As a 45 year public servant, Patricia Jones has been witness to the power of collective community action in South Jersey many times. Often, these initiatives are driven by women volunteers taking the lead to create change in their communities. Pat sees Impact100 South Jersey as a wonderful extension of community action with women having financial power too. After a long history of being on the sidelines of financial decision-making, Pat is excited to see women getting “their financial legs under them” and directing resources to impactful organizations. Through collective giving, their actions are now backed by the power of money!
Pat has been a South Jersey resident for 50 years, working and serving, with pleasure and gratitude, in local and statewide public offices. Most recently, she was an Assemblywoman for the 5th Legislative District. Pat has also served on many boards and committees in the region over the years and currently serves on the boards of The Battleship NJ, Cooper’s Ferry Partnership, The Walter Rand Institute of Public Policy, and The Larc School. In fact, this fall Pat will be receiving a special award from the Walter Rand Institute at their virtual fundraiser!
Having been in leadership positions and worked with many leaders in the State Legislature and community organizations, Pat knows good leadership when she sees it. What impresses her the most about Impact100 SJ is the leadership. “Impact100 SJ has such strong leadership, the organization is run so professionally and they have worked so hard to remain consistent while responding to the challenges of the pandemic.” Pat is thrilled to see women come together and proud to be a part of such a strong group of women.
Pat and her daughter Megan Griffault are both members of Impact100 SJ. They joined in year two when invited by Judy Greenberg. Pat shared that if she had another daughter, she would be a member too! During her first two years as a member, Pat was too committed to her work in the legislature and on other boards to be involved beyond giving. However, she may consider volunteering on a committee now that she has some flexibility. Raising a family in South Jersey, having 4 grandchildren being raised here (including 3 granddaughters), being a public servant, working on nonprofit boards and committees, have all shaped Pat’s legacy, and Impact100 SJ has become another piece of it. Her grandchildren are a bright light for Pat, possessing mature insight at young ages, and they provide her with great hope for the future.
Pat wishes she had more wealth to share, but feels “being a part of Impact100 is a wonderful vehicle to increase my giving and my capacity.” That has significant value for Pat!