Sunday, April 11, 2010

Millicent Fenwick Award

The Federation’s Millicent Fenwick Award is given annually to a Republican woman who exemplifies the late Congresswoman and Ambassador’s passion and energy.

Millicent Fenwick was an extraordinary person in New Jersey and in Congressional History. 

Always the lady, she was an effective leader in NJ and in Congress, never touched by the political intrigue or pettiness we frequently see in politics.  Instead, Millicent became known for her wit, political savvy, and boundless energy.

Beginning in 1938, she served on the Bernardsville Board of Education and Borough Council.  1970 to 1974 she served as NJ State Assemblywoman and as Director of Consumer Affairs.  At age 64 in 1975, she was elected to the United States House of Representatives where, as one of only sixteen Congresswomen out of 432 members, she served four terms.  President Ronald Regan appointed her US Ambassador to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture Organization in Rome from 1983 to 1987. Millicent stayed involved in public service until her death in 1992.  She said she wanted to be remembered as one who was useful.

In 1993, the Somerset County Federation of Republican Women established an award in her name acknowledging and recognizing those women who have dedicated their lives to providing to others and who exemplify Republican values like Millicent.  This award also reflects the Federation’s intent to ensure that the achievements of these women are recorded in history.

If you would like to nominate an outstanding woman in your area, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and tell us all about her.