Natalya Johnson Inspiration Award Bethann Rooney Inspiration Award
Aisha Glover Trailblazer Award
Girl Scout Law
I will do my best to be honest and fair, friendly and helpful, considerate and caring, courageous and strong, and responsible for what I say and do, and to respect myself and others, respect authority, use resources wisely, make the world a better place, and be a sister to every Girl Scout.
Girl Scout Promise
On my honor, I will try:
To serve God* and my country, To help people at all times, And to live by the Girl Scout Law.
*Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.
Dear Friends:
Welcome to the 2026 Women of Vision Awards Breakfast.
There is something special about this room each year. It is a chance to come together, to pause, and to recognize people who are making a real difference in the lives of young people. Not just through what they do, but through how they show up, the example they set, and the care they bring to their work and their communities.
The Women of Vision Awards celebrate individuals whose impact reaches far beyond a single role or title. Our honorees come from different paths and experiences. Some were Girl Scouts. Some were not. What connects them is a shared commitment to opening doors for others and helping young people see what is possible for themselves.
In their own ways, each of them reflects the values at the heart of the Girl Scout Movement. They lead with intention, they give back, and they create space for others to grow, belong, and find their voice.
And by being here this morning, you are part of that as well. Your presence says that this work matters. It says that recognizing those who invest in young people is important. It says that you believe in what is possible when we come together as a community.
At Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey, we see every day how powerful that support can be. It is what helps young people build confidence, discover who they are, and begin to shape their own path forward.
Today, we are proud to celebrate this year’s honorees and the impact they are making in the lives of young people.
Thank you for being here, and for being part of this moment with us.
Together, we are helping to create what comes next.
On Purpose,
Natasha Durant CEO, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey
Leadership Board of Directors
Assemblywoman Linda S. Carter, Chair
Delia Ware-Tibbs, Secretary
Marie Reger, Treasurer
Natasha Davis
Dr. Drew Giddings
Nichelle Howe, MBA
Renée Jones
Allison Kimmich
Charlene Messer
Anisa Mohammed
Trashaun Powell
Lauren Reaves
Tracey A. Reynolds
Samira Sharif
Aarin Michele Williams, Esq.
Jessica Viotto, Immediate Past Board Member
Della Walker, Jr., Immediate Past Board Member
Program Overview
Registration, Networking Reception & Breakfast
Girl Scout Booths Open for Perusal
Welcome and Introduction of Emcee
Natasha Durant, Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey
Introduction of Occasion and Honorees
Raven Santana, Master of Ceremonies
Trailblazer Award
Honoree: Aisha Glover
Presenter: Alyssa P., Troop 60243
Inspiration Award
Honoree: Natalya Johnson
Presenter: Lilijana J., Troop 41249 and 33953
A Girl Scout Story
Storyteller: Shelby M., Troop 80062
Introduced by Raven Santana
Request for Support
Introduced by Joie Langford, Vice President of Strategic Philantropy, Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey
Raven Santana is an awardwinning journalist with a passion for serving NJ’s multicultural communities and a highly respected member of her own.
Santana has served as correspondent/fill-in anchor for NJ PBS’s newsroom, NJ Spotlight News, since 2018. She’s covered the state’s business climate, healthcare issues, undocumented workers legislation and more. She was the first women of color to host the network’s weekly series, NJ Business Beat, and made it a mission to feature often-overlooked issues surrounding minority-owned businesses. She also hosted segments of THIRTEEN’s 2024 local election YouTube series, Your Voice Matters.
Her personal accolades include being featured in CNBC en Español’s International Women’s Day program, highlighting Latina leaders and businesswomen who have made an impact and inspired others. Santana was a guest speaker at the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce and FIFA’s Diversity and Anti-Discrimination in Sports initiative for the 2026 World Cup and recognition at 2023’s Perth Amboy Free Public Library’s 2nd Annual Women’s History Month Celebration, where she received a Mayoral Citation and was presented with a Joint Legislative Resolution by the NJ Senate/General Assembly.
Santana was born and raised in Perth Amboy and resides in Scotch Plains with her two daughters and husband. She is also the proud parent of a Girl Scout.
Girl Scout Speaker Shelby M.
Girl Scout Ambassador, Troop 80062
Shelby is a high school senior that leads in multiple aspects of her life from earning national recognition in Speech and Debate, National delegate representing New Jersey in Youth and Government, and a captain and president of multiple school run organizations and honor societies. As a Girl Scout, Shelby has earned her Silver award, working to complete her Gold award as well as serving as a National New Jersey Delegate for the GSUSA Council, she has spoken at many events and has worked with her community in order to improve the environment around her. This fall she will join the University of Alabama Honors College, where she plans to continue her commitment to scholarship, leadership and service.
Trailblazer Award
Aisha Glover
Global Head of Urban Innovation
Audible
Aisha Glover is Global Head of Urban Innovation at Audible, where she leads global impact investments that strengthen communities and expand opportunity across the company’s hub cities, including Newark, New Jersey.
With nearly two decades of experience advancing economic empowerment and social justice, Aisha is a trusted leader, convener, and strategist. She previously served as President & CEO of the Newark Alliance and held leadership roles with Invest Newark under Mayor Ras J. Baraka. There, she helped lead Newark’s bid for Amazon HQ2, supported over $4 billion in development, and expanded resources for women- and minority-owned businesses.
Earlier in her career, Aisha served as VP of External Affairs at the Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation and at the Brooklyn Center for the Urban Environment, advancing community, sustainability, and education initiatives.
Aisha holds degrees from Hunter College and Baruch College, with executive training from Columbia Business School. She was appointed to Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill’s Transition Team and serves on the boards of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority, New Jersey Hall of Fame, and New Jersey Performing Arts Center. She is also an active member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
Inspiration Award
Natalya Johnson, Esq.
Assistant General Counsel
Johnson & Johnson
Natalya Johnson is Assistant General Counsel at Johnson & Johnson, with expertise in corporate law, employment strategy, and complex litigation. Prior to joining the company, she represented public and private sector clients in federal and state courts, handling a wide range of matters across business, insurance, real estate, education, and health law.
A committed leader within the legal community, Natalya serves as President of the Garden State Bar Foundation, Inc. and is a Past President of the Garden State Bar Association. During her tenure, she established the organization’s first endowed scholarship fund and launched initiatives focused on professional development, mentorship, and wellness. She also serves as a Chair of the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Wellness in the Profession.
Natalya is deeply committed to advancing the next generation of leaders. She holds leadership roles with Cornell Law School and co-founded the Advancement Initiative, expanding access to mentorship and opportunity in law and business. Her impact has been widely recognized, including honors from NJBIZ, ROI-NJ, and the New Jersey Law Journal, and she has been invited to participate in national leadership initiatives, including a The White House convening on building stronger communities. She holds a B.A. and J.D. from Cornell University and is admitted to practice in New Jersey, New York, and before the U.S. Supreme Court.
Inspiration Award
Bethann Rooney
Director of the Port Department
Port Authority of New York and New Jersey
Bethann Rooney is Director of the Port Department at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, overseeing the management, operations, and development of the Port of New York and New Jersey—the largest seaport on the East Coast. She leads a nearly $400 million annual budget and drives capital programs, cargo growth, and initiatives that prioritize safety, sustainability, and operational excellence.
With more than three decades of experience, Bethann is a recognized leader in port operations, maritime transportation, security, and global logistics. Since joining the Port Authority in 1993, she has held leadership roles across operations, leasing, intermodal transportation, and technology. Following 9/11, she was appointed the Port’s first Manager of Port Security, where she built and led critical security and emergency management programs.
She later advanced port performance and efficiency initiatives, including developing the framework for the Council on Port Performance, which helped guide the Port through pandemicrelated supply chain challenges.
Bethann holds degrees from the State University of New York Maritime College and was inducted into its Heritage Hall of Fame. In 2025, she was sworn in as a Commissioner of the Board of Commissioners of Pilots of the State of New York and is a twotime recipient of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Distinguished Public Service Award.
Trailblazer Award
Janeen Uzzell
Chief Executive Officer
National Society of Black Engineers
Janeen Uzzell is Chief Executive Officer of the National Society of Black Engineers, leading the world’s largest student-run organization dedicated to advancing Black engineers in academia and industry. With more than 30,000 members globally, she drives NSBE’s mission to support academic excellence, professional success, and community impact.
Janeen brings global leadership experience across the private, public, and nonprofit sectors. She previously served as Chief Operating Officer of the Wikimedia Foundation, where she launched the Office of the COO, led a team of more than 500, and oversaw a $140 million budget. She also co-created the Wikimedia Knowledge Equity Fund to expand access and participation in free knowledge.
Her career spans nearly two decades at General Electric, where she led global technology and healthcare initiatives, including advancing women in technical roles and driving programs across the U.S. and Africa.
Janeen serves on the White House Presidential Advisory Council on HBCUs and multiple nonprofit boards, and is a venture capital investor. In 2025, she was elected to the National Academy of Engineering, one of the profession’s highest honors. She holds degrees from North Carolina A&T State University and Fairleigh Dickinson University.
Girl Scout Presenters
Camilla C., Girl Scout Ambassador
Troop 65029 in South Plainfield
Alyssa P., Girl Scout Ambassador
Troop 60243 in Hillsborough
Jade P., Junior Girl Scout
Troop 40057 in Plainfield
Lilijana J., Girl Scout Ambassador
Troops 41249 and 33953 in Clark
Sponsored By:
We are proud to sponsor this year’s Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey Women of Vision Awards Breakfast
Congratulations to Bethann Rooney and the other honorees.
We believe the future is built by those who lead with courage, care, and conviction. That’s why we’re proud to support the Girl Scouts Heart of New Jersey and the Women of Vision Awards.
We stand alongside you in honoring the trailblazing women shaping our communities and uplifting the next generation of leaders. Your commitment to service, mentorship, and empowerment is a legacy we’re proud to champion.
Here’s to the changemakers – past, present, and rising.
THE BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS OF PILOTS OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
CONGRATULATES THIS YEAR’S HONOREES, WITH SPECIAL RECOGNITION TO
BETHANN ROONEY
For her outstanding leadership and commitment to inspiring the next generation of Girl Scouts
James Mercante President
Richard Hendrick
Joseph Ahlstrom
William Rowland
Jeffrey Loechner
Bethann Rooney
Kyle Weist Executive Director
www peapackprivate com
INTERNATIONAL LONGSHOREMEN’S ASSOCIATION
Local 920 (est.1916)
We would like to congratulate all of the honors at the 2026 Girl Scouts Women of Vision Breakfast. A special thanks to Bethann Rooney for her tireless contributions to the Port of New York and New Jersey.
MICHAEL IZZO, President/Business Manager
CHARLIE GUNSCH, Secretary Treasurer/Business Agent
JOSEPH SAMARITANO, Vice President
DARIN WALSH, Recording Secretary
Staten Island, NY
Congratulations to Our Friend
Natalya Johnson, Esq. Assistant General Counsel, Johnson & Johnson President, Garden State Bar Foundation, Inc
The Women of Vision Award is well-deserved. We commend you on your efforts to empower young people to obtain the bright futures of their dreams.
With admiration and best wishes, The Officers and Board of Trustees
The New Jersey Girl Report
Where Insight Guides Growth
To better understand the realities facing girls today, the four Girl Scout councils serving New Jersey partnered to produce The New Jersey Girl Report: Her Future in Focus—a first-of-its-kind statewide study examining the experiences, opportunities, and challenges facing girls across the state.
In Focus
Read the full NJ Girl Report here
Presented by the Girl Scouts of New Jersey
Building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place.
