The Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey will be recognizing four of New Jersey’s most influential women leaders as this year’s Women of Achievement honorees.
For over 40 years, Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey has recognized extraordinary women from the local community for their personal and professional accomplishments, paying a special tribute to their successes at GSNNJ’s annual Women of Achievement gala. This year’s Women of Achievement honorees include women leaders across northern New Jersey from various industries and backgrounds, each of whom is being recognized for breaking barriers and making a significant change in their communities while serving as a strong role model for girls. This year’s honorees include:
- Catherine O’Hern, litigation associate, Schenck Price Smith and King, recipient of Women of Achievement Award: A resident of Morristown, O’Hern specializes in medical malpractice defense, civil litigation, insurance defense, third-party liability and appellate matters. She previously clerked for Judge William McGovern III, and served as a judicial intern and mediator in the Morris County Superior Court. Before practicing law, O’Hern had a career as a marketing representative for a mainframe and supercomputer firm, designing and supervising the installation of proprietary software solutions for Fortune 500 companies. After she took time off to raise her four daughters, she took “the road less traveled” and started a new chapter in the law at an uncommon age.
- Veronica Ross, senior vice president and director of diversity, equity & inclusion, Kearny Bank, recipient of Women of Achievement Award: Ross, of Westwood, has 35 years of experience in the financial industry. In her role at Kearny Bank, she works closely with all departments on the bank’s DE&I initiatives to drive awareness and develop a diverse environment for all team members. Ross also leads the women in business program, Kearny Bank ChangeMakers, which provides educational resources, support and networking opportunities to ensure the growth and success of women-owned businesses. Before working at Kearny Bank, Ross served as SVP for PNC Bank and served in various regional management positions with Wachovia Bank, where she launched its Hispanic initiative for the tristate area and served as spokesperson for radio commercials and television spots promoting products and services to the largely underserved Hispanic community.
- Kristina Tiralosi, senior software engineer, Creston Electronics, recipient of the Elinor J. Ferdon Young Woman of Promise Award: A resident of Hillsdale, Tiralosi is a graduate of Ramapo College in Mahwah with a bachelor’s degree in computer science and is a Gold Award Girl Scout. Tiralosi earned her Girl Scout Gold Award for her successful chartering of the Students Against Destructive Decisions organization at Northern Valley Regional High School at Old Tappan when she was a student there, contributing to a large-scale anti-smoking and anti-drug movement at the school. She continues her work in this area by returning to the school each year to mentor students and present an award to a graduating senior who has participated in the club.
- LaKreisha “Kree” Jean, community curator for the Office of the Bergen County Executive, GSNNJ Service Unit treasurer and troop leader, recipient of the Mitzi Golbek Spirit of Girl Scouting Award: A resident of River Vale, Jean is a lifetime member, Service Unit treasurer and troop leader with GSNNJ. With over 25 years of experience in management and advisement, she organizes community events, locally and regionally, that aim to educate attendees on critical cultural and health matters. Jean has performed in many roles, including national chair of curriculum for Jack & Jill of America Inc., treasurer of Mocha Moms Inc. Bergen County chapter and visionary leader of the newly chartered Alpha Beta Rho Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.
“The goal of our Women of Achievement gala is to honor women who serve as role models for the 18,500 girls in the GSNNJ Council, who are influential leaders in their industry and community, and exemplify the leadership ideals inherent in Girl Scouting,” Sandra Kenoff, CEO and president, Girl Scouts of Northern New Jersey, said. “Catherine, Veronica, Kristina and Kree could not be more deserving of these awards, and we look forward to recognizing their leadership and achievements this April and are eager to see what they do next.”
This year’s gala will take place from 6:30-10 p.m. April 24 at the Venetian in Garfield.
Proceeds from Women of Achievement provide opportunities for girls to participate in girl-led programming such as STEM, outdoors, financial literacy, civic advocacy and healthy living; recruit volunteers and provide them with training and the tools needed to engage and mentor girls; give access to age-appropriate materials, activities and resources to inspire girls; and reach more girls by providing scholarships and financial assistance to those in need.
For more information about the event, sponsorship opportunities or purchasing tickets, click here.
