Passaic County honors women, groups for making an impact for Women's History Month

Passaic County commissioners wrapped up Women's History Month by honoring local women who have made an impact on their community.

Four area women and groups received formal proclamations this week for contributions made to better Passaic County. Commissioners said their impact should not be overlooked.

"It's so important that we recognize the women that shape our lives," Commissioner Cassandra Lazzara said.

The following Passaic County women were honored for making a difference:

Carol Cuadrado

Cuadrado, the chief of staff for state Sen. Nellie Pou, was recognized for her public service over the past 25 years.

Also the chair of the Passaic County Board of Social Services and a member of the county's 2020 census commission, Cuadrado said the recognition from the commissioners was one of her greatest honors.

The Paterson native and former kindergarten teacher is pursuing a master's degree in public administration from Rutgers University. She said she has more to do.

"I love what I do. I love being a public servant," she said. "I don't believe it was something I chose. I think it is something we all do from the heart."

Yolanda Esquiche

Esquiche was recognized for her work as a drug and substance addiction therapist for more than two decades.

A high school history teacher in her native Peru, Esquiche attended Passaic County Community College, where she studied English and later became a trustee. Now a licensed therapist, Esquiche helped dozens of county residents at Straight and Narrow, a community-based residential treatment facility established in 1954 by the Diocese of Paterson.

"As a therapist of substance abuse and mental illness, I always did everything to help my patients to stop using drugs and alcohol," she said.

C.R.E.W. (Cancer Reflection Education Worldwide)

The Paterson-based nonprofit was formed in 2020 to spread cancer awareness and boost early detection. Led by five childhood friends, C.R.E.W. members honor their friend and Paterson native Tyhesia Hall, who died due to complications from colon cancer in 2017. Each March, C.R.E.W. hosts a 5K at Garret Mountain to help raise awareness and money for its annual activities.

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Tanya Reams, the group's secretary, said the group is committed to spreading the word about colon cancer and helping residents in the county to be informed about the dangers of the disease.

Women Empowered Democratic Organization (WEDO)

The Passaic County organization was founded in 2009 to empower Democratic women in the political realm. The organization helps registered Democrats campaign or seek appointment to roles in local and county government in an effort to build female representation at all levels.

Joanne Graziano, WEDO 's president, said it is a great team to be a part of. WEDO is about women helping each other grow as individuals and increase their impact on society, she said.

"Two of our founding members have become elected officials, Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter and (New Jersey) Secretary of State Tahesha Way," she said. "So you know what the focus of WEDO was."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Passaic County honors women, groups for making an impact