Cumberland County Honors Women’s Hall of Fame Inductees for Community Contributions
- Meeting Overview:
The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners meeting prominently featured the 14th annual induction ceremony of the Cumberland County Women’s Hall of Fame, celebrating the exceptional contributions of women to the community. Donna Bennett, president and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Cumberland and Salem Counties, hosted the event, underscoring its significance during National Women’s History Month. Two women, Amy Manso and Jean Scaran, were inducted for their notable achievements in healthcare and education, respectively.
0:28Amy Manso, recognized for her leadership in healthcare, shared insights into her extensive career and community-focused initiatives. As the president and CEO of Inspira Health, Manso highlighted the expansion of behavioral health programs and the Violence Intervention Program in Cumberland County. She also emphasized the creation of the community health worker program in Millville, designed to assist residents in navigating the healthcare system and linking them to essential resources. Manso’s address underscored the importance of education and community involvement in addressing health disparities. She stated, “It is not enough to say you’re supportive, but you actually have to walk the walk,” emphasizing the need for proactive engagement.
Manso commended the efforts of Peter and Jane Galletto, founders of the community health worker program, emphasizing the program’s holistic approach to addressing healthcare needs and integrating community support systems. She noted the interconnectedness of health and basic human needs, stating, “You cannot talk to somebody about managing their diabetes if they don’t have food, water, and shelter.” This perspective highlighted the broader context necessary for effective healthcare interventions. Additionally, Manso addressed the increased demand for behavioral health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, noting the emotional and psychological challenges faced by community members. Her remarks concluded with an emphasis on collective responsibility in fostering a supportive environment.
15:29The induction ceremony also recognized Jean Scaran for her dedication to education. Scaran shared her journey from a fifth-grade teacher in Deerfield Township to founding Certon Country Day School, later known as Upper Deerfield Preschool. Her initiative catered to working parents and emphasized high-quality early education, incorporating child-sized furniture and sensory materials.
Scaran reflected on her educational achievements and the positive impact she had on her staff and students. She expressed humility in her acceptance speech, thanking those involved in organizing the Hall of Fame event and acknowledging her family’s support. Scaran’s remarks highlighted the values instilled in her upbringing, which influenced her dedication to education and advocacy for fellow educators.
The ceremony celebrated past inductees and their collective impact, with speakers noting the transformative power of the group’s contributions. The event was marked as a celebration of women’s achievements, particularly in the context of National Women’s Month. Gratitude was expressed to various individuals and organizations that contributed to the event’s success, including those who provided essential services such as photography, technical support, and catering.
Kevin Smaniotto
County Council Officials:
Douglas A. Albrecht, Robert Austino, Victoria Groetsch-Lods, Art Marchand, Antonio Romero, James Sauro, Sandra Taylor
-
Meeting Type:
County Council
-
Committee:
-
Meeting Date:
03/19/2025
-
Recording Published:
03/19/2025
-
Duration:
32 Minutes
-
Notability Score:
Routine
Receive debriefs about local meetings in your inbox weekly:
-
State:
New Jersey
-
County:
Cumberland County
-
Towns:
Bridgeton, Commercial, Deerfield, Downe, Fairfield (Cumberland County), Greenwich (Cumberland County), Hopewell (Cumberland County), Lawrence (Cumberland County), Maurice River, Millville, Shiloh, Stow Creek, Upper Deerfield, Vineland
Recent Meetings Nearby:
- 05/22/2025
- 05/22/2025
- 150 Minutes
- 05/22/2025
- 05/22/2025
- 70 Minutes