YWCA Northern New Jersey’s Operation Sisterhood hosted its annual Women Veterans Appreciation Day dinner and ceremony on June 12, at Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Florham Campus in Madison. The event brought together veterans, community leaders, and advocates from across the state to celebrate the courage, service, and leadership of New Jersey’s women veterans.
This year’s gathering honored 12 women veterans and community leaders, all selected through a public nomination process for their dedication to service and their alignment with YWCANNJ’s mission of empowerment and equity. Special remarks were shared by Assemblywoman Aura Dunn (R-25) and state Sen. Kristin Corrado (R-40) who recognized the honorees and paid tribute to the contributions of women in uniform.
A highlight of the evening was the State Medal Ceremony conducted in partnership with the New Jersey Department of Military and Veterans Affairs. Twelve women veterans – including two YWCANNJ honorees – were presented with official state medals in recognition of their distinguished military service.
Following the event, YWCANNJ announced that it has received a $100,000 grant from the nonprofit Impact100 Garden State to support Operation Sisterhood. This funding will allow the organization to expand services for women veterans, including mental health support, career readiness programs, and opportunities to strengthen community connections.
“With this funding, we can deepen the impact of Operation Sisterhood and continue ensuring that women veterans receive the respect, recognition, and resources they deserve – not just during commemorative events, but every day,” said Helen Archontou, CEO of YWCA Northern New Jersey
Launched as a program of YWCANNJ in 2024, Operation Sisterhood is dedicated to supporting women veterans as they transition to civilian life. The initiative offers a platform of support and wraparound services designed to meet the specific needs of women who have served.
Women Veterans Appreciation Day is observed each year on June 12. It commemorates the anniversary of the Women’s Armed Services Integration Act of 1948. While not yet a federal holiday, it is recognized in New Jersey because of legislation signed by the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver.
There are more than 2 million women veterans in the United States today, 10% of the total veteran population, and projected to reach 18% by 2040.
The community partners and sponsors supporting the event were: Horizon Blue Cross, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, New Jersey SOS Veterans Stakeholders Group, New Jersey State of Veteran Chambers, Office of Veteran Services at Fairleigh Dickinson, and Catholic Charities.
