By Wendy Greenberg

Every year for 40 years, the YWCA Princeton has honored area women and showcased their achievements. This year, the 41st, the tradition continues, with the Y telling the stories of accomplished women — and a male ally — representing different fields, working toward the betterment of their communities.

Capping Women’s History Month in March, eight honorees will be feted at Cooper’s Riverview in Trenton on Thursday, March 27, at 8:30 a.m.

YWCA Princeton first adopted its Tribute to Women in Industry, a program from YWCA USA, in the 1980s, according to Brigitte Jean-Louis, director of mission advancement. The event has evolved over the years and in 2002 was renamed Tribute to Women, to include more women in the education field and the arts. The combined YWCAs Princeton and Trenton have celebrated over 800 women and male allies, she said.

The program shows no sign of waning popularity. “In our 41st iteration of this event, we are officially sold-out and look forward to celebrating this year’s honorees,” said Jean-Louis.

The honorees “embody our mission of eliminating racism, empowering women, and strengthening families,” said YWCA Princeton CEO Rose Wong. “The honorees’ dedication and resilience inspire us all to keep pushing for a more just and equitable world. By sharing their journeys, we hope to inspire others to take action and continue the fight for equity and justice.”

This year’s honorees are:

Councilwoman Teska T. Frisby, who serves as the representative for Trenton’s West Ward. In 2023 she served as council president, managing a $350 million budget and fostering connections between state and local leaders to meet the needs of residents. As a founding member of ROSA, she supports survivors of sexual trauma, and with Moms Demand Action, she’s worked for over eight years on gun safety and reform. She has also helped establish the National Coalition of 100 Black Women of Central Jersey. As an entrepreneur, she founded TesKonnects, to strengthen community engagement. Frisby is the author of Different, Just Like You!, a children’s book promoting inclusion inspired by her son’s experience with cerebral palsy.

Chantille Kennedy is a leader, educator, and advocate whose dedication to equity and empowerment has positively impacted many individuals and communities. At The Hun School, she serves as Middle School counselor and co-chair of the Cultural Competency Team, where she created The Hun Way, a week-long orientation program promoting identity exploration, cultural competency, and diversity dialogue, which has become a cornerstone of the school’s curriculum. Her leadership includes founding affinity groups like the Middle School Young Women’s Leadership Cohort and HYPE, a mentorship program for young faculty. She has also organized monthly cultural celebrations and co-authored The Hun School’s 2020-2024 Strategic Plan for Cultural Competency. Kennedy is also the director of communications for the MDP Cancer Fund, supporting women impacted by cancer.

Tawanda R. McCrae is a dedicated Army veteran, charity founder, and advocate for both human and animal welfare. Her journey of service began in the military, and she has made a profound impact on her community, supporting charities like HomeFront, Younity (formerly WomanSpace), and Sistas for Change, and organizing events to provide meals, gift bags, and hope. McCrae founded two organizations: Earthways Plant-Based Living, promoting health through a vegan lifestyle, and Cats Amazing Rescue, focused on rescuing and rehoming cats. She also co-founded The Red Queen Foundation, which provides feminine hygiene products and empowerment resources to women and girls experiencing homelessness and poverty.

Jennifer Weisberg Millner is an, advocate, fundraiser, and breast cancer survivor who has played a key role in supporting the Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC). As a certified Matrimonial Attorney with the New Jersey Supreme Court, Millner has dedicated her career to family law, particularly advocating for marginalized communities. She serves on the Family Law Executive Committee of the New Jersey State Bar Association and contributes to the Family Law Institute of the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association. Her work includes landmark cases such as K.A.F. v. D.L.M. and Sacklow v. Betts, which advanced the rights of non-biological parents and transgender children. She is committed to equity through her involvement with Stark & Stark’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Committee and her service on the board of Dress for Success Central Jersey, and co-chairs the Community Projects Committee of the Mercer County Bar Association.

Jack Morrison, this year’s Male Ally, owner of several local restaurants, has dedicated his career to more than food — he’s committed to fostering community and making a difference. For over 24 years, his restaurants, including Blue Point Grill, Witherspoon Grill, and Kristine’s, have shown a strong philanthropic spirit. Morrison’s journey of giving back began over two decades ago, inspired by a close neighbor’s breast cancer diagnosis. He partnered with the Susan G. Komen breast cancer organization for 14 years and now exclusively works with the Breast Cancer Resource Center (BCRC), organizing fundraisers like the annual Pink Pearl Night. During the COVID-19 pandemic, he launched the “Kick Breast Cancer to the Curb” campaign, donating 15 percent of proceeds to the BCRC. Additionally, Morrison has fought food insecurity for over 25 years. He’s also a leader in food waste reduction, inspiring others in the industry to adopt sustainable practices.
Cheryl Towns, BSN, RN, has been a dedicated nurse and advocate, working to dismantle racial inequities in health care and empower underserved communities. As chief community care officer at Trenton Health Team, she leads initiatives that expand healthcare access, including free cancer screenings and efforts to identify undiagnosed diabetes in diverse, low-income populations. Towns’ leadership has helped grow her team from three to 10 members, empowering women of color in health care. Beyond her role at Trenton Health Team, she has been a long-time director of nursing and consultant at the Rescue Mission of Trenton, where she often uses her personal resources to support those in need. In 2024, she helped establish Trenton’s first Medical Respite Center, providing care for individuals discharged from hospitals without a place to recover.

Atiya Weiss is dedicated to improving the health and well-being of children and families. As the inaugural executive director of The Burke Foundation, she has led transformative initiatives across New Jersey, investing over $20 million in programs like community doulas, CenteringPregnancy, and universal home visiting. A passionate advocate for systemic equity, Weiss has played a key role in the First 1000 Days Policy Coalition, an initiative focused on affordable, high-quality child care. Weiss’s prior roles include executive director at JP Morgan’s Philanthropy Center and leadership at the Pfizer Foundation. Her dedication earned her recognition as a 2021 Ascend Fellow with the Aspen Institute. Motivated by her own experiences growing up with a rare blood disorder, Weiss is deeply committed to breaking down barriers to care and creating supportive environments for families. She is a trustee for the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers and the Princeton Area Community Foundation, advancing initiatives for systemic change.

Brenda Whitaker has been a tireless advocate for Mercer County individuals impacted by homelessness, poverty, single pregnant women, individuals living with HIV, and the recently incarcerated. As the director of HomeFront’s Solutions Center and a diversion specialist for the Department of Community Affairs, Whitaker approaches her work with a trauma-informed mindset. Her leadership extends to her role as chair of the Mercer County Homeless Committee. She played a role in launching Huchet House, a program that provided housing and comprehensive support for first-time pregnant women experiencing homelessness, a program that helped hundreds of women and their babies.