Trailblazing Judge Among 10 Burlington County Women Honored for Leadership, Service

CINNAMINSON – Legendary trailblazer Judge Marie White Bell was honored with nine other standout woman leaders and achievers Tuesday night during this year’s Outstanding Women of Burlington County Awards Reception.

The annual event is hosted by the Burlington County Commissioners and Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council to shine a spotlight on exceptional women in a variety of fields.

“The Women’s Advisory Council was formed to highlight inspiring leaders like Judge Bell and other outstanding women in our county. By doing so, we hope to raise public awareness and empower more women to take on leadership roles in all fields,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson, a liaison to the Women’s Advisory Council. “The fact is this: When women succeed, all of society succeeds. We must continue to do everything in our power to inspire, empower and elevate opportunities for all women.”

Judge Bell, the first Black municipal court judge in both Burlington and Camden counties and the first Black woman to serve as a Superior Court Judge in Burlington County, was honored in the category of law. She served 19 years on the Superior Court bench and was also the first Black women on Willingboro Township Council and the first Black woman to serve as the town’s mayor.

The judge was also a founding member of the Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council.

“When we talk about women pioneers and barrier breakers, Judge Bell stands out even among many of our other legends,” said Commissioner Allison Eckel, also a liaison to the Women’s Advisory Council. “She shattered barriers, overcame obstacles and cleared the way for others to follow in her footsteps. All of us here, in our own way, stand on her shoulders.”

Judge Bell was among a remarkable class of award recipients that included leaders in business, community service, education, public safety and more. The other recipients were:

Mariel Giletto, a top attorney with the law firm Flaster Greenberg and the chair of the Rancocas Woods Business Association in Mount Laurel, received the award for business leadership.

Pastor Darlene Trappier, founder and executive director of Beacon of Hope, a Mount Holly-based nonprofit that provides food assistance, clothing and sheltering for people without homes, received the award for community service.

Malikah Morris, Deputy Director of the Burlington County Department of Human Services and the chair of the Burlington County Minority and Equality Rights Task Force, received the award for contributions to diversity and inclusion.

Dr. Carol Birnbohm, Superintendent of the Lenape Regional High School District and a key contributor to Burlington County’s “Stigma-Free County” campaign, received the award for education.

Officer Christina Bieri, School Resource Officer with the Burlington Township Police Department, received the award for contributions by a first responder or member of law enforcement.

Dionne Bolden, Acting Director of Recreation and Parks for Willingboro Township, received the award for government service.

Connie Garrano, nurse at the Burlington County Special Services School in Westampton, received the award for health care.

Lisa Fox-Pfeiffer, executive director of the Burlington County Historical Society, received the award for humanities.

Retired Army SFC Constance Cotton, an outspoken advocate for South Jersey veterans, received the award for military and veterans’ service.

The Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council works to identify and address issues that affect women in Burlington County, raise public awareness of the special needs and roles of women and enhance the quality of life for all women. For more information, follow the Council on Facebook at @BurlingtonCountyWomen or visit: http://co.burlington.nj.us/263/Womens-Advisory-Council.

The following organizations were co-sponsors of this year’s awards reception: Fulton Bank, Samaritan, Remington & Vernick Engineers, Malamut and Associates, JCT Solutions, Flaster Greenberg and the Office of Senator Troy Singleton.