OCEAN CITY —The Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation and the Cape May County Women’s Commission recognized three exceptional Cape May County women - Jodie DiEduardo, Cheryl Spaulding and Diane Wieland - while also raising a record amount for female student scholarships at Atlantic Cape, during the Annual Women of Wonder Awards Luncheon at The Flanders Hotel in Ocean City, NJ on November 13.
“Thank you to all of the attendees here today, to the Cape May County Commissioners and members of the Cape May County Women’s Commission for your hard work and commitment to supporting our community and the students attending Atlantic Cape,” said Atlantic Cape Foundation Executive Director Jean McAlister. “Women of Wonder events have raised nearly $120,000 since 2011. The Atlantic Cape Foundation provides funding and support to the College, its students and educational endeavors, through special event fundraising and community philanthropy. Last year, the Foundation awarded nearly $770,000 in scholarships and over the past two years nearly $1.5 million thanks to our generous donors.”
This year’s event raised $17,575, eclipsing last year’s $16,105 amount. These funds will go towards providing scholarships for young female Atlantic Cape students who wish to attend college and otherwise may have been unable to afford to do so. Women of Wonder not only recognizes local women for their unselfish and heroic work, it also provides young women with the opportunity to realize their educational dreams and potentially become future leaders in their respective communities.
DiEduardo, senior vice president of community banking, Crest Savings Bank, has more than 40 years of experience in financial services and an unwavering commitment to community service. A recognized civic leader, she has been honored with numerous awards over the years. DiEduardo devotes her time and leadership to many local organizations. Her passion for volunteering has helped shape cherished community traditions and foster meaningful connections, making her a driving force in strengthening both business and community life throughout Cape May County.
DiEduardo thanked many with whom she collaborates with, and receives inspiration from, both professionally and personally, day-in and day-out.
“I am so grateful to Atlantic Cape and the Cape May County Women's Commission for this recognition, and to those who nominated me, thank you. This honor really isn't just mine, it belongs to the friends and family who jump in to help me, keep me grounded and cheer me on through the long days. I couldn't do any of it without them.
“While my name may be on this award, it reflects the spirit of the amazing team that I'm lucky to be a part of. To me, being a woman of wonder isn't about doing big things all the time, it's about doing small things with heart. It's about showing up, inspiring others, and finding ways to make our community just a little bit better each day. Every woman here represents a spark. Together we light up this County with courage, creativity and compassion. I'm so proud to stand here alongside the other incredible women being honored today. You're all inspiring and I'm so happy to share this moment with you.”
Spaulding, community relations specialist and public information officer, Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office, is a seasoned professional whose career reflects a deep commitment to community, public service and advocacy. With a background spanning marketing, business development, community relations, and public safety, she has dedicated her professional journey to building connections and fostering positive change. Through Spaulding’s diverse career, she has built a reputation for professionalism, compassion and dedication while advocating for victims, fostering community partnerships, or supporting recovery initiatives.
Spaulding reflected upon the meaning of the word ‘wonder’ and how this award stands as an example for all young women to believe in themselves.
“I am filled with deep gratitude and humility to be recognized among so many here who inspire, innovate, and uplift others. It is both an honor and a reminder of the incredible power of wonder. When I think of the word ‘wonder’ I think of curiosity, courage and compassion. Wonder is what drives us to ask, ‘why not?’ When the world tells us you can't, it's what fuels us to keep going when challenges arise, to believe in possibilities and to lift others.
“This award isn't just about me, it's the celebration of the countless women who came before us, who broke barriers, who dared to dream and who made it possible for us to stand where we are. It is also for every young girl watching, wondering if she has what it takes. Together we are shaping a world where wonder is not rare, but radiant and shared. May we continue to inspire wonder in ourselves, in each other and in the generations to come.”
Wieland, director, Cape May County Department of Tourism, started her career in tourism in 1975 and has served in her present role since 1996. Under her direction, the department includes Public Information, and the Cape May County Division of Culture and Heritage. The Department has won numerous state and national tourism awards for innovative marketing and advertising programs.
Wieland appreciates the support that the County commissioners and her extended family have provided her with over the years to succeed.
“The woman of wonder is the woman that works to get the job done. I think that's all of us. We get the job done and we move on. There's really no time to be recognized. You just continue to get the job done. I would like to thank the Cape May County Board of Commissioners for their continued support of what I do. Over the years I've had the support of the commissioners to allow me to do the work I do. We have really been able to work at the County level to improve tourism, and this County is recognized globally and that’s attributed to the marketing we do and the investment by our commissioners.
“I also want to thank my family for their support, patience and encouragement because that's what it takes. They have been the foundation of everything I do. When we work together, we need our family to support us, to understand what drives us and what keeps us moving. Thank you to my husband who has stood by me through long nights, early mornings and moments of doubt. I am endlessly grateful for my entire family and to my colleagues, what an incredible group they are. It's been a privilege to work with them. The creativity they have brought to the job and the commitment to inspire has inspired me to move forward and keep working every day.”
Since 2011, the Annual Women of Wonder luncheon has honored 27 phenomenal Cape May County women and awarded scholarships to 72 deserving students who may have otherwise not been able to attend college without this generous financial support.
View a photo gallery of this event on Flickr.
For more information, visit the Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation at atlanticcape.edu/foundation and the Cape May County Women’s Commission at capemaycountynj.gov/Womens-Commission.
About Atlantic Cape Community College Foundation
Atlantic Cape established the Foundation in 1978 as a 501(c)3 nonprofit charity to build a broad base of financial support for its programs and services. Foundation members are drawn from local industry and small businesses and represent a broad cross-section of active leaders in the community. The Foundation has raised more than $5 million for scholarships, Foundation operations and to enhance academic programs and the campus environment. Annually, the Foundation provides more than $700,000 for institutional scholarships, grants and emergency help.
About the Cape May County Women’s Commission
The Cape May County Women’s Commission is dedicated to providing a forum to increase the participation of county women and consulting with other groups and/or government agencies in order to propose programs that foster equality, achievement, and justice. The Commission is passionate about studying the needs, problems, capabilities, interests, and concerns of Cape May County women and girls.
