By Committeewoman Fetbroyt
Our township has always been defined by neighbors who care about one another and who step forward to serve their community. As a third-term member of the Voorhees Township Committee, I have had the privilege of appointment as the liaison to our Cultural and Diversity Advisory Committee (VCDC), working with residents who volunteer their time and (boundless!) energy to help ensure our community remains welcoming, respectful, and inclusive for everyone.
Strong communities are built when people listen to one another, share their experiences, and work together toward common goals. The members of VCDC bring a wide range of perspectives and life experiences, but they are united by a shared commitment to strengthening understanding and connection throughout our township.
With varied cultural, religious, racial backgrounds, the volunteers on VCDC share a common goal: strengthening the sense of belonging in our community. In the spirit of that mission, I asked several members to share their thoughts on what Women’s History Month means to them. Their voices reflect the values that make our township a special place to live, work, and raise our families.
Jatin V. Mehta: W – Worthy of every opportunity. O – Overcomers of every obstacle. M – Makers of history and change. E- Empowered to lead others. N – Noble in spirit and action. “A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform.” – Diane Mariechild
Lisa Rose-Witherspoon: There are many women that I admire like my grandmother, mother, sisters, colleagues and friends; But I follow a quote by the famous Jane Fonda that guides me through life. “WE ARE NOT MEANT TO BE PERFECT, WE ARE MEANT TO BE WHOLE.”
Anthony Maressa: W-workers. O-obligation, commitment. M-maternal. E-endurance,sustain without yielding. N-noble/strong, faithful. “Women’s rights are human’s rights.” – Hillary Clinton
Sapana Raval: I’ve always been moved by Maya Angelou’s words: “Each time a woman stands up for herself, she stands up for all women.” This month reminds us that when we support the diverse women in our community, we elevate the strength of Voorhees as a whole.
Natalie Illiano: An overlooked pioneer, Ida B. Wells, was a fearless investigative journalist who used the power of the press to expose the truth about lynching in America. At a time when speaking out was dangerous, she reported anyway, helping ignite the early civil rights movement and later co-founding the NAACP. “The people must know before they can act, and there is no educator to compare with the press.” – a reminder that journalism can be one of the most powerful tools for justice.
The reflections shared here remind us of the importance of women’s perspectives, contributions, accomplishments, civic engagement, advocacy, and leadership. By listening to one another, supporting opportunities for dialogue, and promoting diverse voices, we can ensure our township remains a place where every neighbor feels respected, valued, and at home.
