SJM_MenOfTheYear_1124FINAL.qxp_SJM Feature 11 / 21 / 24 3 : 04 PM Page 4 William Jensen n 2017 , Jensen made a determined and conscious deci - In addition to running the successful nonprofit , I sion to build an organization that was unique in its mis - Jensen , Gloria and their daughter Natalie , a licensed occu - sion and help an underserved community of neurodiverse pational therapist , volunteer their time with Special young adults . Jensen’s son Luke was diagnosed with Olympics of South Jersey , Luke’s Place Bowling League and autism as a young child and then at age 21 , faced aging out Luke’s Place cornhole tournament . Jensen and his wife also of his public education services with very little options to assist local school districts to help neurodiverse students pursue a purposeful and fulfilling adult life . Jensen and his and their families transition into adult life , guiding them devoted wife Gloria began to brainstorm and conceptualize through the various support available through New a nonprofit that would fill the void for those with a con - Jersey’s Division of Development Disabilities . firmed neurodiverse diagnosis . Luke’s Place has received a Congressional proclama - Luke’s Place Inc . — named appropriately after tion from the United States House of Representatives along Jensen’s son — opened its doors in 2018 as a facility based with the Camden County Freedom Medal for its efforts . The in a community setting in Audubon . The 501 ( c ) ( 3 ) organi - is also the proud recipient of a citation from organization zation provides social , athletic and volunteer opportunities , the State of New Jersey and General Assembly for their ser - with a very vibrant day program that focuses on commu - vice in the special needs community in South Jersey , along nity awareness and embracing their participants with care with a proclamation from their municipality recognizing its and devotion to their total well - being . community impact . Boaz Matlack fter the gruesome recording of George Floyd’s region . By working with local municipalities to ensure safe A murder was made public back in 2020 , Matlack says demonstration , the pair led over two dozen marches to he felt “ trapped and alone . ” Growing up in the quiet com - help send a unified message of racial justice . munity of Medford , he had never experienced these emo - His efforts helped earn him Rowan College of tions before . But he used the feelings of anger and despair Burlington County’s Civility Award , and it’s evident that as motivation to make a difference , and shortly he joined Matlack continues to take his activism to heart . He’s a his sister at a demonstration along Medford’s Main Street . member of DEON ( Diversity & Equal Opportunity Net - The honks and cheers he heard inspired him to take mat - work ) ; served as chairman of criminal justice for the ters a step further , and for the next two weeks , every Southern Burlington County NAACP ; and has worked evening after work , he perched himself at a median along directly with the county’s Minority and Equality Rights Route 70 with signs calling for social justice . It wasn’t long Task Force . As he now looks to obtain his degree from The before other members of the community would join him . University of Colorado , he knows that community activism Soon after , another community leader from will certainly be a part of his future . Burlington County joined Matlack and together , along “ Once I graduate and become self - sufficient , I will with hundreds of others , they marched all across the rejoin the fight for social justice however I can , ” he says . Jared Silverstein t takes a unique individual to see a need in the com - challenges of raising special - needs children . Their I munity and strive to fill it while seeking nothing in struggle has become his mission and his help has return . The equity that keeps Silverstein working so hard touched countless families in meaningful ways . as a tireless advocate for those in need is gratitude , And so in 2015 , Silverstein founded Puzzle Pieces friendship and the community he has created . When Squared ( P2 ) , a support organization dedicated to families feel lost and in the dark , he takes it upon himself empowering individuals on the autism spectrum and to provide light in the form of knowledge , resources and their families . With a focus on raising awareness , pro - funding . viding financial resources and tools , and promoting His dedication has created a vital resource for fami - inclusion , P2 works vigorously to create a world where lies facing hardship , offering them a place of support and those with autism are understood , accepted and given hope . Silverstein’s personal experience , strength and the tools they need to thrive . Through its community - commitment to the “ go beyond ” philosophy are not just outreach and educational efforts , P2 has become a vital words — they are principals he truly lives by . As a father source of support , fostering connections and offering a of twins with autism , he intimately understands the voice for individuals with autism and their advocates . Quandell Iglesia glesia is a seasoned professional in business develop - Changer Award from the Gloucester County NAACP , the I ment at National Integrity Title Agency , drawing from 2019 Most Influential African American : People Making a extensive real estate expertise developed through his the South Jersey Journal and the Difference Award from leadership at IQ Real Estate Team . Dedicated to commu - Spirit of Community : Bob Shryock Award from the Volun - nity empowerment , he is the founder and president of teer Center of South Jersey , among others . He’s also been the nonprofit SNJ Millennials , fostering growth and con - recognized as Entrepreneur of the Year by the Vineland nectivity among young professionals . African American Community Development Corporation . Through SNJ Millennials , he introduces young pro - Further , Iglesia’s entrepreneurial excellence earned fessionals to new business networks while providing him the Young Professionals Leadership Award from them with valuable business educational resources . Certi - Burlington County Regional Chamber of Commerce and fied in foundations of diversity , equity and inclusion , his unwavering commitment to education , entrepreneur - Iglesia is also on the board of education for Monroe ship and DEI initiatives cements his legacy of service and Township Public Schools , and is the former New Jersey leadership in South Jersey . Most recently , he was featured Young Democrats – Southern Vice President . He’s also on segment on PHL17 News for his efforts working with n received numerous awards , including the Phoenix Game future Hispanic leaders during Hispanic Heritage Month . SOUTH JERSEY MAGAZINE volume 21 issue 8 SouthJerseyMagazine.com | 35