Phenomenal Women Under 40
2024 Highlights
2024 Highlights

PHOTO GALLERY
Benida Alexander-Stokes

Bank of America

Benida Alexander-Stokes is currently the Senior Vice President, Human Resources Manager for Bank of America Corporation, responsible for partnering with client groups to meet HR strategic objectives including but not limited to talent management, diversity and inclusion, performance management, employee relations and engagement, and recruiting. Prior to this role, Benida served as the Talent Client Manager and was responsible for the design and delivery of organizational management strategies to build future leaders. She also focused on leadership development and training, client support and executive onboarding.

Benida got started in her career after graduating from Murry Bergtaum High School for business and continued her studies until she received her Master of Arts in HR from Baruch College, City University of New York. While her education and work ethic has been invaluable to her tenure in the financial services industry over the last 20 years, she never rested on that success. Her family prided themselves in homeownership and believed in working hard to purchase real estate assets as a means of building generational wealth.

Benida purchased her first investment property and became a landlord 10 years ago. While she credits her family for setting a solid foundation, she decided to further her studies by becoming a Licensed Real Estate Agent in 2021. As her family’s portfolio continued to grow over the years, she learned a lot by trial and error. This motivated Benida to want to pay it forward and impart the knowledge she learned to others who were embarking on homeownership. In early 2023, Benida published her first book with her daughter entitled, Titles and Deeds Inherited By Me, a guide to prepare families on owning and managing real estate.

Being born and raised in New York City has also contributed to her grit as a person and professional. Her ability to motivate others, be driven and goal oriented comes from navigating a bustling city from a young age.  She has since relocated to the suburbs of Central New Jersey with her husband Kevin and two children Kelsey and Kevin Jr., but a true New Yorker will always have high energy and a sense of purpose. In her free time, she enjoys giving back to the community with her children as part of the Girl and Boy Scout Organizations, as well as through her various volunteer and board member efforts. She loves traveling, trying new foods and spending quality time with family and friends.

Nicole Arden

Glendenning Mortgage Corporation

As a young Girl Scout in Toms River, Nicole Arden learned the “Girl Scout Law” and abided by it wholeheartedly. She knew then that she would make it her mission in life to spread kindness and make the world a better place. Nicole is passionate about making people smile and feels that always helping others is the way to make the world better.

After graduating from Ocean County College, Nicole joined Glendenning Mortgage Corporation in 2011. In 2013, she became a licensed Loan Originator and has since been providing tools and guidance for men and women of all ages to find a place to call home.

Outside of work, Nicole has become involved in a variety of service projects. In 2016, she joined both Extended Arms and the Kiwanis Club of Greater Toms River. Serving as President of Extended Arms, Nicole provides leadership and collaborates with members to meet the needs of the organizations it supports, specifically Harbor House of Ocean County and Contact of Ocean and Monmouth County. As secretary and former President of Kiwanis, Nicole assists in managing club records and coordinates fundraising events that benefit the Toms River community. Kiwanis is a global organization dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. From co-organizing a stand-up paddle board event on the Toms River to bell ringing for the Salvation Army, she certainly keeps herself busy. Furthermore, she serves on the board for Jenni’s Toys, a 501c3 organization that focuses on giving toys, food, and more to those less fortunate during the holiday season. For her efforts in serving the community, Nicole received the Award for Community Servant of the Year in 2021 from the Driven Women Networking Community.

When Nicole is not working or serving her community, she enjoys spending time with her husband, Paul, and their cockapoo terrier mix, Lucky Michelle.

Kaitlyn Burke

Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office

Born in Point Pleasant and raised at the shore, Kate Burke is a lifetime Jersey Girl. Kate is a proud graduate of Point Pleasant Beach High School where she competed on the Varsity Tennis team. Kate attended Ocean County College and then Rutgers University where she graduated cum laude. After college, Kate enrolled at New York Law School, where she excelled academically and was selected for membership on the New York Law School Law Review. Kate began her legal career as a law clerk to Honorable Patricia B. Roe, a Judge of the Superior Court of New Jersey in Ocean County. Kate has been a member of the Ocean County Prosecutor’s Office for approximately ten years and was recently promoted to Senior Assistant Prosecutor. Aside from her academic and professional endeavors, Kate is a wife and mother to two beautiful children, Donald F. “Tripp” Burke III and Kennedy Rose Burke. When she is not prosecuting homicides and other serious crimes, Kate enjoys spending time with her family on the beach in Mantoloking and cruising the Barnegat Bay on her family’s sailboat.

Jazmine Davis

RWJBH Surgical Oncology

Jazmine Davis is a dedicated professional with a passion for making a difference in her community. Balancing the roles of a full-time receptionist at a breast cancer office with Dr. Manpreet Kohli and a special law enforcement officer part time. Jazmine demonstrates unwavering commitment and empathy in all that she does. Graduating from Brookdale Community College with an associate's degree in 2016, Jazmine has set her sights on becoming a full-time police officer, driven by her aspirations and determination to serve and protect. In her personal life, Jazmine is a devoted mother to her 6-year-old son and actively involved as a team mom for Long Branch Youth Football. Reflecting on her past, Jazmine fondly remembers her time as a Girl Scout and the impactful influence of her favorite teacher, Candice Bidner, whom she still holds in high regard after 17 years. With a vibrant personality that exudes kindness, humor, and intelligence, Jazmine is a go-getter who inspires those around her to strive for excellence and compassion.

Jazmine Davis is a dedicated advocate who has been deeply involved with Ryseans Awareness, a group committed to supporting individuals impacted by overdose. Her journey with the organization began with her Aunt Ann Traymon, who tragically lost her son to overdose, sparking a personal commitment to making a difference in the lives of those affected by addiction. In 2018, Jazmine experienced the devastating loss of her uncle to overdose, further solidifying her passion for advocating for those in need. Tragically, in 2021, she faced yet another heartbreaking loss with the passing of her father due to overdose, fueling her determination to bring awareness and support to this critical issue. Through her personal experiences and unwavering dedication, Jazmine has channeled her efforts into researching ways to assist students who have lost a parent to substance abuse, showcasing her profound empathy and resilience in the face of adversity.

For more information on Ryseans Awareness, please visit https://ryseansawareness.org/.

Morgan Gaynor

Junior League of Monmouth County

Morgan Gaynor is a distinguished leader and community advocate, currently serving as President of the Junior League of Monmouth County (JLMC). A lifelong resident of Monmouth County, Morgan's deep-seated passion for volunteerism and community service has roots in her childhood as a Girl Scout. She has dedicated herself to the JLMC mission of advancing women's leadership and creating meaningful community impact through collaboration and training. Under her leadership, JLMC has made significant strides in attracting new members, addressing period poverty by raising awareness and partnering with local organizations to distribute over 103,000 menstrual products to those in need.

In her professional capacity, Morgan is a seasoned marketing professional with over 10 years of experience in the financial services industry. She joined ISS STOXX earlier in 2024 as the Vice President of Product Marketing for Governance Solutions, where she excels in developing innovative marketing strategies and delivering exceptional client experiences.

Morgan's commitment to service extends beyond her roles in JLMC and ISS. She is also the Secretary of the STAAR Ovarian Cancer Foundation, the first organization in the United States dedicated to funding research for low-grade serous ovarian cancer, a rare disease that disproportionately affects younger women. As a stage IV ovarian cancer patient, Morgan's journey has been one of resilience and inspiration. Her personal experiences have fueled her dedication to supporting others facing similar challenges. Morgan advocates at the federal, state, and local levels on behalf of ovarian cancer patients for increased funding for ovarian cancer research and awareness with the Ovarian Cancer Research Alliance (OCRA). She has participated in OCRA’s Survivors Teach Students program, where ovarian cancer survivors share their stories with medical students to bring awareness to the subtle ovarian cancer symptoms. Additionally, Morgan raises awareness and funds locally through her annual Tipsy in Teal bar crawl, which celebrates the anniversary of her diagnosis, or "cancer-versary."

Recognized for her exceptional leadership and community impact, Morgan received the prestigious Top 40 Under 40 award from the Association of Junior Leagues International. This honor celebrates her outstanding achievements in empowering others, demonstrating innovative leadership, and creating positive community impact. Morgan is dedicated to mentoring and inspiring women in her community, consistently embodying the qualities of a go-getter, visionary leader, innovative thinker, and role model.

Morgan received her Master of Business Administration from Monmouth University and holds a Bachelor's degree in Marketing and Finance from Philadelphia University. She resides in Highlands and, in her free time, enjoys spending time with her friends and family, summer nights on the lawn at PNC Bank Arts Center, and crafting with her Cricut machine. She continues to be involved in various community activities.

As a Phenomenal Woman Under 40, Morgan Gaynor exemplifies the spirit of service, leadership, and innovation. She is honored to be recognized by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore and is committed to continuing her work to defy the future and create a positive impact in her community.

Nykeirah Z. Jones

Long Branch Public Schools

Nykeirah Jones, born and raised in Long Branch, New Jersey, embarked on her journey in social work after graduating from Long Branch High School in 2012. She started her academic pursuit at Brookdale Community College, earning an Associates of Science in Human Services: Pre-Social Work Option. Continuing her education at Rutgers University in Camden, NJ, she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Social Work in 2018. During her time at Rutgers, she was actively involved in the Black Student Union and became a member of the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Her academic achievements included graduating with honors, which further fueled her passion for social justice and community service. She then advanced her studies at Kean University’s Nathan Weiss Graduate College, where she obtained a Master of Social Work in 2019, graduating summa cum laude and being honored as the Valedictorian of the African Heritage Graduation Ceremony. Her graduate studies focused on clinical social work practice, social welfare policy, and trauma healing, complemented by her membership in the Alpha Epsilon Lambda Graduate Honor Society.

Professionally, she has held diverse roles emphasizing youth development and education. She served as a Kindergarten Teacher at Champions (KLC) in Long Branch, NJ, and later as an Instructional Assistant at Joseph M. Ferraina Early Childhood Learning Center. Currently, she works as a Youth Development Specialist with the School Based Youth Service Program at Long Branch High School, focusing on counseling, community outreach, and youth development programs. Her responsibilities include conducting Social Emotional Learning (SEL) presentations, facilitating youth empowerment groups, and organizing volunteer opportunities for high school students and athletes.

Outside of her professional roles, she has held leadership positions within the New Jersey Conference Young People’s and Children’s Division of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. She continues to serve actively as the Asbury Area Youth Director and as the Advisor for the Long Branch High School African American Culture Club.

Nykeirah holds certifications as a NJ Certified Social Worker, a NJ Certified School Social Worker, and a Certified Trainer with the Nurtured Heart Approach. Currently pursuing a doctoral degree in Educational Leadership at Monmouth University, she is committed to making a positive impact through her advocacy for social justice and support for the communities she serves.

Grace Lepis MD MPH

RWJ Barnabas Health | Barnabas Health Medical Group

Born and raised in Wall Township, Dr. Lepis attended St. Rose Grammar school and Wall Township High School, where she was active in various sports. She then attended Quinnipiac University, completing her bachelor’s degree in health science studies. Inspired by her grandfather, father and brother, she continued the family legacy of the practice of medicine. She attended St. George’s University School of Medicine in Grenada and obtained both a Doctor of Medicine and Masters of Public Health degree. Shortly after returning from Grenada, while completing her Public Health externship, she met her husband, Michael and the two moved to Tinton Fall where they currently reside with their dog, Winnie.

She completed her general surgery residency training at Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch, New Jersey. Dr. Lepis is a board-certified general surgeon and practices as a member of the RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group where she continues to serve the community she grew up in, trained and currently resides. She offers her patients a variety of general surgical options including minimally invasive and robotic surgery. She finds great fulfillment in participating in an annual humanitarian surgical mission trip to Guatemala to surgically treat the underserved population of Neuvo Progresso at the Hospital de la Familia. Outside of medicine, she enjoys spending time with family and friends, boating, fishing and vacationing.

Lauren Maccaquano

Timberland

Lauren Maccaquano is a Senior Account Executive at Timberland, where she focuses on driving sales in the women’s footwear division. At the heart of Timberland’s story is a community stepping outside to work hard together and move the world forward. Ever since the day Timberland created the first yellow boot, they’ve been inspired to ‘think outside the box’ and create innovative solutions to everyday problems. This dedication grew to solving problems for their communities. With this same ethos, Lauren has taken on a secondary role at Timberland by being selected to represent North America as one of their Global Stewards. In this role, she helps to strengthen communities through service and ensuring each employee participates in Timberland’s Path of Service™ program. She currently helps lead annual service events such as 9/11 Remembrance in New York City and Shoes for a Cure in partnership with the FDRA. She also helps organize urban greening events in New York City Boroughs such as the Bronx.

Professionally, Lauren has been in the fashion industry for 15 years with much of her time spent in the footwear sector, representing several brands throughout her time in New York City. She has been able to travel all over the country including international adventures with her career which has led to so many amazing memories and experiences. She graduated from Marist College with degrees in Fashion Merchandising, Business, and Advertising.

Lauren currently volunteers at the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Kitchen in Toms River. JBJ Soul Kitchen is a non-profit Community Restaurant established by the Jon Bon Jovi Soul Foundation. They serve paying customers and those in-need. They are a community restaurant that provides a dining experience that fosters a sense of community and addresses issues of food insecurity. Their mission is not only to serve healthy meals but also to partner with local organizations to provide additional resources, addressing needs beyond food security. Lauren tries to dedicate time to serve weekly at the JBJSK over the last few years. She loves the organization’s inclusivity and how it provides a wonderful space for patrons to dine with dignity.

At home, Lauren is married to her high school sweetheart, and they share three wonderful children together: Adrien (8), Leo (5), and Viola (1). They drive her to continuously work on being a better person and to figure out ways to make the world just a little bit brighter for the future. Academics was always important to Lauren, and she always loved being in school. Once her older son started to attend elementary school, Lauren became involved in the PTO. She currently is on the PTO Executive Board as the Recording Secretary. She has helped lead several events such as Kindergarten/New Student Orientation, fundraisers such as Coin Wars, and planning the 5th Grade End of Year Celebrations. With her husband, Jay, they are also involved in several youth sports programs ensuring that children have accessibility to join and making sure they are supported on and off the field. They are involved in coaching, being team parents, and being active board committee members. Currently, Lauren is the Team Parent Coordinator for the Toms River Warriors Football Team.

Lauren is honored to be recognized as a Phenomenal Woman under 40 by the Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore. As a girl scout growing up, the lessons she learned and the experiences she gained stayed with her always. Without this foundation, her leadership, character, and passion for service wouldn’t be possible. She wants to thank her mom and dad for giving her the platform to be herself and her younger siblings who always inspired her to be a better person. Equally important, would be to recognize her husband, Jay and how wonderful it is to experience life together as teenagers, adults, and now as parents. Without you, Lauren wouldn’t know how much love a heart can hold.

Daniela Olt

Daniela’s Wish

Daniela Olt is the President of Daniela’s Wish, a New Jersey 501c3 non-profit organization that grants wishes to ill children or children who have suffered tragedy. Starting this organization at the young age of 7 years old, she has been working to bring smiles to our community for many years and is dedicated to making Monmouth and Ocean county and beyond a better place! Daniela is a recent graduate from Drexel University with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences and a minor in psychology. Within Drexel, she served as the Vice President of the International PreMedical Fraternity, Phi Delta Epsilon, where she organized a comprehensive array of programming initiatives, including specialized medical events tailored to support pre-medical students at various stages of their journey, from MCAT preparation to gap year planning. She worked within and outside PhiDE to build diverse relations between students and contribute to the overgrowth of students and the organization. While at Drexel she also served as a peer mentor and tutor for incoming biology students and was a teaching assistant for various biology courses.

Using her experiences, she is passionate about giving back to her fellow peers and wanted to help make their transitions into college easier both as students and the greater Drexel community. Daniela believes that giving back is the greatest gift you can give and she exemplifies this everyday. She is passionate about giving back and using what she learns to teach others. The importance of teaching leadership skills and fostering personal growth cannot be overstated. As a committed leader of the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership Conference, she exemplifies dedication and serves as a beacon of inspiration for high school sophomores along with other high schoolers and college students, guiding them towards becoming the leaders of tomorrow.

Valerie Ortense

Preferred Behavioral Health Group

Valerie Ortense, BS, MBA, is the Vice President of Strategic Development at Preferred Behavioral Health Group. She holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration and is nearing a decade of experience in the mental health and behavioral healthcare fields. In her current role as VP of Strategic Development, Mrs. Ortense manages all fundraising, marketing, and public relations. As a life-long learner, Mrs. Ortense is actively working toward becoming a Certified Fundraising Executive.

Valerie's passion for innovative behavioral healthcare led her to simultaneously Co-Chair the Trauma-Informed Care Change Team and the Cultural Humility Committee in 2019, which changed the course of operations organization-wide, focusing on inclusivity and compassionate treatment. As the Director of PBHG's Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic, also funded by SAMHSA, Valerie lead integration efforts, internal quality improvement, and expansion of services.

Mrs. Ortense is passionate about creating a happier, healthier future for individuals who share similar experiences seeking support through life's most difficult challenges. Personally, Mrs. Ortense is a proud older sister of three inspiring, talented siblings and enjoys spending her time with family, playing sports, and living the Jersey Shore life.

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