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Women of Achievement Tribute Journal 2026

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Tribute Journal

Our Mission

Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

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.

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.

* Members may substitute for the word God in accordance with their own spiritual beliefs.

Welcome

Tanvee Sethi

Girl Scout Representative to the Board

Wednesday, April 29, 2026

Pledge of Allegiance and Girl Scout Promise & Law

Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey

Opening Remarks

Sandra A. Kenoff

President/Chief Executive Officer, Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey

Honoree Introduction

Shanna Jafri

Board Chair, Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey

2026 Honoree Award Presentation

Esperanza Porras-Field, Christina Field, Hope Field

Morris County Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce Leadership

Traci Johnson

Shavonda E. Sumter

Christina McHale, Elinor J. Ferdon Young Woman of Promise

Cecilia Purschke, Mitzi Golbek Spirit of Girl Scouting Award

Presentations by Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey

Mission Moment

Leigh Anne Sauchelli, CFRE

Director of Development, Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey

Thank You

Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey

A Message from the Board Chair and President/CEO

Welcome, dear friends and supporters of Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, to our 46th Annual Women of Achievement Gala.

We are honored to gather tonight to celebrate extraordinary women whose leadership, vision, and impact strengthen our communities and inspire the next generation. At a time when the world is changing rapidly, their example reminds us of what is possible when courage, confidence, and character lead the way.

Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce Leadership

Christina Field Chairwoman

Traci Johnson Executive VP of Revenue & Engagement

United Way of Northern New Jersey

Christina McHale

Olympian & WTA Professional Tennis Player

2026 Elinor J. Ferdon Young Woman of Promise

Hope Field Corporate Council Advisory Chair

Shavonda E. Sumter

President & CEO

Children’s Aid and Family Services

Former District 35 Representative NJ General Assembly

Cecilia Purschke

GSNNJ Volunteer

2026 Mitzi Golbek Spirit of Girl Scouting Award

These remarkable leaders reflect the very outcomes we strive to cultivate in every Girl Scout: girls who are prepared not only to succeed, but to lead, innovate, and shape the future.

We are especially excited to be expanding that future through the launch of our Girl Scout DreamLab, a bold new initiative designed to equip girls with the skills, confidence, and curiosity to explore emerging fields including technology and artificial intelligence. The DreamLab represents our commitment to providing girls with the tools and resources they need to meet our mission.

We are deeply grateful to our sponsors and guests whose generosity fuels the Girl Scout Leadership Experience across northern New Jersey. Because of you, we are expanding opportunities for girls to build critical skills, explore new pathways, and grow into the leaders our world needs now more than ever.

Together, we are not only celebrating achievement. We are investing in the limitless potential of girls.

Invest in Girls. Change the World.

With Sincere Appreciation,

A Message from Bonnie Barczykowski,

of Girl Scouts of the USA

Dear Friends,

Every year, Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey’s Women of Achievement event celebrates honorees who are leaders in their fields and exceptional role models for young women. These visionary women’s accomplishments inspire not only their industries, but also the next generation of women who aspire to lead, innovate, and make meaningful change.

Adult role models and mentors have never been more important for young girls—and they are at the heart of Girl Scouting. They bring the Girl Scout experience to life, introducing girls to new passions, equipping them with the skills and experiences they need to move through the world with courage and confidence, and guiding them to the opportunities that lie ahead.

On behalf of the entire Girl Scout Movement, I want to extend my heartfelt congratulations to this year’s Women of Achievement honorees: Christina Field, Hope Field, Traci Johnson, Christina McHale, Esperanza Porras-Field, Cecilia Purschke, and Shavonda Sumter.

These women embody the vision and values of the Girl Scout mission and are making a profound difference in communities across northern New Jersey. I am so grateful for their leadership.

Yours in Girl Scouting,

Innovator Level Sponsors

Risk Taker Level Sponsors

Leader Level Sponsors

Esperanza Porras-Field

Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce Leadership Founder & President, Emeritus

Esperanza Porras-Field is President and CEO of HopeSeasons, LLC, and Founder and President Emeritus of the Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce. Most recently, she founded the Middlesex Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, continuing her decades-long commitment to empowering entrepreneurs, strengthening small businesses, and advancing sustainable economic development at the local, regional, national, and international levels.

A nationally respected business leader, educator, and civic advocate, Esperanza brings more than 40 years of experience in entrepreneurship, economic development, real estate, workforce training, and public service. She is a Broker Sales Associate with Coldwell Banker Realtors and a recipient of the President’s Club and Multi-Million Dollar Club awards. She also leads HopeSeasons, a consulting and training firm focused on small business development, business incubation, supplier engagement, and workforce readiness.

A pioneer in chamber leadership, she has served on national and international boards, including the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Foundation, and chaired its 2006 National and International Convention and Business Expo. She is also the Executive Producer and Host of the award-winning television program Mi Casa Es Su Casa and works alongside her daughters, Hope and Christina Field, at the Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce. Esperanza studied Social Science

at Saint Peter’s University and has completed executive and professional education programs focused on business leadership and economic development.

Christina Field

Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce Leadership Chairwoman

Christina Field is a fashion designer with more than 15 years of experience spanning fashion design, counseling, and nonprofit leadership. She trained under iconic designers Tommy Hilfiger and Anna Sui and spent more than a decade at Pink Chicken New York, where she rose to Design Director and helped scale the startup. During her tenure, she designed handmade collections that shared the stage with Andy Hilfiger’s menswear in “Lady Boho Meets Men’s Rock ’n’ Roll.”

Christina is the Founder and Creative Director of STINA, an independent fashion house specializing in athleisure, sportswear, and high fashion. Her work focuses on women’s and children’s apparel, blending vintage, print, and bohemian influences with a commitment to sustainability through upcycling and hand sewing.

Beyond her work in fashion, Christina serves as Chairwoman of the Morris County Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce, advocating for small businesses, entrepreneurship, and education. She previously served as Vice Chairwoman and Hope Foundation President, earning honors including Outstanding Fashion Leader of the Year, Board Member of the Year, and recognition on NYC’s Negocios Now 40 Under 40 list.

Christina earned a double major in Psychology and Spanish from the University of Scranton, a dual master’s degree in Psychological Counseling from Columbia University, and studied Fashion Design at Parsons School of Design.

Hope Field

Morris County Hispanic-American Chamber of Commerce Leadership Corporate Council Advisory Chair

Hope M. Field is a nationally and locally recognized leader with more than 21 years of experience advancing community impact through strategic partnerships, civic engagement, and collaborative leadership. She is known for bringing together corporate, nonprofit, and public sector stakeholders to develop innovative solutions that strengthen communities.

Hope serves as Chairwoman of the Corporate Advisory Council for the Morris County Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce and previously served as Chairwoman of the Board. She currently serves as Director of Community Affairs at Healthfirst, where she leads community relations and engagement initiatives focused on partnerships and meaningful local impact. Earlier in her career, she held senior leadership roles at The Coca-Cola Company in National Partnerships, Public Policy and Government Relations, and Latin Affairs. She also served as Director of Public Private Partnerships for South South News, a United Nations global media platform, and has held positions with BlackRock, Inc., GTS Consultants, Inc., Cendant Corporation, and Hopeseasons LLC.

Her leadership and service have been widely recognized through numerous honors, including being named a Latinos 40 Under 40 New York honoree, receiving the Rising Star Award from Negocios Now, and being ranked in the NJ Latino Leaders Index Top 100. A graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University, she holds a master’s degree in Organizational

Behavior and a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Business, and currently serves as Vice President of the Board of Governors.

Traci Johnson

United

Way of Northern New Jersey

Traci Johnson pursued a Master of Arts in Journalism at New York University, where she developed a deep appreciation for storytelling, advocacy, and the power of public discourse. A dedicated philanthropist, she actively supports organizations including the Fresh Air Fund, Girl Scouts, Kulture City, and United for ALICE, reflecting her longstanding commitment to strengthening communities and advancing equity.

Traci is also engaged in the civic and political landscape of New Jersey, participating in initiatives and conversations centered on policy, affordability, and community leadership. Through her philanthropic and civic involvement, she continues to champion efforts that expand opportunity and improve the quality of life for families across the region.

Above all, Traci considers her greatest accomplishment to be raising her two kind and compassionate daughters, Brooklyn and Teagan, who remain the center of her life and purpose. She is the wife of Tiki Barber and balances her philanthropic and civic commitments with a deep devotion to family.

Children’s Aid and Family Services

Former District 35 Representative

NJ General Assembly

Shavonda E. Sumter is President and CEO of Children’s Aid and Family Services, a role she assumed in May 2022. She brings more than 20 years of experience in healthcare leadership, including senior positions at Hackensack Meridian Health Mountainside Hospital, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, and Summit Oaks Hospital, where she led growth strategies and managed behavioral health services.

Since 2012, Shavonda has represented the 35th District in the New Jersey General Assembly, serving on key committees including Health and Senior Services, Commerce and Economic Development, Law and Public Safety, and Labor. She made history as the first woman to serve as Chair of the NJ Legislative Black Caucus and has sponsored legislation to expand healthcare access, address violence as a public health crisis, and increase addiction treatment services. She has also represented New Jersey at international summits on urban sustainability and social cohesion.

An active civic and community leader, Shavonda serves on the boards of NJAMHAA, St. Luke CDC, Eastwick College, and the NAACP. She holds an M.B.A. in Healthcare Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University and a B.A. from Kean University.

Christina McHale

Elinor J. Ferdon

Young Woman of Promise

Christina McHale is a professional tennis player on the WTA Tour who reached a career high ranking of No. 24 in singles and No. 35 in doubles. Her career highlights include representing Team USA at the 2012 London Olympics, capturing one WTA singles title and three WTA doubles titles, and reaching the semifinals of the 2018 US Open mixed doubles competition.

Beyond her accomplishments on the court, Christina has demonstrated a strong commitment to leadership within the sport. She served on the WTA Player Council from 2020 to 2022 and currently serves as a board member of the Serving Up Hope Foundation. Since 2023, she has also been a member of the WTA Sports Science Commission.

Christina recently graduated from Indiana University in 2024 with a degree in Communications and a minor in Spanish.

The Elinor J. Ferdon Young Woman of Promise Award was founded in 2014 to pay tribute to the former Girl Scouts of the USA National President (1996-1999) and former Girl Scout Council of Bergen County Board Chair (1974-1980). Celebrated for her outstanding leadership of Girl Scouts, Ellie is dedicated to the mission that all girls may reach their full potential. Through this award, we honor Ellie Ferdon’s vision by highlighting an exceptional young woman with a very promising career ahead of her.

Cecilia Purschke of Chatham, New Jersey, is a Lifetime Member of Girl Scouts of the USA and has dedicated 22 years as an active volunteer, serving as both a troop leader and member of her local service unit team. She manages her service unit’s website, chathamgs.org, leads Silver Award trainings, and guides Girl Scouts in developing and submitting their Silver Award projects.

Ceal earned a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from La Salle University, an Executive MBA from Columbia University, and holds her CPA certification. She enjoyed a successful career in finance and publishing at Time Warner before working full-time for her family.

Most recently, Ceal served as a contractor at Girl Scouts of the USA in Program Strategy and Development, contributing to the Digital Content Strategy and Highest Awards teams. She combined her professional expertise with

Cecilia Purschke GSNNJ

Mitzi Golbek Spirit of Girl Scouting Award

her volunteer experience to help create meaningful resources for Girl Scout leaders and girls nationwide.

The Mitzi Golbek Spirit of Girl Scouting Award was founded in 2007 to memorialize the former Girl Scouts: Lenni-Lenape Council executive director, who led the council from 1989-2002. Celebrated for her innovation in programming and council growth, Mitzi was an advocate of good food shared with friends and family. Through this award, we honor Mitzi Golbek’s vision and her 39 years as a Girl Scout.

Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey Media Team

These Girl Scouts represent our council at events and in interviews and provide communications support in sharing our stories with the media throughout the year.

Ellie Anderson

Madeleine Brice

Pascale Brice

Charlotte Castano

Callista Chan

Rosaria Constantine

Damaris Delgado

Madeline Djimopoulos

Amelia Colette Galgocy

Felicity June Galgocy

Alessia Gareri

Monserrate Haney

Fynnleagh Harris

Abby Jafri

Grace Joo

Penelope Koo

Jane Krattiger

Yasmine Lalani

Ella Larionoff

Madelyn Larionoff

QiQi Ma

Collins McDade

Camille Osborne

Sofia Pelish

Remya Rajput

Isabella Rupprecht

Ariana Russo

Melani Russo

Clara Beatrice San Pedro

Kiana Eloise San Pedro

Anhad Singh

Christina "Emi" Southgate

Victoria "Mari" Southgate

We thank them for being a part of Women of Achievement and for bringing the spirit of Girl Scouting to our gala. www.gsnnj.org/MediaGirls

A strong community can do brilliant things.

St. Joseph’s Health is a proud supporter of the Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey.

We congratulate you on your 2026 Women of Achievement gala and commend the distinguished honorees for their commitment to breaking barriers and effecting change.

May you each continue to inspire others with your leadership and dedication to our community.

W. Zucker, M.D., F.A.A.P . • Jeffrey M. Bienstock, M.D., F.A.A.P

Melissa A. Chism, M.D., F.A.A P • Sapna Shah, M.D., F.A.A.P • Heather Shafi, M.D., F.A.A.P

ALL BOARD CERTIFIED PEDIATRICIANS

20-20 Fair Lawn Avenue, Fair Lawn, NJ • (201) 791-4545

90 Prospect Avenue, Hackensack, NJ • (201) 342-4001

400 Franklin Turnpike, Mahwah, NJ • (201) 529-4545

901 Route 23 South, Pompton Plains, NJ • (973) 831-4545

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Open 7 days a week and 4 evenings until 9:00 p.m. • All major insurance accepted.

www.pediatricareassociates.com www facebook.com/pediatricareassociates

Scott

Silent Auction Conditions of Sale

All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges on any items. Goods and services have been donated to GSNNJ and are sold by GSNNJ – not the donor. Please do not ask the donor for refunds, exchanges, or adjustments.

Everything is sold “as is.” GSNNJ assumes no responsibility for the validity of the description, authenticity, or condition of any item offered for sale. Values indicated are those given by the donor and are not warrantied by GSNNJ for any purpose.

The highest bid at the close of the auction on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. will win the item. In the event of a dispute, the CEO’s decision will be final.

Following the conclusion of the auction, you will be prompted to check-out for all items you have won. You may use the credit card saved on file or another credit card to complete this transaction. If you would like to pay in a format other than credit card, please contact Olivia Timmons at otimmons@gsnnj.org. Unless otherwise noted, all outstanding payments will be automatically processed on the next business day. Items may not be collected until payment is received.

Pick-up and Item Distribution: Upon confirmation of payment, all winners will receive an email from GSNNJ regarding their items on Monday, May 4, 2026.

Unless specified, all services are to be fulfilled at a mutually convenient time to both the buyer and the seller. Item descriptions have detailed restrictions and/or expiration dates as indicated by the donor. Please read certificates carefully.

Please do not resell these prizes on eBay or any internet marketplace, as doing so will void some of them and is not in keeping with the spirit of this fundraising endeavor.

The New Jersey Girl Report

Her Future in Focus

Girls need adult champions. Girls need investments in their future. Girls need advocates in academia and policy-making, effecting change that will support their overall well-being.

Presented by the Girl Scouts of New Jersey Councils, The New Jersey Girl Report offers insight into four key areas of wellness that are critical for the holistic development of girls.

• Physical Health

• Life Readiness

• Emotional Wellness

• Social Well-being Join us in building momentum that furthers the well-being of girls. Download a copy of The New Jersey Girl Report at: www.gsnnj.org/NJGirlReport

Thank you to our Women of Achievement Committee

Nancy Konnerth, Chair

Stefanie Luckow-Hawkinson, Shanna Jafri, Krista Korinis, Jane Kurek, Kathryn Marsh, Gwen Riddick, Doris Sanders-Headley, Mikele Simkins

Fund Development Committee

Christina Tso Metz, Chair

Julia Helliesen, Krista Korinis, Shanna Jafri, Tracy Schoenberg

Fund Development Staff

Leigh Anne Sauchelli, CFRE, Director of Development

Matt Potter, Foundation Relations Manager

Olivia Timmons, Fund Development Coordinator

Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey Board of Directors

Shanna Jafri, Board Chair

Germaine Lacqua, 1st Vice Chair

Matthew Lamb, Pharm.D, R.Ph., 2nd Vice Chair

Nashira Spencer, Secretary

Leslie Franklin, Treasurer

Sandra A. Kenoff, President/Chief Executive Officer

Elisa Buckley, Danielle Furze, Julia Helliesen, Krista Korinis, Damon L. McDade, Christina Tso Metz, Christyl Lucille Murray, Catherine P. O’Hern, Tracy Schoenberg, Nicole Sullivan, Pia House Walker, Karen Worthy, Dr. Kate Zatz

Girl Scout Representatives to the Board

Emilia Cole, Yasmine Lalani, Tanvee Sethi

Women of Achievement

Honorees 1980-2025

1980

Barbara Abney Bolger, Rita Cohen

Margaret Cook, Eleanor Menditto

Sophie Werner

1981

Elinor J. Ferdon

1982

(Special 70th Anniversary Event):

“Broadway in Bergen” At John Harms Theatre

1983

Katharine Auchincloss

Myra Greenstone

Joan I. Thomas

1984

Kay Koplovitz

Ellen R. Levine

Elaine Zayak

1985

Anne Donovan

Carol Martin

1986

Ann Applewhite, Nell Bassett, Kent Manahan

Sylvia Porter, Carmel Quinn, Marge Roukema

Catherine Spears

1987

Eleanore Pettersen

Denise Richardson

Kay Ritta

1988

Leanna Brown, Violet Cherry, Felicia Jamison

Sara Lee Kessler, Norma Krajczar, Ruth Krawitz

Anne Philips, Bree Walker

1989

Toshiko d’Elia

Theresa Shank-Grentz

Cheryl Toussaint-Eason

1990

Elizabeth Christopherson, Mary Higgins Clark

Margaret Domber, Julia Kersey

Jewell Jackson McCabe, Mary Mulholland

Marge Roukema

1991

Paula L. Cantor

Arlene Howard

Peggy Noonan

1992

Barbara Abrams, Esq., Jane Francis Brady

Shirley DeLibero

Donna Marie Farrell

Martha Green, Sister Patricia Lynch, C.S.J.P.

Maria Magda O’Keefe, Karla H. Risdon, Dr. Joan S. Specht

1993

Dianne Keel Atkins, Marion Barnett

Barbara C. Hauke, Jean E. Hoysradt

1994

Kathleen A. Donovan, Elinor J. Ferdon

Pearl B. Herring, Ruth J. Miller, Edna Black Teague

1995

Betty and Raymond Wells

1996

Deborah Aronson, Patricia Dunn, Toni Fay

Arlene Locicero, Sandra Ramos, Arline Simpson

Mary Ann Stanek, Charlotte VanderValk

1997

Debra Lennon

Virginia Wentz

1998

Carol Bamesberger, Emmy Bledsoe, Cesarina A. Earl

Patricia Rado, Sandra Siroky, Lynda S. Smith

1999

Rosemarie Arnold, Esq., Linda Brobst, Chrisena Coleman

Tom D’Angelo, Deirdre K. Kane, Virginia L. Laughlin

Mary Jane Owens, Linda Robinson, Susan M. Zellman

2000

Elizabeth “Libbie” Lindsay

Sandra Ann Robinson

Joan M. Wright

2001

Teri Duda, Alexis M. Eckert, Miriam Lopez

Pamela T. Miller, Esq., Patricia A. Nichols

Naomi Pagano, Ruth C. Parker, Irene Sterling, Barbara Utz

The Valley Hospital Breast Center, Ethel J. Williams

2002

Dorothy Leung Blakeslee, Donna Dieterle

Violet Merle McIntosh, MD, Barbara Saunders-Adams

JoAnn Vozech

2003

Dr. Janet Denlinger, Kathleen Laurent

Lisa Peterson, Corethia V. E. Scheurer

Westfield Shoppingtown/ Garden State Plaza

2004

Michelle Brauntuch, Jean Fox Csaposs

Susan DeGennaro, Sister Theresa Mary Martin, C.S.S.F.

Evelin Potts

2005

Kyung Hee Choi, Betty Fetzer

Tamara Schwartz, Lori Stokes

2006

Dr. Traci Burgess, Gail DellaFave

Janet Sharma, Frances I. Sundheim

2007

Dr. Jennifer Ashton, Donnett Barnett

Maxine Frampton, Carol W. Greene, Elaine Walsh

2008

Dr. Afriye Amerson, Amelia Gold, Sheila James

Melissa L. Klipp., Virginia “Gina” Wilson

2009

Bonnie Hodge, Jane Kurek

Assemblywoman Nellie Pou

Assemblywoman Holly T. Schepisi

Dr. Katherine Houghton Zatz

2010

Sister Mary Elizabeth Lloyd, M.P.F.

Margaret Nordstrom, Marlene Bauer

Doris Sanders-Headley, Wendy Shen

2011

Evangeline Gomez, Esq., Julie Kampf

Wanda Maltese, Patricia Milley

Deborah Zastocki, DNP, RN

2012

Lourdes Cortez

Mrs. Frederick Frelinghuysen

Tammie A. Horsfield, Norma Tempel

Camelia M. Valdes, Toni Zimmer

2013

Kimberly Burnett, Natasha Maximoff Chandler

Linda Spradley Dunn, Odette D. Valdez

Barbara von dem Hagen

2014

Poonam Alaigh, Lynne Harwell Algrant

Jane Bainbridge, Essence Harris

Collette Liantonio

2015

Dr. Alicia Abella, Angela Margolit

Jessica A. Jansyn, Lizette Parker

Gigi Regolizio, Marnita Robertson

2016

Katherine Bickerton, Linda Bowden, Gina Bruzzichesi

Malaak Compton-Rock, Lindsey Inserra-Hughes

Dr. Ursula Parrish Daniels

2017

Antje Ballin, Shacara N. Delgado

MaryAnne Faschan, Shannon Lazare

Women of Mountain Development Corp.

Elizabeth Lieb, Irene Fitzgerald, Denise Gonzalez

2018

Elisa Buckley, Mary Ann Deacon, Linda Hanlon

Ellen Kim, Amrit Walia-Zaidi

2019

Lisa Brady, June Bray, Martha De Young Balpreet Grewal-Virk, Janet Henry Cash

Amber Sabathia

2020

Charlotte Abella, Megan Lunde

Jean Myers, Nikki Sumpter

BD Women's Initiative Network

Monica Council-Miles, Luba DeGroat

Jennifer Singelyn Dietrich

2021

Kay Du Fernandez, Nicole Licciardi

Erika Liles, Donna Watridge

2022

Betty A. Garger, Pia House Walker O'Kneeka I. Roberts, Farhanna Sayegh, Carol A. Vargas

2023

Dr. Jabeen Ahmed, Colleen Fay, CPA, MST

Samantha Plotino, Danielle Nebres

2024

Catherine P. O'Hern, Veronica Ross

Kristina Tiralosi, LaKreisha Jean

2025

Tiffany Bohlin, Meghan Hunscher, Nancy Konnerth, Jennifer Cable, Dr. Mikele Simkins

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Women of Achievement Tribute Journal 2026 by Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey - Issuu