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Phenomenal Women Under 40
Women Defining the Future
On Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at the Program Activity Center in Farmingdale, Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore celebrated Monmouth and Ocean counties Phenomenal Women Under 40. These incredible women were recognized for their outstanding achievements in the community, exemplary character, and their passion to defy the future.
Phenomenal women under 40 are dedicated to community service, have proven leadership skills and consistently go above and beyond in their personal and professional lives. They are go-getters, leaders, innovators and role models.
Funds raised at this charitable event help to support leadership programming and services provided by Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore to our more than 11,000 members in Monmouth and Ocean Counties.
2026 Highlights
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2026 Phenomenal Women Under 40
Alaa Alyoubi
Sr. Arabic-Speaking Community Victim Advocate, Mercy Center
Corinne Anderson
Sr. Community Relations & Volunteerism Coordinator, New Jersey Natural Gas
Ariana Nicole Broughton
Police Officer, Jackson Township Police Department
Alexis Coleman NP-C, RNFA
Nurse Practitioner, Surgical First Assistant at Monmouth Plastic Surgery
Sheana Ditri
Licensed Professional Counselor, Assistant Director EAP, RWJBarnabas Health
Victoria Finelli
Police Officer, Brick Township Police Department
Katie Meyers
SVP, Client Experience Officer at Manasquan Bank
Anna C. Pelligra, Esq.
Founder & Owner, Anna Catherine Pelligra Law LLC
Christie Pisacano
Human Resources Business Partner, Vodafone
Bailey Taft
Program Director, Shore House
Alaa Alyoubi 
Alaa Alyoubi is a social work professional and Community Victim Advocate whose career is centered on creating safety, opportunity and a sense of belonging for women, children and families. At Mercy Center, she combines trauma-informed care, crisis intervention, case management and culturally responsive advocacy to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence, immigrant families and other individuals navigating challenging circumstances.
A native Arabic speaker who moved to the United States from Saudi Arabia nearly a decade ago, Alaa has transformed her own experience adapting to a new country and culture into a powerful tool for helping others. Her language skills and cultural understanding have helped Mercy Center expand its ability to serve Arabic-speaking families throughout Monmouth and Ocean counties. She has developed relationships with local communities, helped establish women's support groups, connected families with critical resources and worked to ensure culturally appropriate support is available to those who may otherwise face barriers to services.
Alaa also leads Mercy Center's Youth With a Purpose program, an afterschool initiative that helps children develop social skills, healthy boundaries, emotional regulation and positive relationships. Her approach encourages children to find their voices, support one another and build the confidence to advocate for themselves.
Whether mentoring interns, supporting families, responding to crisis or creating opportunities for children to thrive, Alaa leads with empathy and a deep respect for the people she serves. Her ability to bridge cultures, build trust and help individuals feel seen and understood exemplifies the courage, confidence and character celebrated by Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore.
Corinne Anderson
Corinne Anderson is the Senior Community Relations and Volunteerism Coordinator at New Jersey Natural Gas, where she connects employees with nonprofit organizations and meaningful volunteer opportunities throughout Monmouth, Ocean and Morris counties. Her work helps turn corporate citizenship into hands-on community impact, mobilizing employees to address needs and strengthen the communities the company serves.
Service has been a constant throughout Corinne's life. She has volunteered since childhood and has remained active with organizations including LADACIN Network, EarthShare New Jersey and Alpha Phi Omega, the international co-educational service fraternity. In her professional role, she is known for leading by example—whether a project requires strategic planning or rolling up her sleeves alongside volunteers. Through these efforts, New Jersey Natural Gas employees collectively contribute more than 4,000 hours of community service each year.
Corinne is equally passionate about literacy and the power of storytelling. She holds an M.F.A. in Writing from Lindenwood University and an M.P.S. in Publishing from George Washington University. Through her publishing company, Ink Smith Publishing, she has helped make books more accessible by donating them to nonprofit organizations and Little Free Libraries.
Across her professional, volunteer and entrepreneurial pursuits, Corinne demonstrates that leadership is often rooted in a willingness to serve. Her enthusiasm, adaptability and commitment to bringing people together have made her a valued community partner and an example of how one person can inspire many others to make a difference.
Ariana Nicole Broughton
Ariana Nicole Broughton is a trailblazer in law enforcement and the first African American female police officer in Jackson Township history. In May 2026, she graduated from the Ocean County Police Academy's Class 124 following six months of intensive training and now proudly serves the Jackson Township community.
Her path to the academy is also a story of remarkable perseverance. Just weeks before training began, Ariana became seriously ill and underwent two emergency medical procedures. After allowing herself time to recover, she committed to rebuilding her strength and conditioning. She went on to successfully complete every physical examination and academy requirement and was selected to serve as a squad leader—another reflection of the leadership qualities she has demonstrated throughout her life.
Ariana began her law enforcement career as a Special Law Enforcement Officer I in Long Branch after graduating from the Monmouth County Police Academy. During her service, she has demonstrated both courage and compassion, including helping to save the life of a resident. She is also pursuing degrees in Criminal Justice and Communications with a minor in Political Science at Rutgers University.
Long before entering law enforcement, Ariana was a student leader and accomplished athlete. She served as captain of her girls basketball team, earned MVP honors twice and became only the second female in her high school's history to score 1,000 career points. Community cleanups, nursing-home visits and peer leadership have also been part of her longstanding commitment to service.
Ariana spent ten years as a Girl Scout, an experience that helped develop the courage, confidence, character, teamwork and commitment to service that continue to guide her today. As she builds her career in public safety, she is creating a new path for other young women to see what is possible.
Alexis Coleman NP-C, RNFA
Alexis is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner Surgical First Assistant. As a Rutgers College of Nursing graduate, she started her nursing career over 15 years ago at Monmouth Medical Center, where she met Dr. Greco. Her career path led her back to the operating room and further education in advanced practice nursing at Monmouth University. She joined Monmouth Plastic Surgery, caring for surgical patients in the office and assisting Dr. Greco during surgeries.
Outside of the operating room, Alexis enjoys helping patients feel confident through cosmetic injectables and other treatments. She is dedicated to guiding patients through their MPS journey, ensuring their concerns are heard and questions answered.
In her free time, Alexis enjoys spending time with her husband Scott, son James, and labradoodle Patrick. They love walks, playing in the yard, cheering for the New York Rangers, dining in downtown Red Bank, and participating in local 5K races.
Sheana Ditri
Sheana Ditri is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Assistant Director of the One Source Employee Assistance Program at RWJBarnabas Health, where she has dedicated her career to helping people navigate some of life's most difficult moments with strength, dignity and hope.
In her leadership role, Sheana supports approximately 45,000 employees across 14 hospitals and more than 700 medical offices. Her work encompasses crisis intervention, trauma, grief and loss, workplace stress, professional coaching and emotional wellness. She frequently supports healthcare professionals following traumatic events, difficult patient outcomes and personal crises—providing a calm, compassionate presence for the people whose own careers are devoted to caring for others.
Under her leadership, utilization of the EAP program has more than doubled, reflecting both the need for these services and the trust Sheana has helped build in them. She works collaboratively with healthcare leaders, Human Resources professionals, medical teams and crisis-response partners to ensure employees have access to meaningful support when they need it most. She also provides counseling through Peaceful Minds in Brielle, helping individuals and families build resilience, strengthen relationships and move toward personal growth and healing.
Sheana's commitment to service extends into her community and family life. As the mother of two daughters, she volunteers with her daughter's Girl Scout troop and understands the importance of girls seeing women who lead with both strength and compassion.
Whether responding to a workplace crisis, supporting an individual through grief or encouraging a young girl, Sheana demonstrates a form of leadership grounded in empathy. Her ability to remain steady when others need support most has made her a trusted counselor, colleague, mentor and community role model.
Victoria Finelli
Officer Victoria Finelli has built a distinguished career in law enforcement around service, education and building stronger relationships between police and the community. A member of the Brick Township Police Department since 2015, she currently serves in the Community Policing Unit, where her work allows her to connect with residents—especially children and families—far beyond traditional policing.
Victoria began her law enforcement career as a Class II seasonal police officer before joining the Brick Township Police Department. After spending five years in the Patrol Division, she transitioned to Community Policing. Her responsibilities include serving as a Public Information Officer, DARE Officer and Cadet mentor, as well as presenting in local schools and developing relationships with community organizations and residents.
Throughout her career, Victoria has earned numerous honors recognizing both courage and service, including two Life Saving Awards, multiple Chief's Certificates, Letters of Recognition for Service, a Grand Cordon Award and a Certificate of Congressional Recognition.
Education has also played an important role in Victoria's journey. She earned a bachelor's degree in National Security Studies, summa cum laude, from New Jersey City University, where she attended on a full Presidential Scholarship for academic achievement.
Victoria's work demonstrates the impact law enforcement professionals can have when they combine public safety with mentorship, communication and community engagement. As a mother of three, she also understands the importance of young people seeing women serving confidently in leadership roles. Through her career and community involvement, she is helping build trust, create connections and show girls that there is no limit to where their talents and determination can take them.
Katie Meyers
Katie Meyers is the Senior Vice President, Client Experience Officer at Manasquan Bank, where she leads the bank's experience strategy and Client Care Center while supporting a culture centered on exceptional service. Her career began as a bank teller, and over the past decade she has embraced opportunities across multiple roles and departments, always seeking to learn, grow, and take on new challenges. She believes that continuous learning and a willingness to step outside your comfort zone can open doors to new opportunities.
Katie earned her master's degree from Monmouth University and is currently attending the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. As a Certified Customer Experience Professional (CCXP), she is committed to creating exceptional experiences for both clients and colleagues. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her dedication to service and leadership, including being named an NJBankers Emerging Leaders Rising Star.
Beyond her role, Katie is passionate about supporting women, students, and financial empowerment. She has developed and led financial literacy workshops for the Girl Scouts, students with diverse learning needs, and other community organizations, helping participants build confidence in managing their futures. She also volunteers throughout the community, has served on nonprofit boards, and enjoys mentoring others.
Katie is honored to be recognized as a 2026 Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Phenomenal Women Under 40 honoree. She hopes her journey encourages young women to believe in themselves, embrace lifelong learning, and use their talents to make a positive difference in their communities.
Anna C. Pelligra, Esq.
Anna C. Pelligra, Esq. is the Founder and Owner of Anna Catherine Pelligra Law LLC ("ACP Law"), where she focuses her practice on estate planning, helping individuals and families protect what matters most through thoughtful and personalized legal planning. Since launching her firm in 2024, Anna has built a thriving practice rooted in education, accessibility, and compassionate client service.
A lifelong Monmouth County resident, Anna earned her Juris Doctor from Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law after receiving her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Before beginning her legal career, she spent nearly a decade as a Manasquan Beach Lifeguard, an experience that instilled the leadership, discipline, and commitment to serving her community that continue to guide her today. Anna's passion for service began much earlier in life as a member of a Girl Scout troop (Troop #225) led by her mother, where she first learned the values of leadership, community involvement, and helping others - principles that have remained the foundation of both her personal and professional life.
Beyond her legal practice, Anna is passionate about supporting local businesses, mentoring young professionals, and giving back to her community. She is an active member of numerous professional and community organizations, serving in leadership positions that promote education, collaboration, and community engagement. Anna regularly presents educational seminars on estate planning and works closely with financial advisors, accountants, and other professionals to provide comprehensive guidance and resources to the individuals and families she serves.
Anna believes that estate planning is for everyone and has made it her mission to educate individuals of all ages and stages of life about the importance of planning ahead. Through her approachable style and dedication to client advocacy, she strives to provide peace of mind while making complex legal concepts understandable and accessible.
As a former Girl Scout, being recognized as a Girl Scouts of the Jersey Shore Phenomenal Woman Under 40 honoree is especially meaningful. Anna is honored to receive this recognition and remains committed to inspiring the next generation of women leaders through entrepreneurship, community involvement, and service.
Christie Pisacano
Christie Pisacano is a business professional, nonprofit leader and lifelong volunteer whose ability to bring people together has created meaningful impact in both the workplace and her community. She serves as President of the Ladies Philoptochos Society in Holmdel and as a Human Resources Business Partner with Vodafone Americas.
Christie's leadership within Philoptochos has brought renewed energy, growth and engagement to the 45-year-old philanthropic organization. Before becoming president, she co-chaired its largest annual fundraiser, creating the name and branding for "Bubbles & Blooms" and helping lead the event to a record-setting $40,000 profit. The funds supported future philanthropic initiatives as well as organizations including the RAINE Foundation and 180 Turning Lives Around. Under her presidency, chapter membership has grown to more than 80 women spanning generations from age 18 to 95.
Her service extends throughout the community. Christie has led initiatives providing school supplies to local classrooms, essential items to mothers and children, health and hygiene kits for Mercy Center, health screenings and special experiences for children and families. She approaches philanthropy not simply as fundraising, but as an opportunity to connect people with one another and help them understand the difference their generosity can make.
Professionally, Christie works at the intersection of people, strategy and organizational transformation. As an HR Business Partner, she advises leaders, supports employees and helps advance workplace health, wellness, inclusion and engagement initiatives.
Christie's connection to Girl Scouts spans much of her life. A Girl Scout for 13 years, she earned both the Silver and Gold Awards and later worked as a Camp Sacajawea lifeguard, where campers knew her as "Nemo." Today, she continues supporting local troops and sharing the leadership and service values that shaped her own youth. Her journey from Girl Scout to community leader is a powerful example of how those early experiences can inspire a lifetime of making the world a better place.
Bailey Taft
Bailey Taft is a Red Bank resident whose passion for service and community leadership began at an early age. In eighth grade, she and a friend started an initiative that collected and distributed sports equipment to underprivileged children throughout the Red Bank community, ensuring more young people had the opportunity to participate in athletics. What began as a local project continued through her college years with the support of her sister, Reilly, impacting countless families.
While attending LIU Post, Bailey helped establish the Pi Upsilon chapter of Delta Zeta Sorority. She continues to serve the organization today as New Jersey State Alumnae Chair and Philanthropy Advisor. In 2023, Bailey was recognized as a Delta Zeta 35 Under 35 honoree in recognition of her outstanding commitment to community service and leadership. During college, she also completed internships with the Make-A-Wish Metro New York and Western New York Chapter and the New York Islanders, gaining valuable experience in nonprofit development, community outreach, and event planning.
Following graduation, Bailey returned to Monmouth County and began volunteering at Shore House, New Jersey's only accredited Clubhouse for adults living with mental illness. Her dedication quickly led to a full-time role as a Staff Generalist, where she supported members in achieving employment, educational, and personal recovery goals. Today, as Program Director, Bailey oversees programs that empower individuals living with mental illness to build confidence, develop meaningful relationships, pursue education and employment, and live fulfilling lives within their communities.
Beyond her professional role, Bailey remains committed to strengthening the community. As a member of Impact100 Jersey Coast, she collaborates with women from diverse professional backgrounds to review nonprofit grant proposals, identify high-impact organizations, and help direct transformative funding to local causes.
The Phenom Award recognizes exceptional women who have gone above and beyond in all that they do, including their amazing accomplishments and commitment to business growth, professional excellence, and community service.
2026 Sponsors
Event Sponsor
Manasquan Bank
Dr. Gregory A. Greco, DO, FACS, Monmouth Plastic Surgery
Courage Sponsor
OceanFirst
Confidence Sponsor
Hackensack Meridian Health
Dr. Eboné Lawrence-Smith
Character Sponsor
PNC Institutional Asset Management
RWJBarnabas, Monmouth Medical Center
Bevergae Underwriter
Audi Eatontown | Land Rover Monmouth | Porsche Monmouth
Mazza Recycling
Ocean County Vocational Technical School
Olsen Vineyards
Entertainment Underwriter
Holman Frenia Allison, P.C. (HFA)
Phenom at the BlueClaws
Our Phenom's throwing out the first pitch at the BlueClaws Stadium on August 5, 2026.
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