Politics & Government
Residents Honored for Their Dedication to Others, Families
Volunteer, prosecutor recognized as part of Women's History Month.
Waffa Saad and Camelia Valdes were honored for their dedication to helping victims of domestic violence and for making history this weekend in celebration of Women's History Month.
Saad and Valdes were honored at the Paterson Museum, along with 11 other women, by Assemblywoman Nellie Pou (D-35). More than a 100 people held flowers and applauded the women for their unwavering dedication as “mothers, daughters, sisters, and wives," Pou said.
“Women’s ideas and actions have served to motivate millions of people throughout the years, thereby establishing new levels of expectations and daring the next generation of young women to reach for higher goals,” Pou said. “Through their invaluable service, these women have made history in their communities. It is important these ladies are recognized for all the hard work they have done."
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Saad is a case manager at St. Joseph’s Hospital and volunteers at the Wafa House in Clifton, a support center dedicated to assisting victims of domestic violence.
“She is a special person,” Pou said.
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Upon receiving the award, Saad thanked the crowd and her family and continued to ask for their support.
Valdes is the Passaic County prosecutor; she is the youngest county prosecutor in the state, the first female prosecutor in Passaic County, and the first woman from the Dominican Republic to be named a county prosecutor in the United States.
Valdes said her mother inspired her to study law.
“She was both strong and independent,” said Valdes. “I have been inspired and moved by her.”
Despite her role as prosecutor, Valdes said being a mother is more important.
“The job I do at the prosecutor’s office is not easy, but I do not do it alone,” she said as she thanked her staff. “Being a mother is the most significant part of my life.”
Saad, Valdes, and the other women also received citations of congratulations from fellow Assemblywoman Elease Evans, State Senator John Girgenti, U.S. Rep. Bill Pascrell, and from the members of the Passaic County Board of Chosen Freeholders.
