Local Serves As Beacon Of Leadership In The Colony Club Of Ocean City

When Diane Mozzo relocated to Ocean City in 2009, she yearned for ways to become a part of the local community — that’s where her journey with the Colony Club of Ocean City began. Over the years, Mozzo has moved up the ranks of the New Jersey-based nonprofit women's club by actively contributing her time and expertise, holding various positions, including a remarkable tenure as club president from 2016 to 2018. But the accolades don't stop there.

Recently, Mozzo's exceptional commitment to the Colony Club earned her a well-deserved induction into the New Jersey State Federation Honor Roll, recognizing her outstanding service and dedication to the club and all the community projects and events it hosts. In addition to being a highly-accomplished member of the Ocean City community, Mozzo has a rich 40-year professional background holding positions such as teacher, guidance counselor and school psychologist across several school districts.

We spoke to Mozzo about her experiences with the Colony Club of Ocean City and explored how her passion has played a pivotal role in embracing and enhancing the local community.

Answers have been edited for clarity and length.

Patch: How long have you lived in Ocean City, and what made you decide to get more involved in the local community?

Mozzo: I have lived in Ocean City for 14 years. I wanted to meet other residents and also serve my community, so I joined groups [including the Garden Club of Ocean City and the Association of University Women] to give back.

I was also a tutor, tutor trainer and board member of Literacy Volunteers Cape/Atlantic for 10 years.

Patch: Throughout your time as a resident of Ocean City, you’ve been recognized for many accomplishments. Can you tell us a bit about some of the awards you have won that you are particularly proud of?

Mozzo: I was placed on the New Jersey State Federation's Honor Role for my accomplishments in the Colony Club… The Colony Club was founded in 1950 and is a nonprofit women's club that is dedicated to community service. It is part of the New Jersey State Federation of Women's Clubs.

The Club itself earned the title of Outstanding Nonprofit Organization in 2018 during my tenure as president.

Patch: Can you talk about some of the community projects and events you have hosted with the Colony Club? What was your role, and what did you enjoy most about them?

Mozzo: [With the Colony Club,] we raise money to give scholarships to local female students who attend Ocean City High School and sponsor a junior girl to attend the Girls Career Institute held on the Douglass campus. We also sponsor a fifth-grade spelling bee and give awards to graduating eighth graders.

Additionally, we collect in-kind donations to various charities like the Clothes Closet, CARA, the Humane Society and CASA, and donate money each year to other nonprofits in the community.

Every year, we organize a fashion show, which is a large source of our fundraising effort. We participate in the city's Welcome Night and bake cookies to give to our first responders on the MLK Day of Service in January. We clean our adopted beach on Clean Ocean Action's beach cleanup day.

Some of the projects, I initiated as president, and they have continued. Others, I have served on the committees. I enjoy the service the club provides and the camaraderie with other club members as we work on the projects.

Patch: You are an active member of many groups across your community. What's one thing you wish others knew about the plethora of community resources, events, programs, etc. available to them?

Mozzo: I would like others to know about all the projects we accomplish. We always welcome any local women to join us.

Patch: What do you love most about being a part of the Ocean City community?

Mozzo: I love that Ocean City is a very caring community. The people are always quick to help and support their neighbors.

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