The Tribute to women awards
2023 Program book and ad reel 2023 Tribute to Women Awards Event Photos
Established in 1984, the Tribute to Women Awards has recognized over 600 New Jersey women and allies for their accomplishments. The Awards place emphasis on celebrating professionals, volunteers, and activists who demonstrate commitment to promoting equity, supporting underserved or marginalized communities. Its purpose is to highlight the impact and contributions of those advancing the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women, as well as the various ways the mission can be embodied.
2023 Tribute to Women Honorees
Lynne Azarchi is a tireless advocate for improving the lives of at-risk youth in communities across New Jersey. Founder and Executive Director of Kidsbridge, Lynne focuses on creating an immersive learning experience for kids, teachers, and community leaders.
Her book “The Empathy Advantage: Coaching Children to be Kind, Respectful and Successful” was published by Rowman & Littlefield and is now available in paperback.
Dr. Boswell is the Supervising Psychologist at Penn Medicine Princeton’s Center for Eating Disorders. Their mission is to offer care that includes and values patients from all backgrounds, cultures, socioeconomic groups and people of all body shapes and sizes. She works relentlessly to combat body shaming and weight stigma, and to educate professionals and individuals from the lay community about the true nature of eating disorders; an illness that many assume afflicts only a certain subset of the population.
Justice LaVecchia has distinguished herself as one of the most capable attorneys in the state and as a public servant of impeccable integrity, compassion, and commitment. She was the fourth woman to be named to New Jersey’s highest court. During her two decades on the bench, Justice LaVecchia honed a reputation as a pragmatic, compassionate jurist with a sharp intellect. Justice LaVecchia was the longest-serving woman, authoring hundreds of opinions on critical issues impacting all of New Jersey’s citizens and businesses before her retirement in 2021.
Madeline Lightman has been volunteering her time and resources to both YWCA Princeton’s Breast Cancer Resource Center and Homefront for the past 12 years. Madeline embodies the true spirit of volunteerism. She consistently steps in where needed and always goes above and beyond to help those in need.
Mitch joined NJM in 2006 and has served as the Company’s President and CEO since April of 2018. Under his leadership, NJM has increased the number of women on both NJM’s Board of Directors and Executive Leadership Team. Mitch appointed the first woman to the Executive Leadership Team in the Company’s history and women make up half of these members. Additionally, he has strongly supported promoting women to other senior positions at NJM.
Sheria McRae is a passionate educator fulfilling her life’s purpose to sow seeds of opportunity and access so that others find their purpose on this Earth. Her life’s work is to help others find the original intent for their lives and serve that purpose for the greater good. Sheria sows seeds of equity, empowerment, freedom, and dignity in her role as Chief Executive Officer at Foundation Academies in Trenton, NJ. She believes in the power of equipping all people with the tools they need, individually, to open doors of opportunity and access.
Dr. Marissa Muoio has served as Head of Upper School at Stuart since 2020. In July 2022, Dr. Muoio was named the Director of the National Center for Girls Leadership at Stuart and oversees the leadership curriculum from pre-K through 12th grade. As an administrator, coach, teacher, and, at times, inspirational speaker, Marissa lifts up each student or faculty member she comes into contact with to make them feel heard, encouraged, and energized to go out and be their best self.
Carlo is the owner of Vitale Inspections where he has been providing his services to our community for the past 12 years performing comprehensive, non-evasive and thorough home inspections for potential home buyers. He has been giving back to our community through his Happy Smiles Foundation which was started in memory of a dear friend he lost. They have given to many charities in the local area, one being our Breast Cancer Resource Center. Their mission is “We believe that change is possible and can happen against all odds.”
- Susie B. Waxwood Lifetime Achievement Award: is given to a woman who, over the course of many years, has made a truly distinguished contribution to YWCA Princeton
- Fannie E. Floyd Racial Justice Award: recognizes leaders who have made significant contributions to advancing racial justice and equity
- Male Ally Award: recognizes men committed to allyship for those we serve
- Young Woman Award: recognizes the next generation of women leaders, aged 21 – 3
Since 1984, YWCA Princeton and the former YWCA Trenton have recognized and celebrated over 300 women who embody the YWCA mission of eliminating racism and empowering women through professional endeavors and personal advocacy. Browse our list of past Honorees below!