Category: Member Profiles

Before having children and a demanding career, Jamilah Talton found plenty of time to use her skills in marketing and communications volunteering with both national and local nonprofits.  A few of the organizations she contributed her time and skills to were Darfur Alert (Philadelphia Chapter), Manna, and the Salvation Army. But having 2 children and working long hours as a cyber security professional, her time has been at a premium for the last decade or so. Impact100 SJ offered Jamilah an opportunity to revive her passion for giving back and to contribute both financially and with her time in a way that fits in her current life.   Jamilah was introduced to Impact100 SJ by her friend and member Lauren Regina.  Lauren invited her to attend a networking event at the Chop House…

If anyone knows about the awesome power of a committed group of women, it’s Lucy Beard.  Having served as the Executive Director of the Alice Paul Institute (API) for 9 years and being involved in the women’s organization in various capacities for more than 2 decades, and having earned a Masters Degree in American History with an emphasis on women’s history, Lucy has seen time and again that women have always been drivers of change - they just didn’t own it and didn’t get the credit deserved.  So after learning about the Impact100 model in Philadelphia, she and her longtime friend and colleague Kim Moon sought to start a South Jersey collective.  Little did they know at that time, an Impact100 SJ was already in the works at the Community Foundation of South…

In 2015, the seed was planted for what would ultimately become Impact 100 South Jersey.  As a founding member of Impact, Theresa and the other founding members watered the seed, and their labor, along with those who came along side of them, produced a new source of funding for the good work being done in the South Jersey community.  The basis of a women’s giving circle was supported by the Community Foundation of South Jersey.  The goal was to establish a fund within CFSJ that would support not for profits that do great work throughout South Jersey.  After many meetings and conversations, Impact was born. Theresa hosted the first-ever informational launch event at her home in September 2017. “Needless to say, I was overly impressed that $74,000 was raised for the initial grant…

Lisa Paparone joined Impact100 South Jersey the year the group was formed.  I was drawn to the idea of pooling money from various donors so one large donation could be made. "The word 'impact' is so perfect because that’s exactly what this organization does — it creates a way for donors to make a real impact with their donation," said Lisa. As an accountant, Lisa has helped guide the organization as a member of the Financial Review Committee.  Also, with her background, Lisa added, “After having seen how Impact100 works and how the recipient organizations have benefited, I’m even more attracted to the idea of collective giving.” Lisa has her own business which keeps her quite busy during tax season.   Having “survived” the last two tax seasons, which were substantially more challenging than…

Barbara Wallace has an impressive list of civic roles and activities advocating for women and children that is decades in the making. She is a former mayor of Washington Township (2011-2016), Washington Township School Board President, Gloucester County College Board member (now Rowan College Gloucester County) and has worked for New Jersey United States Senators Lautenberg and Corzine as well as in the Corzine Administration during his term as Governor. Barbara is well acquainted with the issues concerning the state of New Jersey — especially South Jersey. When she heard about the idea to start a chapter of Impact100 in South Jersey, she was excited. Barbara shared, “I found out about Impact100 from my friend Theresa DiVietro. I have the utmost respect and love for Theresa. She had a gathering at…

Meet Janet Garraty, Director of the Gloucester County Chamber of Commerce, and new member of Impact100 South Jersey this year. Janet first heard about Impact100 from Kyle Ruffin, whom she’s known for several years. And she knew she wanted to become a member even before she attended a virtual member cultivation information session last fall.  What intrigued Janet the most about Impact100? “I enjoy collaborating with women of high leadership quality who know how to make a difference in our world, whether through volunteering or working. And networking with other members is important to my role as Chamber Director, enhancing our ability to positively influence the economic, civic and cultural wellbeing of our community.” Since graduating from Glassboro State College (now Rowan University) with a bachelor’s degree in Law and Justice, Janet has enjoyed…

When Sarah Fawcett-Lee relocated to South Jersey in January 2019, she was looking for a group of women with kindred spirits that she could know both personally and professionally. After living in Baltimore, MD for 30 years, she describes moving to South Jersey as a “big adventure” for her and her husband, "It was good to be somewhere different, and to learn a new city and new area for a different experience."   It was not long after she came to South Jersey that she learned of Impact100. A few members, including Lois Greco, suggested she join the organization and spoke so highly of the group that she was intrigued. Sarah thought to herself, “living in this new community, in such an amazing place, with people who really care about their community. I want to…

As an account executive with Surety Title, Diane Ridgway has survived the real estate industry's ups and downs for almost 50 years. She is well-known for her professionalism, marketing ability and work ethic, but what many people don't know about Diane is that she is also a painter and illustrator. "I have always painted as a hobby. It is my favorite pastime. I do not consider myself a professional painter; I just love to paint. I have taken various art classes along the way but am mostly self-taught, "said Diane. She recently illustrated the cover for her husband's book "Ava's Dream," a civics lesson wrapped in a fictional tale for middle school and older students. The book has received rave reviews for both the content and the cover art. While raising her…

Dianna Geist is a new member of Impact100 SJ, having joined in the Fall of 2020 after attending a virtual information session. Dianna had seen Facebook posts about Impact100 SJ shared by another member, Valerie Buickerood, and became interested in learning more.  Having been involved in charitable organizations in South Jersey for years, she was intrigued by the idea of women’s collective giving for impact. While working as Director of Major Gifts and Annual Fund at John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ High School in Philadelphia, it surprised her how many women were not making philanthropic decisions in their households. Dianna was shocked at the difference between alumni giving to Roman Catholic High School, a historic boys school, and the alumnae at Hallahan, especially given that many of the women were married to…

Leona Davis first learned of Impact100 SJ by attending an information session hosted by Nancy Weber. While learning about the mission of Impact100, and seeing so many potential members attentively listening to the presentation, growing eager to join, Leona felt an immediate connection with the group and the amazing work being done to support the efforts of local Southern New Jersey non-profit organizations. She knew she wanted to join! What appealed to Leona the most? “I was so impressed with the simple but impactful approach to collective giving to local non-profits, and knew I wanted to become a part of this effort.”   Leona became a proud member of Impact100 SJ in 2019 and is now in her third year.  Her joining Impact100 SJ happened to coincide with another decision Leona made that year – to formalize…