Boy Scouts Honor Summit Businesswoman

(Summit, N.J.) – The Patriots’ Path Council, Boy Scouts of America, honored local entrepreneur and Summit community volunteer, May Fridel, the CEO of Passion for Spices™, at the 2021 Tribute to Women Awards Luncheon at Baltusrol Golf Club Friday, December 3.

The Boy Scouts’ Women Awards Luncheon is an annual event which honors outstanding women who serve as exemplary role models for the area’s youth through their vocations or avocations, and who live their lives according to the ideas of the Scout Oath and Law.

“As a scouting family, we have seen first-hand the importance of this organization to the youth in our community and in our families,” May said. “I am truly honored that the Boy Scouts have recognized me with this award. I will continue my commitment to serve as a role model for young people, for businesswomen and for immigrants to this country.”

Ms. Fridel is a published author, and the founder and CEO of Passion for Spices™, a Summit-based business committed to sustainable lifestyles. She has authored a cookbook published by the American Diabetes Association, Indian Cuisine Diabetes Cookbook – Savory Spices and Bold Flavors from South Asia, which is available in the US, UK, India and Canada. Ms. Fridel also has written for the Oxford Food Companion; Syrian Christian Food Traditions.

Passion for Spices™ classes are designed for participants to have an exclusive culinary experience from the food cultures of the Mediterranean, Latin, and Asian regions of the world. All classes are hands-on, and are taught by professional chefs who employ cooking practices using sustainable and local food ingredients. Programs include curated classes for children, adults and corporate teams.

A firm believer in giving back to her community, Ms. Fridel is on the Board of Directors for the Suburban Chamber of Commerce, is a member of the Community Block Development Grant Committee of Summit and is a member of the Overlook Auxiliary.

This year, the Scouts recognized five outstanding women in addition to Ms. Fridel. They were: Lena Cohen-Hawkins, Senior Manager - Diversity & Inclusion, Atlantic Health System, Sister Percylee Hart, RSM, Principal of Union Catholic High School, Rori Pipeling, Founder & CEO of The Work-Family Connection, Kathy Prager, Director of Recipient Relations, the Timothy J. Piazza Memorial Foundation and Carmen Rivera, VP / Market Manager, Spencer Savings Bank.

Through the Union County Tribute to Women Awards Luncheon, funds will be raised to support the award-winning child abuse prevention programs offered to the community at large by the Boy Scouts of America. The council ranks first of all Boy Scout councils in the nation in their fight against child abuse.