DCA Hosts the 2008 Connie Woodruff and Wynona M. Lipman Awards
Freeholder Riletta Cream among those honored from Camden County
For Immediate Release: March 21, 2008
Contacts: RON TOMASELLO

In celebration of Women’s History Month, the New Jersey Department of Community Affairs will recognize several Camden County women during the 2008 Connie Woodruff and Wynona M. Lipman Awards at Drumthwacket on March 25. The annual ceremony, sponsored by DCA’s Division on Women and the New Jersey Advisory Commission on the Status of Women, honors outstanding individuals and community-based organizations that advocate for and support women.

“The organizations being honored today represent an extraordinary group of women who push our state forward,” Governor Jon S. Corzine said. “It is clear that the strength, compassion and drive embodied by Ms. Woodruff and Senator Lipman continue to thrive among the women of New Jersey.”

“Women’s History Month acknowledges the accomplishments incredible women throughout history that have enriched all of our lives,” DCA Commissioner Joseph Doria said. “The Wynona Lipman and Connie Woodruff Awards honor today’s history makers - women that work to make life better for all New Jerseyans.”

The Connie Woodruff Award is named in honor of the late Connie Woodruff, the first Chairperson of the New Jersey Advisory Commission on the Status of Women and past President of the National Association of Commissions on Women. The Wynona M. Lipman Award is named for the late Senator Wynona M. Lipman, the first African American woman elected to the New Jersey State Senate, and champion of women’s rights, minorities and children.

“We are proud of the quantity and diversity of this year’s applications,” said Division on Women Director Janice L. Kovach. “All of the applicants are outstanding women and organizations that are making significant contributions to the community.”

2008 Camden County Awardees

Wynona M. Lipman Awards

Synergy Award
The Honorable Riletta L. Cream, Camden County Freeholder
The Honorable Riletta L. Cream has served as an educator, public official, human rights advocate and community volunteer during her lifetime of dedicated service. A native of Camden County, Freeholder Cream has devoted her time, talents and energy to improving the educational system in her community. Freeholder Cream's accomplishments include the restoration of Camden City Council Chambers, the renovation of Kennedy Plaza and the continued improvement and upgrading of county buildings, and the creation of the Riletta L. Cream Scholarship Fund, Inc. that provides four $1,000 scholarships to all four high schools in Camden City.

Pictured (l-r)
Janice L. Kovach, Freeholder Riletta L. Cream, and Commissioner Joseph V. Doria, Jr.

Visionary Award
Dr. Gita Krull-Aquila, Psy.D.
Dr. Gita Krull-Aquila has served as a tireless advocate for women with HIV/AIDS for over 20 years. As Director of Client Services with the AIDS Coalition of Southern New Jersey since 2003, Dr. Krull-Aquila has overseen more than 20 programs that assist and treat over 800 victims of HIV/AIDS. Dr. Krull-Aquila has also served as Co-Chair of the Comprehensive Planning Committee of the Statewide Coordinated Statement of Need Task Force and authored much of the final planning document that addresses the needs of women affected by HIV/AIDS in the state and serves as a template for the state to combat HIV/AIDS through the creation of public policy, treatment programs and services.

Innovation Award
League of Women Voters of Camden County
The League of Women Voters has a long history of involving women in the political process. When faced with the need to increase the ranks of women as elected public officials, the Camden County League of Women Voters established the Running and Winning program, a day-long workshop for high school girls to gain the confidence and knowledge it takes to run for and win in an election, as well as have a voice in the political process. Although starting in Camden, the program has been presented throughout the state and nation.

Connie Woodruff Award for Excellence

The Honorable Mary Taylor Previte, Former Assemblywoman
Camden County
For years, Mary T. Previte taught English and Journalism to children with challenged urban lives in Camden City. In 1974, she was invited to serve as Director of the Camden County Youth Center due to her belief in humanity and ability to positively communicate with youth. She was later elected in 1997 as the first women to serve as President of the New Jersey Juvenile Detention Association. Previte served four terms as a New Jersey Assemblywoman and is the author of Hungry Ghosts, a book that chronicles the causes and consequences of trouble youth. She has a master’s degree in english/education from Glassboro State College, now Rowan University.

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