Commission on the Status of Women Honoring County's Outstanding Women

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women is honoring 20 outstanding women who live or work in Somerset County.

“We have many women in Somerset County doing amazing things every day,” said Freeholder Patricia Walsh said. “It is most appropriate that during Women’s History Month, we take the time to publicly recognize them and say thank you.”

The County’s Commission on the Status of Women honors women who live or work in Somerset County each year during Women’s History Month.

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women,” Walsh added, noting it was founded in January 1985 with the support of then-Freeholder and later Governor Christine Todd Whitman.

Recipients by category are:

• Arts/Entertainment – Florence Larkin of Green Brook
• Arts/Entertainment – Martha J. Weintraub of Hillsborough
• Business Management – Cynthia Polanco of Bridgewater
• Education – Betty W. Barber, Ph.D., of Franklin
• Entrepreneur – Anna Marie Racioppi of Bernardsville
• Environmental Initiatives – Robbie Lert of Bedminster
• Environmental Initiatives – Cindy Malinchak of Warren
• Government – Shannon Marie Snook of Bridgewater
• Hometown Hero – Courtney Newman of Hillsborough
• Hometown Hero – Sonal Shah of Bernards
• Information Technology – Jackie P. Taylor of Hillsborough
• Journalism/Media – Audrey Blumberg of Hillsborough
• Medical – Michéle Samarya-Timm, MA, HO, MCHES, REHS, DLAAS, of Franklin
• Public Service – Regina Tegeler of Bridgewater
• Social Service – Joanne Polito of Franklin
• Sports – Stephanie Johnson of Somerville
• Volunteerism – Lisa Frey of Franklin
• Volunteerism – Laurie Richmond of Bridgewater
• Volunteer, High School Level – Giana Giorello of Branchburg
• Shirley Noble Lifetime Achievement Award – Estelle Julian of Hillsborough