Jersey City held its yearly Women of Action Awards on Thursday, March 13, 2025, at City Hall, 280 Grove Street.
The event honored eight women from different parts of the city and one high school student for their work in areas such as health, teaching, nature, helping others, and school life.
Mayor Steven M. Fulop, the Jersey City Municipal Council, and the Office of Cultural Affairs presented the awards.
The event started with a reception at 5:00 p.m., where people gathered to meet the award winners and show support. The main awards ceremony began at 6:00 p.m. in the City Hall Council Chambers.
- Eight women and one student were honored at the 2025 Jersey City Women of Action Awards for their work in health, education, charity, and mentoring.
- The awards took place at City Hall, with each person chosen by a Jersey City Council member for making a real difference in their ward.
- Honorees included a yoga studio owner, a bird advocate, a special education teacher, a physical therapist, a library board president, a charity worker, a student leader, and a youth mentor.
Recognized for Leadership, Service, and Impact
Each of these women has worked hard in their own way, whether in business, education, health, or community service.
Here are the honorees and their achievements:
- Simone Toussaint was honored for helping people stay active and healthy. She owns three businesses in Jersey City: Happy Yoga, Dance Event Studio, and Enter the Dragon Karate. Through these, she teaches kids and adults how to stay strong, active, and creative, helping many improve their health and well-being.
- Lorraine Freeney was honored for her work with birds and nature. She started Jersey City Birds, an organization that teaches people about wild birds and the need to protect them and their homes. Her work helps the community learn why nature is important.
- Sally Kamal Attia was honored for her work as a special education teacher. She helps students who need extra support in school by guiding their learning and helping them grow and succeed.
- Jaclyn Heidi Fulop was honored for her work in health and public awareness. As a physical therapist, she helps people recover from injuries. She also serves on the advisory board for breast cancer awareness, sharing important health information with others.
- Nur-E Farhana Rahman was honored for her work with food and public services. She has improved local food options in the city and serves as President of the Board of Trustees for Jersey City Public Libraries, making sure people have access to books, learning, and resources.
- Shanelle Lidia Smith was honored for her charity work with We Rise, a Newark-based group that supports people in need by providing care and services that they may not get otherwise.
- Bianca Torres was honored for helping students feel more connected to school. She organizes activities outside class that build school spirit and help students enjoy meaningful and fun events.
- Monique Wilson was honored for mentoring young people. She gives advice, guidance, and support, helping youth make good choices and plan for the future.
- Kaylen Davis, a senior at Lincoln High School, was honored for strong academic work. She was the only student recognized at the event and serves as an example of what hard work and dedication can achieve in school.
Awards Given Each Year to People Making a Real Difference
Every year, the city gives these awards to one woman from each ward, chosen by their council member.
This year, they also honored one student. The awards are based on clear work that has helped the community in a real way.
The Office of Cultural Affairs helped organize the event and made sure each winner was recognized for the exact work they had done.
This event is an important way for Jersey City to thank people who give their time and energy to help others. It also shows how people from different parts of the city can come together and make a positive impact.
The 2025 Women of Action Awards were a time to celebrate and remember the value of hard work, service, and care for the community.
