Everyone’s heard of a woman’s touch or a woman’s intuition. But what we don’t hear about—at least not consistently—are all the great accomplishments the women in our lives achieve. Whether they are stay-at-home moms running a full house while balancing a busy social calendar or the CEOs of major companies who have shattered the glass ceiling, South Jersey is full of women who continue to amaze. I guess the late James Brown was right when he famously sang “This is a man’s world, but it would be nothing, nothing without a woman or a girl.”
So this month, we are all about the ladies.
And it starts with our cover feature on one particularly amazing woman, Maria Bello. Bello grew up in nearby Norristown, Pa., but her South Jersey roots run deep and, to this day, the film and television star remains a fixture in the area. However, the striking 45-year-old is much more than your average Hollywood actress. She’s also a dedicated activist and leader in the fight for women’s rights, traveling across the globe to stand up for those who can’t do so on their own, and she’s created a lasting legacy as a philanthropist who uses her celebrity to affect real social change. On Page 48, you can read all about Bello’s current efforts in Haiti and why she holds this area so near and dear to her heart.
Bello’s charitable ways and strong desire to empower females around the world makes her the ideal person to feature in this special issue dedicated to the women who are making a difference locally. On Page 53, you’ll be introduced to our first-ever Women of the Year; a mother and two daughters who used a tragic personal experience as inspiration to help save future lives. It’s a heartfelt tale that is exactly what our annual Super Women feature is about: honoring those who have made a lasting impression. We’ll also share the stories of 37 more women from around South Jersey, recognized for their impact in business, the community and beyond.
It’s just a small sampling of the countless inspiring stories out there, but a fitting tribute for certain. Many of us know who the Super Women in our lives are, but perhaps they don’t hear it from us quite enough. They may not be seeking the attention, but they deserve it anyway.
Kind regards,
Peter J. Proko
Editor-in-Chief
Published (and copyrighted) in South Jersey Magazine, Volume 9, Issue 7 (October, 2012).
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