoint, officials said.

On Wednesday, council members Sarah Cruz, Wartyna Davis and Jenny Mundell took to social media to highlight several community members who “embrace equality.” They included:

FIREFIGHTERS – “Being trailblazers in a profession primarily dominated by men is no small feat. Last year, Bloomfield residents Claudia Astudillo and Stephanie Orgueira-Aponte joined the ranks of the Bloomfield Fire Department, becoming the first women to serve as firefighters in the entire 140-year history of the department. Desiring to become firefighter since she was 13, Stephanie persevered to reach her dream in spite of attitudes that “girls don’t grow up to become firefighters,” becoming a volunteer in Secaucus at age 22 and joining the Bloomfield Fire Department as a professional 10 years later. Claudia, too, demonstrates unstoppable drive even beyond the fire service, owning her own accounting business, and coaching basketball at Fairview Elementary School, where two of her four children attend. Congratulations, Claudia and Stephanie! You are certainly #BloomfieldNJ Women to Watch!”

BUSINESS LEADER – “When we think of those who promote and empower women, Debra Dixon-Anderson is a shining example of how it’s done. Debra is the founder and owner of Light of Gold PR, Marketing, and Consulting, LLC, which has been in business for 16 years. Under Debra’s tireless leadership, Light of Gold PR hosts multiple events each year, including the Gold Women’s Business Connect Conference and Gold Women’s Wellness event in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month (a cause near and dear to Debra as a breast cancer survivor). This wellness event provides support for the individuals, and their caregivers, and ensures that everyone has the important information needed to advocate for their health. As an employer, Debra hires college interns and gives them practical, real-world experience, empowering future generations. Congratulations to Debra Dixon-Anderson, a #2023BloomfieldWomantoWatch. You inspire us!”

EDUCATION ADVOCATE – “Advocating for others comes naturally for some and Bloomfield is fortunate to have a notable voice in Kasey Dudley, Vice President of the Bloomfield Board of Education and Board Rep for Berkeley Elementary School. She has been a pillar in her school's community, aiding in Berkeley receiving two incredibly important grants, (1) supporting their growing bilingual community and (2) focusing on building self-esteem and social-emotional wellness for elementary school girls. Kasey is also a community activist. She sits on The Bloomfield Civil Rights Commission and the Bloomfield Juneteenth Advisory Committee and continuously looks for ways to further embrace diversity in the community. Though she may not seek the recognition, today we are delighted to honor Kasey as a #2023BloomfieldWomantoWatch. Thank you for all you do!”

EDUCATOR/VOLUNTEER – “Generosity comes in many forms. The generosity of time is one of the most valuable. Jaynellen Behre Jenkins is our next #2023BloomfieldWomantoWatch. Jaynellen volunteers on the International Executive Board with her sorority, AOII, through which she supports young women’s growth into leadership via mentoring and the development of chapters across the US and Canada. Jaynellen is currently the Director of Student Personnel for Saddle Brook School District and is celebrating her 30th year as an educator, with 24 years as an administrator (some of those in Bloomfield). She also serves as a trustee and founding member of the Bloomfield Public Library Foundation. Jaynellen accomplishes all of this and more, while raising a family. For her dedication to service, the community, and leadership, we are grateful to call Jaynellen a 2023 Bloomfield woman to watch!”

ROLE MODEL – “Longtime Bloomfield resident Barb Minemier embraces the notion of “giving back.” She is always quick to help a friend in need and has extended that gesture to the Bloomfield community. A board member for the Neighbor to Neighbor Network NJ, which connects volunteers with Bloomfield’s most vulnerable populations, on a weekly basis, Barb picks up and delivers food from a local pantry and always makes time to connect with those she serves. Barb is also someone who understands the importance of “owning your voice” and speaking up for what you believe in and is known for attending council meetings to speak on matters related to the quality of life. She is a role model for women and uses her knowledge and experience to lift them up and own their space. We thank Barb for all she does in our community and congratulations on being a #2023BloomfieldWomantoWatch.”

ENVIRONMENTALIST – “For her incredible commitment to preserving our environment and her leadership of Bloomfield’s Beautification Committee, we are proud to honor Susan Moseson as a #2023BloomfieldWomantoWatch! Susan is forging change in our community, bringing to light environmental issues that not only impact quality of life, but will ensure a better future for all of us. Her passion for teaching children and adults about the importance of preservation, conservation, and growing native plants, which she does in key areas of the town, is truly making our town a more beautiful and sustainable place to live. Susan has been working with the Friends of Watsessing Park Conservancy Butterfly Garden and is involved in Bloomfield's milkweed giveaway, pollinator festival, and seed-collecting event. Areas all over our township are more beautiful and environmentally friendly thanks to Susan’s work and leadership, and that is why we honor her as a #2023BloomfieldWomantoWatch.”

BUSINESS FOUNDER – “Local business owner and #BloomfieldNJ resident, Claudine Mossberg, is our next #2023BloomfieldWomantoWatch. Claudine is a force of good for our community. She is a mother of three and the founder of Outdoor Play Connection, where she uses her specialized training and love of the outdoors to support families in spending more time enjoying and learning in nature. She is committed to serving a diverse clientele by keeping costs low and offering scholarships to any family seeking to increase their outdoor activity but struggle to pay for organized programs. Claudine’s vision is to improve the mental and physical health of Bloomfield families through a connection to the outdoors, and she will not stop identifying ways to do so in accessible ways. Thank you for making Bloomfield proud, Claudine!”

YOUTH OUTREACH – “Engaging and inspiring our youth is key to a successful township, and our next #2023BloomfieldWomantoWatch does just that! Alisa Piacenza, known to Bloomfield library friends as Ms. Lisa, goes above and beyond to make all our young patrons and families feel welcome. Ms. Lisa caters to children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds; she is endlessly nurturing and encouraging to children, boosting their confidence effortlessly. We honor her amazing attitude and permanent smile, having a direct impact on the youth of our diverse community. “I am lucky to have Ms. Lisa as a colleague, but I am honored to also have her as a friend,” said Cheryl Locastro, a 2022 Woman to Watch winner. We couldn’t agree more!”

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE – “Being the voice for those who need someone to speak on their behalf is one way our next 2023 #BloomfieldWomantoWatch shows up for the community. Stephanie Smith has made a career speaking up for women and children who are victims of domestic and sexual violence, serving as a sexual assault advocate, a community-based responder, and community educator. Known to her nominator as a “gem,” Stephanie is no stranger to being recognized for her work, having received the We Care Partners, Inc. Inspirational Matriarch Award, the Bridge to Recovery Award for Sexual Assault Community Service, and many more. For her advocacy work in the community, Stephanie is truly a deserving #BloomfieldNJ Woman to Watch!”

CARING NEIGHBOR – “Not all heroes wear capes. Sometimes they are simply a neighbor who knows how to make a fellow woman feel welcome, heard, and valued. Our final #2023WomantoWatch, Amanda Pinales, is that neighbor. Sure, she organizes the local block party and Facebook group, but more recently she started a meetup to help those starting new adventures in our town in school, motherhood, or simply women who want to get to know each other. Amanda especially encourages celebrating diversity, often through food. In doing so, she has helped forge a wonderful network of moms and women who are great resources to one another and share a wonderfully supportive, inclusive vibe. Small (and not so small) efforts can make a big difference, and that is why we are proud to recognize Amanda!”

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