PHOTO RELEASE: 
March 10, 2026

 
MEDIA CONTACT: 
Derek Sands
DSands@bergencountynj.gov 

  

BERGEN COUNTY HONORS WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH

Celebrates “Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”

Bergen County Undersheriff Jin Sung Kim, Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso, Bergen County Commissioner Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan Voss, Bergen County Commissioner Germaine Ortiz, and Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III stand with 2026 Women’s History Month Community Honorees.
Above: Bergen County Undersheriff Jin Sung Kim, Bergen County Commissioner Mary Amoroso, Bergen County Commissioner Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan Voss, Bergen County Commissioner Germaine Ortiz, and Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III stand with 2026 Women’s History Month Community Honorees.

HACKENSACK, NJ – On Thursday, March 12, the County of Bergen celebrated Women’s History Month with a ceremony at Two Bergen County Plaza in Hackensack, in partnership with the Bergen County Department of Human Services, the Bergen County Commission on the Status of Women, and the Junior Commission on the Status of Women.

Women’s History Month began as a local “Women’s History Week” celebration in 1978. “Women’s History Month” was designated by Congress in 1987. This year’s Women’s History Month theme, “Leading the Change: Women Shaping a Sustainable Future”, recognizes the contributions of women who are leading sustainability efforts across environmental, economic, educational, and social justice movements.

Welcome remarks were given by Melissa DeBartolo, Director of the Bergen County Department of Human Services. Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III delivered opening remarks to the audience:

“Across Bergen County and around the world, women are leading the change- through advocacy, public service, education, innovation, and community leadership,” said County Executive Tedesco. “Their work is shaping stronger communities and opening doors for the generations that will follow.” continued Tedesco.

“As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I am inspired by the remarkable women in our communities whose dedication and vision are driving meaningful change,” said Bergen County Commissioner Germaine Ortiz. “From protecting our environment to fostering education and equity, their leadership not only shapes a sustainable future but also empowers the next generation to dream bigger and lead boldly.”

The County was proud to present Certificates of Commendation to this year’s Women’s History Month Distinguished Honorees, whose work embodies the theme of “Women Shaping a Sustainable Future.”

The evening included a musical performance by Gina Picinic, as well as a poetry reading by Ishika Ranka, a Bergen County Academies students and Junior Commission on the Status of Women member.

Closing remarks were delivered by Bergen County Commissioner Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan Voss.

2026 Women’s History Month Distinguished Honorees:

  • Debora Davidson, Executive Director, Tenafly Nature Center
  • Jess Horan, Educator & LGBTQ+ Advocate, Dumont High School
  • Yansi Fugel, Fashion Designer
  • Carol Peterson, Founding Member, Sustainable Bergen County Hub
  • Andrea Sheridan, Assistant Superintendent, Bergen County Technical Schools
  • Ana Silvelo, Program Director, Wonder Girls Lyndhurst High School Chapter

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