In recognition of March as National Women’s History Month, the Atlantic County Advisory Commission on Women is highlighting four local women who positively impact our community. The honorees were nominated by individual commission members in conjunction with this year’s national theme: Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generations. The 2025 theme celebrates the powerful influence of women who have dedicated their lives to education, mentorship, and leadership.
JENNA COOK: Champion of Justice and Community Advocate
Jenna Cook is a distinguished attorney whose two-decade-long legal career reflects an unwavering commitment to justice, equity, and community service. Jenna has fought for the rights of those who face discrimination based on gender, age, sexual orientation, and other protected categories. As a municipal prosecutor, she has pioneered programs to support at-risk individuals to ensure that those grappling with addiction, mental health challenges, or systematic disadvantages receive the resources and opportunities necessary for rehabilitation. Jenna has also contributed to her community as the executive director of the nonprofit A Meaningful Purpose to help uplift individuals with special needs, veterans and inner-city youth through opportunities at Reeds Organic Farm and Animal Sanctuary. She is a devoted mother of two who has enjoyed coaching boys and girls’ youth basketball in Egg Harbor Township and mentoring young athletes.
URYLENE “JUDY” GRATE: A Legacy of Service, Support and Empowerment
Judy Grate has dedicated 40 years of service with the Atlantic City Housing Authority. As the Supervisor of Resident Services, she has been a pillar of strength and a beacon of hope for countless individuals and families within the community. Judy manages the annual summer camp program for youth, providing 10 weeks of exceptional learning and growth opportunities. Throughout her tenure, she has facilitated professional development trainings for staff, organized morale-building luncheons, and hosted resident gatherings to enhance quality of life and foster community strength. Her programs have been particularly impactful for seniors and individuals living with disabilities. Judy’s dedication to creating pathways for growth and independence has helped many residents transition from public housing to home ownership.
MAMIE G. JACKSON: A Century of Faith, Service and Educational Legacy
Mamie Jackson has demonstrated profound faith, boundless compassion and unwavering dedication to education and community service throughout her 100 years. Mamie graduated from Atlantic City High School, earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education from Kean University and a Master of Arts in Reading Education for Rowan University. To further her dedication to lifelong learning, she pursued post-graduate studies at Glassboro State College and Rider College, becoming a certified Reading Specialist Administrator and Basic Skills Instructor. She led the groundbreaking “Follow Through” early education program that supported students from the Head Start program through third grade, uniting teachers, parents and the community in creating a nurturing learning environment. This program served as a catalyst in establishing full-day kindergarten across New Jersey. An annual scholarship, the “Learman D. and Mamie G. Jackson Book Award” for deserving Atlantic City High School seniors pursuing higher education was established through the Atlantic City Education Foundation as a testament to her lifelong dedication to empowering future generations. Her legacy of service extends beyond the classroom to leadership roles in numerous civic and charitable organizations, including 70 years of faithful service to her church.
BONNIE TODD MARINO: A relentless Advocate for Education Excellence
Bonnie Todd Marino is a dynamic force in education whose passion, innovation and relentless drive have left an indelible mark on every institution she has touched, from her early days as a 5th grade Math and Science teacher at Belhaven Middle School to her current role as Principal and Director of Special Programs in the Margate City School District. Her career is distinguished by groundbreaking initiatives that inspire curiosity and a love for learning, including Linwood School District’s first-ever Stock Market Game and introducing robotics through NASA-funded kits. She has also secured grants, developed specialized programs and mentored teachers, all while ensuring every student receives equitable access to quality education. She is a former Atlantic County Teacher of the Year and earned national recognition from the Buzz Aldrin ShareSpace Foundation. We celebrate Bonnie’s visionary leadership, unwavering dedication to nurturing young minds, and transforming educational spaces into places of possibility and promise.
“Women’s history is the foundation of our future, each generation building on the strength, resilience, and courage of those who came before them,” stated Stephanie A. Davis, Chairperson of the Atlantic County Advisory Commission on Women.
The Atlantic County Advisory Commission on Women was established in 1994 and is comprised of 15 volunteer members who help to improve the lives of women and girls in Atlantic County. Current members include: Stephanie A. Davis, Chairperson; Rhuby A. Mozelle, Vice Chairperson; Samera Bishop; Cassandra S. Boston-Taliaferro; Birdie Cody; Susan J. Coll-Guedes; Diane Conover; Toshira N. Maldonado; Marylou McAdams Corson; Evelyn M. Perez; Yolanda Simms; Mona C. Tally; Millie Tate; staff liaison Karla Guy and Commissioner liaison June Byrnes.
