On July 18th, 2013- a day that almost broke record high temperatures (again!)- the New Jersey chapter of SWEP hosted its 7th annual Growing Great Women in the Garden State Gala. This year’s event took place in the breathtakingly beautiful conservatory room of The Madison Hotel in Morristown, NJ. This may have been our most gorgeous venue to date. The warm sun filtered through the glass ceiling showcasing the deep greens and vibrant colors of the plants and flowers as SWEP members, guests and honorees mingled and enjoyed drinks and refreshments.

This year’s Gala drew the largest crowd yet, and the excitement and festive attitude of all attendees was evident. The highlight of the event was, as usual, the opportunity to recognize an outstanding member of our environmental community as well as the up-and-coming superstars. Ms. Amy S. Greene, President and Owner of Amy S. Greene Environmental Consultants was nominated and introduced by Ms. Susan Goetz of Acutest Laboratories. Susan highlighted Amy’s knowledge and application of natural resources management theories and practices, her ability to balance the needs of her clients with sound environmental principles, and her passion for developing her employees’ talents for over the past 25 years. Amy also volunteers her time to various professional organizations focused on education and awareness. Additionally, she serves as Trustee of The Nature Conservancy, helping to advance their conservation mission. Without question, Amy sets the highest of standards for quality and excellence in environmental field and demonstrates a personal commitment to leadership and achievement we should all strive emulate.

This year, NJSWEP was able to award four scholarships to very deserving young ladies. The first place Undergraduate Award was presented to Megan Elizabeth Helsel of Montclair State University; the second place Undergraduate Award was presented to Carla Cordoves of Rutgers University; the first place Graduate Award was presented to Kelly Triece of Montclair State University; and the second place Graduate Award was presented to Kristen M. Tomasicchio of Rutgers University. A fun twist to this year’s presentation was the gigantic checks each of these remarkable women received to celebrate their success and accomplishments and to inspire them into future careers in this diverse and exciting field.

This year’s Gala was a smashing success and the NJSWEP Steering Committee and the Gala Planning committee would like to thank our sponsors for helping make it all possible. We offer of sincere appreciation to our Platinum sponsors: Alpha Analytical, AWT Environmental Services, Inc., GEI Consultants, HamptonClarke-Veritech Laboratories, SWEP of Greater Philadelphia; our Gold sponsors: Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories Environmental, Geo-Cleanse International, Inc., Langan Engineering & Environmental Services, Matrix New World Engineering, Inc., O’Brien & Gere; and our Silver sponsors: Roux Associates, Rutgers EcoComplex “Alternative Energy Innovation Center,” Sheppard & Sheppard, and Stony Brook-Millstone Watershed Association.

This event is not a time to recognize only a few select outstanding women; it is most importantly when we come together to celebrate every  SWEP member, guest, committee member, Steering Committee member, and supporter for everything you do to conserve, protect, and enhance New Jersey’s natural resources, environment, and communities and for helping to make this organization fabulous. Kudos to each and everyone one of you!

Sincerely, Tali MacArthur, Chair of the Gala Planning Committee