(Portions of this article were originally printed at DownBeach.com.)
Students at LBC have different stories, varied backgrounds, are of many different ages and have a plethora of reasons for starting or restarting their associate or bachelor’s degree education at LBC.
LBC student Elaine Hawkes was honored for Women’s History Month. / Photo from WEHA Radio
One of those students, Elaine M. Hawkes (’22 & ’26), was honored by the Atlantic County (N.J.) Women’s Commission for a “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories” feature during Women’s History Month in March 2023. The commission highlighted four local women who positively impact their community. Hawkes earned her associate degree in biblical studies from LBC in 2022 and is working toward her bachelor’s degree.
Hawkes is the co-founder of WEHA Gospel 88.7 and 100.3 FM, based in Pleasantville, N.J., a Stellar award-winning radio station broadcasting in an Urban Gospel format. She and her husband, William, also established Hawkes Janitorial Contractors and Moving Services. Hawkes includes ministry principles in each of her business endeavors. The Egg Harbor Township, N.J., resident also believes in giving back to her community and leaving a strong and stable legacy for her children, grandchildren and future generations.
“We hope by highlighting the accomplishments of these successful women, we will encourage others to reflect on their own stories of women who have been meaningful in their lives,” stated Lori Vermeulen, Chairperson of the Advisory Commission.
In addition to Hawkes, other honorees included Laura Powers Batchelor, Chief Marketing Officer for Atlantic Cape Community College; Michelle Washington Wilson, an active member of the N.J. Storytelling Network and the National Association of Black Storytellers; and Cindy Christy Fertsch, co-founder and editor of Shore Local Newsmagazine.
The Atlantic County Advisory Commission on Women was established in 1994 and is comprised of 15 volunteer members who help to improve the lives of women and girls in Atlantic County, New Jersey.