New Brunswick's Gaskins, Belisario Honored by Scouting America

Two New Brunswick women known for their leadership, service, and impact on the city were recently honored by Scouting America's 11th Annual Tribute to Women Awards.

Petra Gaskins, a member of City Council, and Jovanny Belisario, associate director of economic development for New Brunswick Tomorrow, were recognized last week at an event that also marked the formal introduction of Scouting America, the new name of the organization formerly known as the Boy Scouts of America.

Marchelle Boyd of RWJBarnabas Health in Franklin, former Perth Amboy mayor Wilda Diaz, and East Brunswick community volunteer Ronnie Li were also honored.

The Tribute to Women Award is presented annually to women who exemplify the values of Scouting America in their daily lives, including service, leadership, integrity, and dedication to others.

In the past 11 years, the event has raised more than $200,000 in support of Scouting's Youth Protection Training programs in New Jersey.

Proceeds from the event directly support Youth Protection initiatives within the Patriots' Path Council, including safeguarding training, updated digital privacy education, and resources designed to keep children safe inside and outside of scouting.

In 2024, the council provided more than $300,000 in scholarships and what it calls adventureships to ensure that youth from all backgrounds -- including those in underserved communities-- have access to scouting.

Last week's program included remarks from event co-chairs and past honorees, Britttany Wooden of Saint Peter's University Hospital and Deborah Morgan of the New Brunswick Chapter of the NAACP.

Eliza J. of Troop 219 in Carteret also shared her personal scouting experience, and Angela Browne, a Patriots' Path Council board member and mother of two Eagle Scouts, spoke about the importance of the council's youth protection standards.

In Middlesex County, Scouting America's Patriots' Path Council serves more than 1,800 youth and volunteers across 38 Cub Scout packs and Scout troops, as well as Explorer posts, Scoutreach, and special needs programs. Local partnerships, such as with Saint Peter's University Hospital, provide hands-on health care career exploration for young people.

"We are so proud to honor Jovanny, Marchelle, Wilda, Petra, and Ronnie," said Jennifer Volz, Senior Development Director, Patriots' Path Council. "They reflect the heart of our mission--to build character, citizenship, and service--and they inspire our Scouts to dream bigger and lead stronger."

Through her role at New Brunswick Tomorrow, Belisario leads initiatives that strengthen the local economy and empower small businesses.

Belisario, who brings over two decades of experience in the banking industry to her role, has fostered connections among business owners in the Esperanza section of New Brunswick through networking breakfasts and the creation of a website linking them under one banner.

Gaskins became the first Black woman to be elected to the New Brunswick City Council and was sworn in Jan. 2, 2023.

She is the Chief of Staff to State Sen. Joe Cryan (D-20). She previously served as director of outreach and programming for Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-12) and as an aide to Gov. Phil Murphy.

The Patriots' Path Council, headquartered in Cedar Knolls, serves more than 17,000 youth and adult volunteers across Middlesex, Morris, Somerset, Sussex, and Union counties. Scouting programs build character, foster citizenship, and develop personal fitness through fun, adventure-filled activities for youth.

Story By: Chuck O'Donnell
Photo Credit: Scouting America