West Orange Community Leader 'Puts Others Before Herself'

WEST ORANGE,NJ — Without community leaders, West Orange wouldn’t hum along nearly as smoothly as it does. We’d miss their contributions in big and small ways.

Patch has partnered with T-Mobile to recognize these often unsung community leaders and celebrate their contributions.

This submission comes from Jackie Schatell, a West Orange, NJ reader who nominated Tez Utopia.

How do you know this community leader?

She is a moderator of my West Orange Mom's Facebook Group, and a leader of many local groups including President of the PTA for the town, a leader in the town's Chamber of Commerce, a realtor and more.

What does this community leader do?

She is always striving to provide the community with important town and state information that benefits members of the town. She is a very fair moderator in a very diverse Mom's group (West Orange is one of the most diverse areas in the country with one elementary school named as a top-10 most diverse school in the country). She stars and leads great discussions in the Mom group and is always making sure people feel heard and safe. In today's climate, that is more important than ever.

Why do you believe the community leader should be recognized or honored?

She is a wonderful community member who ALWAYS puts others before herself. I have never met a more selfless person, who just tries to always do what is right and just for all. The Mom group has over 5,000 people and that is a lot of different personalities to manage -- yet she does so with kindness and grace. As a PTA president, she strives to make hear everyone and make rules that help all. As a leader in the Chamber of Commerce, she strives to make sure the town is a positive place to businesses. She is a good friend and parent.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about the community hero?

She is a very fair and just person who is always there for others and puts others before herself.

This content is brought to our community in partnership with T-Mobile. Know a community leader who deserves a shout-out? Nominate them here.