WOMAN OF THE SECTION 2019 GLADYS LADEN

A New Jersey girl through and through, I grew up in Freehold, graduated from Douglass College and started my teaching career in Old Bridge. Two years later, I moved north, met and married Herb, and moved to Linwood Park in Fort Lee. After three more years of teaching, our family increased with the birth of Sandy, followed two years later by Carol. In 1964, we bought a home in Teaneck. That’s when I found National Council of Jewish Women, Evening Branch, Teaneck Section, thanks to Charlotte Levine, who was then Evening Branch Chairman.

Evening Branch was filled with vibrant young women who were eager to make new friends and serve the community. I started out making phone calls, picking up clothes for Thrift Shop, working on the membership committee, and served as co-chair of the first art show with Ann Levenstein. Before long, I became an Evening Branch VP and followed that with three years as Evening Branch Chairman. Our third child, Andrew was born the night of chairing my first board meeting. It was Leah Fetner who drove me frantically to the hospital just in time. Over the years, our family size has increased with the addition of three spouses and seven grandchildren.

By the mid 70’s many evening branch women were moving into Day Group and I had to decide in what direction I wished to go – continue to stay home and volunteer or return to work. Paula Rosenblum, at that time a leading force in NCJW, offered me the chance to return to work as Director of the Teaneck Group Care Home which was a major Council project at the time. I remained in that position for four years, while also earning my MA degree at William Paterson College, and in 1981 became the Financial Aid Administrator at Cornell University Medical College. Several years later I became Director and remained in that position until I retired in 2010.

Following my retirement, I returned to my NCJW “roots” and served as vice president of Community Services for two years. This was followed by two years as co-President with Ann Levenstein. Currently I represent NCJW BCS on the BVMI Advisory Board, volunteer at the homeless shelter, the Center for Food Action and chair the Journal committee. I am also chair of the Finance Standing Committee and previously chaired the Evaluation Standing Committee.

NCJW has allowed me to learn and grow in many aspects of my life. I am so grateful that Bergen County Section was available and thank everyone for this wonderful honor.

(Note: Gladys will be presented with her prestigious award at our Annual Spring Luncheon on June 4.)