WoE Photos: David Michael Howarth Photography

Since launching our Women of Excellence awards almost 10 years ago, we’ve been continually amazed by the remarkable achievements of our honorees. The dozens of women named over the years continue to shine brightly, making significant impact in their communities and beyond. Their ongoing successes affirm our belief in their excellence and inspire us all.   

Faleeha Hassan / 2020 Inspiration

Long before she was dubbed “the Maya Angelou of Iraq” by Oprah Winfrey, before her writing was translated into 14 languages, and before she fled her native Iraq, poet Faleeha Hassan dreamed of writing a memoir.

“In my dream, I was in Iraq, looking for a poetry book in a public library,” Hassan recalls. “Instead, the librarian handed me a red box with a pen inside and said, ‘Write down our history.’ I can’t write the history of an entire people, but I can write my own story.”

Two years after being named one of SJ Mag’s Women of Excellence, the Turnserville resident fulfilled her dream with the publication of “War and Me: A Memoir” – though the process was anything but easy. “Writing poetry allows me to release my feelings. It’s healing,” she says. “But writing my story meant reliving every detail, often bringing tears, anger and sadness.”

The book has been met with critical acclaim, drawing comparisons to Angelou’s groundbreaking and heartbreaking memoir, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.” While the critical success is validating, 

Hassan is most moved by the responses from everyday readers. She recalls one reader saying, “I’m a single mom just like you. Your book gave me the courage to keep fighting my battles.” 

Hassan has earned numerous literary and cultural awards, yet she says her Women of Excellence Award from SJ Mag holds a special place. “I want to establish respect between people,” she says. “This hijab, which many see as a symbol of terrorism, is part of who I am. Achieving these accomplishments helps change minds about me and other women.”

Fatima Heyward / 2019 Woman to Watch

Soon after being named SJ Mag’s Woman to Watch, Fatima Heyward became the first African American woman elected president of the New Jersey Young Democrats. She was 25 and had co-founded the South 

Jersey Young Democrats Black Caucus, relentlessly organizing voter registration drives and black history events. Under her leadership, the Young Democrats’ membership and engagement skyrocketed.

“I’ve been able to break barriers, and I hope this can inspire others to make a positive impact,” says Heyward, now 30. 

Supporting her dream to develop diverse leaders, she completed Emerge New Jersey in 2023, a program that empowers and trains Democratic women to run for office and lead campaigns. Paying it forward, Heyward now chairs the state’s Emerging Leaders caucus.

Heyward had a bustling summer this year: She served as a delegate at the 2024 Democratic National Convention and attended the White House Juneteenth celebration. “It was a profound honor,” she says.

Since 2021, Heyward has been the director of national corporate partnerships at Teach For America. She also proudly serves on the state’s Amistad Commission, which integrates African American history into the public school curriculum. All this while pursuing a rigorous Executive MBA at Howard University. “Attending an HBCU [Historically Black College and University] means the world to me,” she says, “and this program will set me up for success.”

Kimberly Reed / 2018 Game Changer

When Kimberly Reed was named SJ Mag’s Game Changer 6 years ago, she was already an acclaimed voice on diversity and inclusion in corporate America. Since the release of her best-selling book, “Optimists Always Win!: Unlocking the Power to Reach Life’s C-Suite,” in 2021, Reed’s career has soared to new jet-setting heights. 

As chief transformational officer at the Reed Development Group, she has been spreading the word that diversity is a driving force behind innovation. Her recent engagements have included stints in the UK and Canada. Next month, she will be headlining a major conference on technology and diversity in Dubai.

“The world evolves, and we have to harness this diversity to stay ahead,” says Reed, a Cherry Hill resident. “If we embed diversity in the DNA of our organizations, we would be an unstoppable force.”

Reed is also working on her second book, continuing to share her journey and insights. 

Reflecting on being an SJ Mag Woman of Excellence, Reed says, “The award follows me everywhere, and I’m so proud of that. I understand relationship currency, and I met so many amazing people through this experience. Being recognized for the good you put in the world is always amazing.”

Monika Williams Shealey / 2017 Game Changer

Ten years ago, Monika Williams Shealey became Rowan University’s youngest dean at 39, leading the College of Education. By the time SJ Mag named her a Woman of Excellence, she had already created multiple impactful programs to boost teacher diversity and strengthen their training.

“The award came in the middle of my time as dean of education,” Shealey recalls. “It was like, ‘Hey, we see you. Keep doing that, keep making us proud, keep making a difference.’ It inspired me to do more.”

Shortly after receiving the award, Shealey became Rowan’s inaugural Senior Vice President of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. She built the program from scratch, leading focus groups to foster inclusivity. Shealey launched a revenue-generating certificate program and collaborated with law enforcement and community activists to address bias and harassment, significantly expanding Rowan’s impact.

Last year, Shealey was appointed as Temple University’s first female dean of the College of Education and Human Development. She describes this move as returning to her urban education roots but “in a much bigger swim lane.” She is leading strategic planning to pioneer breakthroughs, leveraging Temple’s campuses in Japan and Rome to expand opportunities and think beyond conventional boundaries. 

SJ Mag continues to be part of her story, says the Mullica Hill resident, who credits the magazine for its continued support, inviting her to participate in panels that continue to highlight her commitment to public education and equity. “No matter where you come from and what you look like,” Shealey says, “you can be a success with the right resources and support.”