Eight Burlington County women were honored for their leadership, achievements and service to their communities during the 2025 Outstanding Women of Burlington County Awards Reception.
Among the honorees was Bordentown resident Hilary Chebra, director of government affairs for Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey, who was recognized for her contributions in the business arena.
For more than two decades, the Burlington County Commissioners and Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council have honored local females for their contributions to elevating women and improving our communities. This year’s recipients were recognized on Sept. 30 at a reception at the Riverton Country Club in Cinnaminson.
“For far too long, the contributions of women were downplayed or ignored, so it’s gratifying to help lead a county that is home to so many outstanding women and to celebrate their achievements and contributions,” said Burlington County Commissioner Director Felicia Hopson, who serves as liaison to the Women’s Advisory Council, in a statement. “Each of these women has their own unique story, and each of them has had a significant and lasting impact on Burlington County.”
Chebra has served with the CCSNJ since 2020 and is the organization’s go-to for legislative activities and business advocacy in Trenton. She attends legislative hearings, meets with lawmakers, researches legislation and prepares position papers, and also helps execute the chamber’s policy-driven events.
Prior to working at the Chamber, Chebra served in the office of Gov. Phil Murphy in both the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs and Cabinet Affairs. She also spent more than four years on the staff of then-Assemblyman Troy Singleton, rising to the position of chief of staff before moving to the governor’s office in 2020. Chebra also serves on the Rowan University Alumni Board.
Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel, also a liaison to the Women’s Advisory Council, congratulated this year’s honorees.
“The women we are honoring have stellar accomplishments in their fields, and they have gone above and beyond for their communities,” Eckel said. “We are excited to spotlight them and their achievements. By recognizing them, we hope to inspire more women to take on leadership roles and reach higher.”
The county says that proceeds from sale of tickets to the reception are used for the Women’s Council scholarships, which are awarded annually to graduating high school students.
Also honored at the reception were
Leslie Robin Harrison, Senior Pastor of the Mount Zion AME Church (Community Service honoree)Sarah Fawcett-Lee, senior vice president and chief philanthropy officer for Virtua Health (Health Care)Blenda Pinto, director of corporate and government affairs for United Airlines (Diversity and Inclusion)Amy Stella, assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction for the Northern Burlington County Regional School District (Education)Carolyn Chang (Law)Andrea Katz, New Jersey Assembly (Leadership)Laura Brown, lieutenant, Evesham Police (Public Safety)
