5 Inspiring Livingston Women Earn Awards For Community Service, Leadership

LIVINGSTON, NJ — Livingston has no shortage of inspiring women – and five local community leaders recently got a well-deserved round of applause for their efforts.

The Livingston Committee for Diversity and Inclusion is honoring five residents as part of their 2026 Inspiring Women of Livingston awards.

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Each awardee exemplifies “resilience, compassion, innovation and a deep commitment to making a difference,” township officials announced in a news release.

Here’s who earned a place in the spotlight this year:

• Xiaoshan “Maggie” He is a dedicated community leader advancing arts, culture, and cross-cultural engagement in Livingston. As President of the Livingston Chinese Association and Co-Chair of AAPI Livingston, she leads major events and fosters connections across communities. Her sincere, steady leadership inspires collaboration, cultural exchange, and meaningful community impact.
• Carmen Michael is a dedicated Heritage Spanish teacher with over 20 years of service, known for her compassion, patience, and commitment to students, including those with special needs. A Chilean immigrant, she shares her passion for Hispanic culture while inspiring colleagues through leadership, collaboration, and unwavering personal and professional support.
• Vineeta Khanna is a longtime Livingston community leader known for fostering inclusion and connection. She launched cultural and multicultural programs that grew into town-wide initiatives, served on key boards, and became the first Indian-American Board of Education President. Her empathetic, humble leadership has created lasting impact, strengthening belonging across the community.
• Claire Gao is an exceptional student leader dedicated to education, STEM, and community service in Livingston. She has led major initiatives, founded a nonprofit supporting local and global causes, and mentored youth. A top achiever in Civil Air Patrol, robotics, and debate, Claire combines academic excellence with impactful leadership and service.
• Wendy Keyes is a dedicated Girls on the Run coach who has served Livingston for over 18 seasons, never missing a year. She empowers girls through mentorship, builds confidence and resilience, and trains new coaches. Her compassion, leadership, and commitment have created a lasting impact on countless girls and the broader community.

This year's honorees join a long list of past luminaries: Judith Friedman, Patricia Sebold, Pamela Chirls, Ronnie Konner, Pam Kaufman Tepper, Carmen Yung, Debbie Kirchen, Donean Rocheville, Marina Goldin, Stacey Melhorn, Xiuju Jiang, Cynthia Healy, Dakashna Bahadur Lang, Barbara Bye, Eleonore "Ellie" Cohen, Vivian Olshen, Maninder "Dolly" Abraham, Kristen Fless, Margie Heller, Joy Klapal, Melissa Casper Holub, Naomi Berkurestsion, Gabriella DeFliippo, Martha Ackerman, and Christy Sanborn.

"We don’t need permission to make an impact," event chairperson Saba Khan said. "We don’t need a title to lead. We certainly don’t need recognition to matter. The truth is, the most powerful work is often done when no one is watching."

Mayor Shawn Klein said the event has become another annual tradition in Livingston.

"Congratulations to all the honorees," Klein said. "We enjoyed hearing your stories and biographies and it is a treat to hear your stories and accomplishments, which provide greater depth and give the community a fuller appreciation of who you are."

Nominations for the 2027 Inspiring Women in Livingston will be available in the fall. For more information about the Inspiring Women of Livingston awards, visit the Livingston Committee for Diversity & Inclusion on Facebook.

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