NNJ Steering Committee (NEW) - Women's Connection

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NORTHERN NEW JERSEY STEERING COMMITTEES

For information on our new and growing chapter, please contact the Chapter Leaders at nnj@ttnwomen.org. We look forward to hearing from you!!

Meet our Chapter Co-Chairs:

Leslie Paparone enjoyed a long career consumer packaged goods marketing. Joining Women's Connection in 2019 provided the opportunity to meet many interesting women and participate in many enjoyable activities. Leslie has a special empathy for the challenges of care-giving and loves to read and work in her garden in Ramsey. Leslie is chapter Co-Chair and the chapter's Facebook and Instagram point person.

Ellen Campeas retired after a long career with the New York City Department of Education. She taught English, worked as a learning and reading specialist, and worked as a supervisory assistant principal. Ellen volunteers at a library teaching ESL and Civics classes to immigrants. Ellen lives in North Bergen, is a talented artist, and enjoys travel, drawing, reading, theater, singing and kayaking. Ellen is chapter Co-Chair and the contact for the Best of Bergen Peer Group.

Meet our Chapter Steering Committee members:

Gwynne McConkey retired after a wonderful career as a cable television executive. Since retiring she has enjoyed a diverse portfolio of volunteer work, including a decade at the Newark Museum of Art. She joined in 2013 and has been actively involved ever since. Gwynne lives in Fort Lee, when she's not traveling to visit family. Gwynne is the chapter Finance Chair and leads the Book Special Interest Group.

Rosemary Byrne joined Women's Connection as she was winding down a 30+ year career as a litigator and corporate lawyer and beginning her “next act.” She switched the focus of her “counselling” from law to life and retirement planning and now mentors business professionals. Rosemary lives in Fort Lee. Rosemary is the chapter Membership Chair, the contact for the Jersey Girls Peer Group and leader of the Movie Group.

Judy Glick returned to school in 1990 to complete her undergraduate and master’s degrees in social work. She worked as Director of Social Services in nursing homes and has been in private practice for over 20 years providing psychotherapy services to the homebound elderly and disabled. A close friend encouraged her to join the NY chapter many years ago. After a couple of years, she organized a peer group in Bergen County, became the peer group chair, and helped launch the Northern NJ chapter. Judy assists with new membership and Peer Group development.

Carla Loffredo, is a veteran of the Communications Industry. Looking to expand her circle of friends, contacts and interests, Carla joined in 2013 upon the suggestion of a dear friend in Atlanta who is also a member. Women's Connection has provided her the opportunity to share new experiences and develop friendships with terrific women. Carla is the contact for the NJ WIT Peer Group.

Fran Guzy joined in 2017 after retiring from thirty-one year as a teacher in Teaneck. She currently works for Montclair State University as a student teacher mentor, which allows her to give back to her profession and help new teachers. Women's Connection has provided many new experiences and close friendships. Fran enjoys reading, playing bridge. Fran is the contact for the Wonder Women Peer Group.

Barbara Bressler heard about Women's Connection as she was transitioning from work to 'what's next'. After careers in education and finance, she was ready for a change and Women's Connection, with its diverse activities and interesting, active women came at just the right time. A member since 2006, she is a founding member of the first peer group in New Jersey and served on the team that launched the NNJ Chapter in 2013. Barbara is the contact for the Montclair Peer Group.

Donna Ward retired after a career in global brand marketing for consumer packaged goods companies, then joined Women's Connection to build a local network of women who are exploring new phases in their lives. Since retiring, Donna has also served on the boards of a number of New Jersey non-profits. Donna divides her time between Montclair, NJ and New York City. Donna leads Peer Group development for the chapter and is the contact for The Explorers peer group.

Ginny DePalma joined in 2022 at the suggestion of her cousin, a member of the Philadelphia chapter. She retired from teaching in Suffern, NY after 36 years and went on to a second career as an administrative assistant. In 2017, life events led her to another teaching position in Mahwah. Ginny enjoys playing bridge and Mah Jongg. Women's Connection is the perfect next step as she prepares for retirement in the future. Ginny is the contact for the Zoomies Peer Group.