Women of Color Take Center Stage in Burlington County’s 2026 Outstanding Women Awards
AC JosepH Media
MOUNT HOLLY — Three women of color whose work has strengthened education, justice, and cultural preservation across Burlington County will be among the honorees at this year’s Outstanding Women of Burlington County Awards Reception, scheduled for October 6 at Riverton Country Club.
The annual event, hosted by the Burlington County Commissioners and the Burlington County Women’s Advisory Council, celebrates women whose leadership and service have made a lasting impact on their communities. This year, Deb Price, El?Rhonda Williams?Alston, and Kecia Parham?Cook stand out for their contributions to diversity, law, and education — each shaping Burlington County in powerful ways.
Preserving Black History: Deb Price
As director of the Underground Railroad Museum of Burlington County, Deb Price has become one of the region’s most influential stewards of African American history. Since taking the helm after the passing of founder Louise Calloway, Price has expanded the museum’s reach with new initiatives including the African Diaspora Festival, a tribute to the women of the historic 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, t
The Black History Month Wall of Honor, and the annual Juneteenth Festival at Timbuctoo.
Her leadership ensures that Burlington County continues to uplift stories of courage, resistance, and cultural heritage — making her recognition in the Diversity category especially meaningful.
Championing Justice and Public Service: El?Rhonda Williams?Alston
Attorney El?Rhonda Williams?Alston, honored in the Law category, has built a career defined by fairness, ethics, and advocacy. Her work spans major roles in the New Jersey Department of Corrections, Motor Vehicle Commission, and Division of Taxation, along with early leadership in the New Jersey Faith Based Initiative.
Williams?Alston has also been a force within professional and civic organizations, serving as president of Black Women Lawyers of America, vice president of the ACLU?NJ, and an active member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., Jack and Jill of America Inc., and multiple bar associations. Her recognition highlights the essential role Black women play in shaping New Jersey’s legal and civic landscape.
Transforming Education in Willingboro: Kecia Parham?Cook
Retired educator Kecia Parham?Cook, honored in the Education category, spent more than 26 years shaping early childhood learning in Willingboro. She developed innovative curriculum, secured a NJEA Frederick L. Hipp Foundation grant to expand STEM and environmental education, and earned Teacher of the Year honors in 2012.
Parham?Cook also helped lead the first all–women?of?color executive team in a New Jersey local union as vice president of the Willingboro Education Association — a milestone that reflects her commitment to representation and equity in education.
A Celebration of Women Leading Across Burlington County
In addition to Price, Williams?Alston, and Parham?Cook, five other women will be honored for their achievements:
*Bridget Wiese, Fulton Bank vice president and business banking relationship manager for Burlington and Mercer counties – Business Leadership
*Stacy Kennedy. director of the New Jersey Agricultural Society – Community Service
*Agatha Reidy, director of nursing for the Burlington County Health Department. – Health
*Mayor Jaclyn Veasy, Evesham Township and Vice Chair of the Burlington County Bridge Commission – Leadership
*Brig. Gen. Yvonne Mays, Adjutant General of the New Jersey National Guard and head of the New Jersey Department of Miliary Affairs — Military
Commissioner Director Dr. Felicia Hopson praised the honorees, noting that each woman has made “a significant and lasting impact on Burlington County.”
Deputy Director Allison Eckel added that spotlighting their achievements helps inspire others to lead and serve.
Proceeds from the event support scholarships for graduating female high school students pursuing higher education.
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