FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Pennsauken Makes History During 2022 Reorganization Meeting

First Hispanic and Middle Eastern Mayor, African American Female Deputy Mayor Sworn In To Serve On Pennsauken Township Committee

PENNSAUKEN – January 6, 2022 – History was made during the 2022 reorganization meeting of Pennsauken Township Committee on Jan. 6. During the evening’s proceedings, Jessica Rafeh was sworn in as the town’s first Hispanic and Middle Eastern mayor; Nicole Roberts became the town’s first African American female deputy mayor; and the pair represent the first time Pennsauken will have an all-female led governing body.

“This is such a surreal moment. I was just nine years old when my family sacrificed everything so that we could come to America. And look how far we’ve come,” said Mayor Rafeh. “It’s a testament that the American dream for immigrants comes true if you work hard. This really is a land of opportunity.

“I will be forever grateful to the community of Pennsauken for welcoming us with open arms all those years ago, a generosity that continues through today. And now, with Deputy Mayor Roberts and my fellow members of Township Committee, I am able to give back to this great town. My parents have always reminded me to remember where I come from. Now, I am excited to take what I’ve learned and make Pennsauken better.”

“Jessica and I are both very excited to be a part of history. The fact that one day, my great-grandchildren will look back at this moment, it’s amazing. It’s emotional to think what my parents would feel about this moment if they were with us. They’d be over the moon,” added Deputy Mayor Roberts. “We have this amazing team on Township Committee; we’re super focused on the wellbeing of Pennsauken. I’m blessed to be a part of that. Our town’s future is bright.”

First elected to Pennsauken Township Committee in 2018, Jessica Rafeh won re-election for a second term in November 2021. As mayor, her responsibilities are focused on administrative, executive, and financial operations within the Township’s municipal government. Previously, she had served as deputy mayor in 2021, as well as public safety director. Jessica had also overseen the following committees/departments in her tenure: Economic Development, Planning Board, the Pennsauken Free Public Library, and the Pennsauken Historical Society.

Jessica moved from Venezuela to the United States at a very young age and has lived in Pennsauken for over 20 years with her husband, Husan. They have a daughter, Karina, who was born in 2020. Jessica and her family own several small businesses in Pennsauken.

Rafeh is an adjunct professor at Rowan University, teaching courses in English as a Second Language; she has also earned her Master of Arts Degree in Higher Education from Rowan. She is fluent in Arabic, English, and Spanish.

Nicole Roberts, who was appointed to Pennsauken Township Committee on December 17, 2020, to fill an open seat, begins her first full term this year. She is the first African American woman to ever serve on the governing body. Deputy Mayor Robert’s responsibilities are focused on Building and Property Maintenance, Economic Development, the Pennsauken Free Public Library, and the Pennsauken Township Planning Board.

Mrs. Roberts is a lifelong resident of Pennsauken. She and her husband, Darryl, are graduates of Pennsauken High School’s Class of 1981. They married in 1983, and raised their children, Darrah, Darryl, Jared, and Isaiah, in Pennsauken. She has worked in the educational field for over two decades, 15 of which are with the Pennsauken School District.

Nicole and her husband spent many years helping and volunteering their time with PYAA, as their children participated in various PYAA sports. Additionally, Nicole has been a board member of the Pennsauken-based South Jersey Rising Stars AAU basketball organization for 20 years. She continues to volunteer with the South Jersey Rising Stars youth.

Nicole volunteers her time working closely with the board members of Obsidian Charitable Foundation (OCF), a non-profit charitable foundation that serves underserved communities. She is an active member of the Pennsauken High School Alumni Association (PHSAA) and enjoys volunteering at PHSAA events.

“Diversity has always been a strength of Pennsauken; the historic moment we had at our reorganization meeting reflects that,” explained Tim Killion, administrator for Pennsauken Township who served as the town’s mayor in 2020. “I’m extremely excited to work with Mayor Rafeh and Deputy Mayor Roberts, as well as the entire Township Committee, as we move forward with our vision for Pennsauken Township.”

About Pennsauken Township

Pennsauken is a town of 35,000 that offers many amenities that larger towns do not provide. For businesses and residents alike, Pennsauken is one of the premiere locations in the Delaware Valley due to its accessibility to area bridges and highways. The Township has an active youth athletic association, great schools, and wonderful recreation opportunities. For more information, visit the Township’s website at twp.pennsauken.nj.us.