Biography
Community Service Honorees
Honorable Judge, Sybil M. Elias
In 1994, Sybil M. Elias earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers University and a certification in American Politics from the Eagleton Institute. While an undergraduate at Rutgers, she maintained the distinction of being on the Dean’s List and was inducted into the Golden Key National Honor Society. Sybil M. Elias is also a 1997graduate of The George Washington University Law School in Washington, D.C. and is presently admitted to practice law in New York and New Jersey. While in law school, she attended Oxford University in England and received a certification in International Human Rights Law.
Upon graduating from law school and returning to New Jersey, Sybil served as a law clerk to Judges Irvin B. Booker, Harold W. Fullilove, Sr., and Donald S. Goldman. Sybil M. Elias regularly assisted Judge Irvin B. Booker with many community outreach initiatives. Together they planned appreciation programs for Newark senior citizens and a guest speaker’s series within the Newark Public Schools. Upon Judge Booker’s retirement, Sybil co-founded the Hon. Irvin B. Booker Scholarship Fund to benefit college bound high school seniors from the Newark area.
As a former Assistant Prosecutor in Essex County, she solidified her commitment to serving the community as a volunteer co-administrator of the Newark-PACE mentoring program. PACE, an acronym for Program for Acceleration of Careers in Engineering, is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to the education and enrichment of today’s youth in the fields of Science and Technology. While an assistant prosecutor, she attended the National College of District Attorneys in Columbia, South Carolina and received certifications in Juvenile Justice and Trial Advocacy.
Six years out of law school, Sybil became a judge and earned the distinction of being the first Haitian American appointed to the Municipal Court in the State of New Jersey. Since her first appointment to the judiciary in 2003, Sybil has served in East Orange, Irvington, Newark, and Orange where she was the first female chief judge ever appointed in 2011. Occasionally she sits as a visiting judge in Nutley, Belleville, Bloomfield, Maplewood, and Montclair. Sybil M. Elias also served on the New Jersey Supreme Court Committee on Municipal Court Practice and the Essex County Municipal Court Judges Best Practices in Drunk Driving Committee. Judge Elias was also appointed to handle Temporary Restraining Orders issued in domestic violence matters filed in the Family Division of the Essex County Superior Court and is currently assigned to the Central Judicial Processing Court of the Criminal Division.
As a native of the urban Essex County, New Jersey area, Sybil has witnessed firsthand the disadvantages and adverse effect that a poor education and limited resources can have on youth and understands the importance of providing positive role models and encouragement to children. Advancing her interest in the next generation, Sybil readily participates in speaking engagements at schools and youth groups and regularly volunteers. She has been frequently recognized with numerous outstanding leadership awards from various organizations acknowledging her community service and dedication to children and the elderly. Furthermore, she is the recipient of two proclamations from the New Jersey State Assembly for her dedication and commitment to serve her community. Additionally, Sybil has been featured in the Rutgers Alumni Magazine Spring 2004 edition. Moreover, she has served on the Board of Directors for the Newark Community Concert Choir, PACE Youth Development Corporation, Urban Exposure, and the Infinite Way.
Linda McDonald Carter, Esq.
Linda is a lifelong resident of the City of Newark’s Central Ward
– except for about five years living in southern California
– Laguna Hills, Santa Ana, Los Angeles and Victorville, Ca.
Linda is the owner of the Law Office of Linda McDonald Carter, LLC. She has been in the practice of law since 1992. Initially in her own law firm, before joining with Lisa Hendricks-Richardson, Esq., Rhonda Pope Stephenson, Esq. and Vanessa Williams Powell, Esq., to form one of the first and largest African American Women Law Firms in New Jersey ( if not the U.S.) Richardson, Stephenson, Powell and Carter, LLC in 1996 - of course, located in Newark, NJ. During this time, Linda also served as an Assistant Public Defender for the City of Orange.
Linda is a member of the Association of Black Women Lawyers of New Jersey – Vice President and member of the Social Justice Committee, the Garden State Bar Association – Member of the Social Justice Task Force, New Jersey State Bar Association, New Jersey Bar Association Committee on Paralegals, New Jersey Bar Association Diversity Committee, American Bar Association, American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), Essex County Bar Association (ECBA) and Paralegal Association of New Jersey (PANJ). She also serves on the New Jersey Office of Attorney Ethics Fee Arbitration Committee for Essex County. In March 2016 Linda was sworn in to practice before Supreme Court and is a member of the United Supreme Court Historical Society. In November 2016 she was elected to the position of American Association for Paralegal Educators (AAfPE) representing the organization with the American Bar Association (ABA).Early this year she was appointed to the New Jersey State Bar Foundation Program Development Committee.
Linda completed a Fellowship through the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) Bridging Historias through Latino History and Culture Program, at the Graduate Center, CUNY. She serves as an Associate Professor of Paralegal Studies, Corrections, Prison Subcultures & American Government, at Essex County College.
Her humble beginnings started over five decades ago during the tumultuous 1950’s and the Civil Rights era that evolved into the Black Power Movement. Linda blossomed early as an active citizen. She vividly recalls seeing the world through the eyes of the media and TV show about attorney Perry Mason rather than the realities she witnessed daily growing up in the Scudder Housing Projects located in Newark’s Central Ward, after the Newark Rebellion of 1967. She vowed then to become an attorney, not necessarily to practice law and make money, but, rather to help make a difference in her community; assisting with interpreting the language of law and providing direction on how to navigate the justice system. Consequently, due to such a round background and skill –set, she serves as a community lawyer specializing in Preventative Law. Linda has received many awards and recognition for her service to the community.
Linda’s burning interest in the world, in which we live intensified as she was introduced to new cultures, religions, and people. Throughout her experiences she gained an appreciation and deep respect for History, and the political “isms.” She studied Political Science at Rutgers University and later graduated from Rutgers University Law School - Newark – where else!
Linda has served professionally, as resident manager living in the Scudder Home Housing Project located in Newark, New Jersey. Later she became a Section 8 Manager at the Newark Housing Authority (NHA). She also worked for United States Senator Bill Bradley before moving to Southern California where she became heavily involved with various grassroots and political initiatives such as registering voters - throughout Orange, San Diego, Riverside, and San Bernadine Counties – involved in the registration of 800,000 California residents; also participating in the creation, development and implementation of the Women for Orange County’s Great American Write-In, negotiating political struggles between opposing parties, and learning to manage media. Linda is sought after to facilitate political forums and debates throughout the State of New Jersey. She continues to serve on panels addressing a variety, numerous challenges and obstacles directly or indirectly negatively impacting communities including Youth, People of Color and the Poor. Additionally, she serves in a volunteer capacity as an advisor to an International Global Television and Cable Program Director of Education Program. Linda has rightfully been called a “Citizen Extraordinaire”.
After living in Southern California, Linda returned New Jersey. Again, working in the area of voter registration; particularly, working with the New York/New Jersey Motor Voter Project. Later In 1989, she began her current career providing instruction at Essex County College initially, as an adjunct instructor of Nurse Paralegalism, World Civilization, African American History, Film and English. Simultaneously, in 1990 she held the position of Assistant Corporation Counsel in East Orange.
Linda’s community service activities are extensive and include currently serving as an Elder and Cultural Leader in the grass roots organization VOCAL (Voices of Change and Liberation).In July 2017 she served on the Ad Hoc Committee for Newark’s History - Newark Rebellion 1967. Among the many activities that she participated, Linda is featured in the video, 50 Years Later – Remembering the Newark Rebellion; served as the only women panelist and in the capacity of a former resident of Newark Public Housing for WBGO FM Live A Special Edition
of Newark Today Summer of “67 Forum and served as a panelist New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, “They Didn’t Know We were Seeds: An Inter-generational Conversation about the Newark Rebellion
Linda is the eldest of 6 brothers, 2 sisters; aunt of 19 nieces and nephews and also grandaunt of 17. She is also the wife of a real cool husband, Aaron.
Yanick Stephen Ranieri, Proprietor and Executive Chef
Executive Chef and Owner, Yanick Ranieri, of Papillon 25 and Martini Bar in South Orange New Jersey has set new standards of excellence for cutting edge food, high-design atmosphere, elegant lighting and decor. The contemporary restaurant is, in essence, her theatre for the culinary spectacle that she loves to orchestrate. Born in Haiti, the daughter of Senator and Chairman of International Affairs, she learned at an early age the art of spectacle, the imperatives of impeccable service and fine dining. Additional training included courses and workshops at St. Emilion, France and many other venues throughout Spain. She continues to drive herself to new levels of culinary explorations by interpreting traditions of foods from around the world and strives continually to contribute to New Jersey's growing reputation as an international food destination. Her culinary enterprise extended to a full-service catering company, Yanick Gourmet Catering and later on Papillon 25 On and Off Premise Catering Services.
There she cultivated her love for fine food and great service. She began her internship by working alongside the family cooks preparing meals for hundreds of guests. The family traveled throughout the world, often bringing back home many recipes for dinner gatherings. Today, the repertoire of Yanick Cuisine reflects this international accent of gourmet fine dining.
The feedback from customers about Papillon25/Martini Bar impeccable service and local news publishers such as the Newark Star Ledger, New Jersey Monthly. Yanieri Ranieri has succeeded in attracting a very loyal following. The love for the craft landed her Champion of Great Chefs of Essex County for two consecutive years, including Culinary Sensations at the Short Hills Hilton sponsored by Easter Seals Foundation and Guest Chef at Bloomingdale's, Willow brook & Short Hill’s malls, New Jersey.
Her cuisine is an infusion of French, Italian, Southern Caribbean, and American cuisine. Her specialty dishes are a reflection of our diversity……. More than 75 martinis and over 100 wines are offered to compliment any dining experience. As Papillon 25 celebrates the tenth year anniversary, the restaurant has been able to maintain the growing reputation for food and great entertainment destination. The clientele consists of the upper mobile professionals and celebrities of New Jersey
“Food is my passion. My passion is life”
At Papillon 25, World Famous musicians for Jazz, Blues and R&B are brought in. An upbeat repertoire have been maintained throughout the years. The evolution of Todays Entertaining have been followed in order to maintain a striving business.
“As a teacher throughout my life, I am always willing to learn and make the appropriate changes to strive to obtain my goals. Being successful is willing to learn from everyone around you while you are teaching them. Teaching and learning are the same passion as life.
I have been very fortunate in my life to pursue two of my passions, teaching and cooking. I have learned to delegate to others what I cannot do and treat everyone with respect. I totally enjoy my life. I am looking forward to a new challenge and opening another venue using what I have learned running Yanick’s and Papillon 25 for the past 16 years.”
Janice Johnson Dias, PHD
Dr. Janice Johnson Dias is an Associate Professor of Sociology and a Graduate Faculty in the Department of Criminal Justice at John Jay College. Johnson Dias holds a Ph.D. in Sociology from Temple University; she completed her postdoctoral study at the University of Michigan, Gerald R. Ford School of Public Policy, National Poverty Center. Her research focuses on mothers and children who are grew up and/or currently living in poverty. In addition to her academic work, Johnson Dias has extensive experience working with, evaluating and building collaborations among social service, educational, and community organizations. Her work in Long Island with Stony Brook University and community stakeholders on issues of black girls’ mental, sexual and physical health earned the collaborative a special Congressional honor.
Johnson Dias also serves as the Founder and President of the GrassROOTS Community Foundation, a national pubic health and social action organization that supports, develops, and scales community-driven solutions to the health challenges facing women and girls.
With a cadre of social scientists, community organizers, and performing artists, GrassROOTS has garnered the attention of the White House and funding support from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, RWJ Barnabas Health System, The Health Care Foundation of New Jersey, and GlaxoSmithKline for their community wellness programs in Philadelphia, Memphis and Newark, serving over 1000 people annually. In fact, Janice was among a select group of community leaders invited to First Lady Michelle Obama’s re-launch of her “Let’s Move” initiative.
A well-sought after speaker, Janice uses humor to raise awareness and demonstrate the interconnections among poverty, health and children outcomes. She was recently listed among Forbes “What's The Next Trend In Leadership? Black Women” as an outstanding speaker and a woman to know. Drawing on her multiple published peer-reviewed academic papers on health, women and poverty, Janice talks delivers academic-driven data in a relatable, accessible way, engaging and informing audiences. Janice has spoken to a wide range of organizations, including many colleges and health institutions across the United States, including the New York Academy of Health, New York Department Health and Hygiene, Howard University, Bennett College, as well as Brandeis and Duke universities. She continues to speak about the need to invest in girls and urban youth.
Dedicated to making structural level changes, Johnson Dias also works closely with policymakers helping to infuse academic research into public policy and advocating for more attention to the health and well-being of women and girls. Johnson Dias served as an advisor to several government officials. In 2015, she served as the co-chair of the public health transition team for Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka. She also works closely with the City of Plainfield and Mayor Adrian O. Mapp in implementing strategies for youth engagement. In Philadelphia, Johnson Dias has worked closely with Councilwoman Cindy Bass and State Representative Stephen Kinsey on public health initiatives for Germantown. Janice has presented her work on violence as a public health issues to the US Conference of Mayors.
A former U.S. Army Reservist, Johnson Dias has been honored by Zeta Phi Beta as one of their “Woman of the Year,” as well as the University of Michigan for community service and the Carma Foundation for community activism. Johnson Dias’ justice work and community research story has been spotlighted by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, The Philadelphia Inquirer, and CBS News. Her most recent work supporting the need for diverse literature through the #1000BlackGirlBooks campaign has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Teen Vogue, Forbes, New York Times and on CNN and many national and international outlets.
She lives in New Jersey with husband, Scott and daughter, Marley.
Shahilda Boynes, Program Manager, Sierra House
Shahilda Boynes attended Bloomfield College in Bloomfield, New Jersey. She began her career in social services when she began working at Sierra House in 2004.
Today, she has more than thirteen years of experience specifically working with homeless youth, young adults, children and persons with developmental disabilities. Ms. Boynes has a profound understanding of both the business and programmatic aspect of nonprofits.
Sierra House provides housing, educational support, job skills, counseling, life skills, and critical social services that help homeless young women and young mothers, ages 18 to 25 years old, and their children attain self-sufficiency. While working at Sierra House, Ms. Boynes has served more than 300 homeless individuals and families. Under Ms. Boynes’ leadership, Sierra House Transitional Program has an 80% success rate. This means 80% of the individuals and families served transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency, 70% get jobs, and more than half enroll in programs of higher education.
During her tenure at Sierra House, she has worked closely with government agencies, government funders, private supporters, community partners, program audits, inspectors, and case management. She has a great understanding of Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS), Molina, and other key software used on a day to day basis. As Program Manager, Ms. Boynes plays a key role in training staff and teaching residents to value the treasure that is inside each of them, realize their passion and to pursue their dreams.
Ms. Boynes also serves the community in other ways. In 2013, she became a member of the Essex County Comprehensive Emergency Assistance Services (CEAS) Committee. In 2015, she participated in Essex County’s Point-In-Time Count which she assisted with an annual count of homeless persons living on the street. In 2016, she became a member of the Housing and Homeless Prevention Monitoring Committee taking part in monitoring shelters throughout Essex County. In 2017, she joined the NJ Coalition to End Homelessness. Ms. Boynes is also the mother of three beautiful girls.
Adenah Bayoh, Entrepreneur
Adenah Bayoh embodies the American dream. At age 13, she escaped the civil war in her native country of Liberia, immigrated to the United States and is now one of the most successful entrepreneurs in her home state of New Jersey. Adenah is the founder and CEO of Adenah Bayoh and Companies, which is the parent corporation that owns IHOP franchises in Newark, Paterson, and Irvington, New Jersey and a real estate development portfolio with over $250 million dollars in urban redevelopment projects. Because of the success of her flagship IHOP in Irvington, she is the second largest employer in the Township. In late August, Adenah will launch Cornbread, her signature line of fast casual, farm-to-table, soul food restaurants.
Adenah began her career as an entrepreneur at an early age. After attending a public high school in Newark, New Jersey and putting herself through college, she secured a job in banking and began purchasing multifamily homes as investments. Following the financial success of these investments, she left her banking position to concentrate on building her own businesses focused on transforming and empowering disadvantaged communities.
Inspired by her grandmother, who owned a restaurant in Liberia, Adenah decided to use the profits generated from her real estate investments to open an IHOP in Irvington, New Jersey. After overcoming financial challenges and a learning curve, she cut the ribbon on her first location at age 27, making her one of the youngest IHOP franchisees in the country. In 2010, her location was the fastest-growing in the Northeast, and it remains one of the top grossing in the region. Adenah continues to build on her success; in January 2015, she was appointed to the prestigious Federal Reserve Bank of New York Advisory Council on Small Business and Agriculture. In December 2015, she was named to Ebony Magazine’s Power 100 list alongside such luminaries as U.S. Attorney General Loretta Lynch; Robin Washington, the CFO of pharmaceutical giant Gilead Sciences; and Oscar winning actress Viola Davis.
On June 22, 2015 she proudly cut the ribbon on her second IHOP in Paterson, New Jersey located in the Center City Mall.
After expanding her real estate holdings with the acquisition of larger sites, she decided to take the bold step of transitioning from buying, selling, and renting properties to full-scale real estate development. In 2012, she partnered with two other developers to purchase the former Irvington General Hospital site, which had been vacant for nearly a decade, and transform it into an unprecedented $200 million dollar residential and retail community. Additionally, she is in pre-development on the construction of another urban renewal project that will provide 40 residential units in Irvington.
Adenah is also philanthropically involved in the communities where she does business. At IHOP Irvington, she runs a free breakfast program for children under 12, and she hosts dinners for needy families during the holidays. In addition, she allows local nonprofit organizations to hold charitable events at both IHOP locations.
Adenah’s accomplishments have not gone unrecognized. She is a sought-after speaker by business, professional, and community organizations; universities; and women’s associations. Moreover in March 2014, she was honored as one of the Top 50 Women in Business by the publication NJBIZ and was the cover story in its March 24th issue.
Adenah is a graduate of Fairleigh Dickinson University where she earned a degree in Business Management. Despite her numerous successes, her proudest achievement is being a mother to her two young children.
Nancy Mullin, Educator, W.O. School
Ms. Nancy Mullin is the Supervisor of Career Education and Library Science for the West Orange School District. This is Nancy’s 24th year with the District in which she has filled several different roles. A graduate of the West Orange school system, Nancy earned her Bachelor’s Degree from the University of New Hampshire’s’ Peter T. Paul College of Business and Economics. Her true passion was always in the education field, which led Nancy to earning a Master’s Degree from Seton Hall University in Education. She spent the first 7 years teaching in Irvington before coming to West Orange Schools. In addition to teaching in West Orange, Nancy worked for several years as a Technology Integration Specialist and grant writer. After earning a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Montclair State University, Nancy was promoted to the her current role where she supervises the District wide library program and the Career Education Department which consists of Business and Family Consumer Science. Nancy oversees the state approved Career and Technical Education programs and administers the Carl D. Perkins grant for West Orange. As a result, students are provided opportunities to earn industry credentials, and college credits while in high school, giving them a financial edge upon graduation. The state approved programs in Architecture, Graphic Design, Early Childhood Education, Culinary Arts, Cisco Networking Academy, Broadcast Journalism, Health Sciences, Finance, Entrepreneurship and the upcoming STEM and Apparel programs offered at West Orange High School, all provide students with opportunities which prepare them for success in college and career. Partnerships with businesses, colleges and universities ensure students are provided with the most current technologies and curricula. As a member of the New Jersey Career and Technical State Advisory Committee, Nancy meets regularly with members from around the state to make sure West Orange High School is a leading comprehensive high school.
The Personal Finance program that Nancy implemented is at the core of financial literacy and competency. It prepares students to meet the challenge of the W!SE Financial Literacy Certification program and guides them to become fiscally responsible citizens as they prepare for their future.
As the administrator of the Perkins Grant for the last 9 years, Nancy has brought approximately $450,000 in funding to the West Orange School District. Additional grants for which Nancy has applied and received include a Secure our Schools matching grant for $250,000, Montclair State University Study Group
Grants, and We the People Bookshelf Grant. She consistently seeks additional opportunities for the West Orange School District. Nancy has presented various topics at several conferences including the International Society of Technology Education, New Jersey Association of School Librarians, and NJECC.
Maria Frangos, Educator, W.O. School
Maria Frangos attended Douglass College in New Brunswick, graduating with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Management from the Rutgers School of Business, New Brunswick. After starting her career in retail management with Macy’s, Inc., Mrs. Frangos was soon recruited by a small design firm for what she thought was her dream job and location, Marketing and Public Relations, in Manhattan. Realizing she needed more out of her career and wanting to impact society and “make a difference,” Maria left the business world and entered the world of education through the Alternate Route program.
Shortly after starting her teaching career with West Orange, Maria earned her Master’s Degree in Supervision and Administration from Montclair State University. Maria enjoys the impact she has on the lives of the young adults she teaches and continuously strives to learn and grow so as to offer her students the best experience and financial literacy foundation possible.
Anna Miranda, Solutions Architect for Verizon
Anna Miranda is a Solutions Architect for Verizon who supports the Media, Entertainment and Technology Enterprise Clients in the Tri-State area. Her key focus is to partner with clients to help understand their business initiatives, drivers, challenges and help achieve their business goals by designing appropriate solutions that meet their needs! She has a BS in Electrical Engineering from NY Institute of Technology and a MS in Information Systems Engineering from NY University.
She is married to Felix DeSouza for 22 years and they have a wonderful son, Alex who is a Freshman at Seton Hall Prep in West Orange. Besides, work, being a wife and motherhood, she loves volunteering her time at a Soup Kitchen held by the Franciscan Friars of Renewal in Newark and is also a lay associate of the Friary. She is a consistent contributor to her Church where she sits on the Leadership and Financial committee and organizes reflections for the community of worshippers on a bi-monthly basis. Her recent reflection that she organized was held a week ago on, ’Hope for the heart – Faith and Forgiveness’. She is also one of the founding members of the Circle of Rainbow Sisters seeking spiritual and wellness connection. Spirituality is at the core of who she is as she feels strongly that we are all spiritual beings having human experiences. She lives her life remembering her mentor’s words, ‘ Success means how many people are better off because you lived’.
Marcia A Harris MD, Integrative and Holistic Medicine
Marcia A Harris MD, LHD(hon), is a Manhattan based holistic women's health protagonist, author of the best selling book:
Reasons to believe.
She completed her training in Anti-Aging Medicine at the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) A Gynecology Residency at Weill Cornell- The New York Hospital, Internal Medicine at Harlem Hospital Medical Center after graduating from the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Columbia University, and has a BSc in Chemistry from Pace University- which later gave her an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters for her tireless service to the University Community and its long range planning and goal setting agenda.
She now practices Integrative and holistic medicine specializing in a root cause resolution approach to wellness and health. She especially focuses on, but is not limited to, women's health, bioidentical hormone replacement .therapy for women and men- primarily utilizing subdermal pellet implants, and feminine rejuvenation of the vagina and face using the radio-frequency modality which is painless with no downtime.
She prides herself in making a difference in peoples lives- whether as a physician, volunteering, speaking and presenting at health fairs and other community projects, working at the battered women's shelters or taking care of family and loved ones. Her motto is: If better is possible- good is not enough and she lives by the mantra: :the only limits to future possibilities are the "buts" of today.
Her legacy includes not only her scientific and medical contributions but her daughter Dana Marie and son Michael and her greatest pleasure in life now is her 8 year old granddaughter Dylan Olyvia- who is her travel buddy and her little "mini-me"