Springfield Local Gets Union Co. Women of Excellence Awards

SPRINGFIELD, NJ — A woman from Springfield is among 11 honorees receiving this year's Annual Women of Excellence Awards, from the Union County Commission on the Status of Women.

Joyce Benz, from Springfield, was distinguished for her work in Mental Health Advocacy. Her coworkers nominated her for the award.

Benz is the Director for Intensive Family Support Services in Union County and provides counseling, and community education on mental illness and how it impacts the families.

"What stood out the most, I believe, in her nominations was that she’s a constant advocate for mental illness and families with mental illness’ in Union County," a representative from the Union County Office on Women said.

The awardees will be honored during a virtual event on June 11, at 6:30 p.m. The ceremony is free, but registration is required.

"Through their work, they raise awareness about the influence of women in every sphere of the Union County community, from business and legal affairs to public service and education,” said County Commissioner Chairman Alexander Mirabella.

Each awardee will get an engraved Women of Excellence plaque and a County Commissioner resolution in their honor recognizing their impact on the Union County community.

“We are proud to acknowledge their contributions towards a positive difference in the quality of life for everyone in the County," Mirabella said.

Here is the full list of honorees:

• Women’s Advocacy - Margot Baruch – Mountainside
• Mental Health Advocacy - Joyce Benz – Springfield
• Volunteerism - Joan Crout – Westfield
• Environmental/Activism - Marian Glenn – Summit
• Education - Monica Goncalves – Elizabeth
• Lifetime Achievement - Sister Percylee Hart, RSM – Scotch Plains
• Healthcare - Pamela Palmieri – Fanwood
• Special Education Advocacy - Diana Pinto-Gomez – Fanwood
• Entrepreneurial/Medical - Nancy Polow, PhD. – Scotch Plains
• Government - Clara Fernandez – Elizabeth
• Special Service Award – Judy Jenkins-Gaudino - Summit