It’s the Women’s Issue! And SJ Mag has a new look (check out the cover!). We’re announcing our 2025 Women of Excellence – always amazing! – and taking a close look at the harassment women face in politics, even at the local level. We also tell the very personal story of the Emanet family and their recent battle with ICE. Plus, check out our list of Top Female Docs and read about one woman’s journey as she danced through cancer.

Each year, we are delighted to announce the women who were nominated by friends and family, and then chosen by our selection committee as Women of Excellence. And each year, we are blown away when we see why these honorees are so worthy of this recognition. Here are the 7 women making a tremendous difference in South Jersey.

Women who choose to run for office are certain to face attacks online – and in person. Unlike their male counterparts, who are typically hit with comments about policy issues, the attacks on women are personal and vulgar, targeting things like her appearance or parenting skills. One elected official in South Jersey is speaking out. And ignoring the trolls.

For Emine Emanet, South Jersey is home. She and her husband, Celal, have raised their children here, and they run a busy restaurant in Haddon Twp. – the one with a sign on the door telling anyone who can’t afford to pay that their food will be free. Having immigrated from Turkey, Emine and Celal were living their American dream. That is, until ICE agents placed them in handcuffs and took them away.