Photo credit Belleville Township: Councilwoman Naomy De Peña hosted the event which celebrated women who embody the spirit of empowerment, whether demonstrating leadership, overcoming obstacles, instilling change, excelling in service and improving our community.

Library director, retired teacher, occupational therapist and foster mom.

Female heroes come all shapes and sizes and walks of life.

Nine of them were honored last month when Belleville hosted its Women’s Day celebration.

Councilwoman Naomy De Peña hosted the event which celebrated women who embody the spirit of empowerment, whether demonstrating leadership, overcoming obstacles, instilling change, excelling in service and improving our community.

Then, they were recognized at the March 23, 2021 City Council meeting.

Carla Penelope Veras was chosen as “Belleville’s Spirit of Empowerment” in a resolution read at that meeting.

According to the resolution, the Belleville resident began her career with Enterprise Rent-A-Car before working her way up to heading the largest partnership for a new division with Uber. She now oversees the operation of National, Alamo and Enterprise brands at Newark International Airport.

“What’s special about Carla is what’s special about so many women,” Councilwoman De Peña said. “She is a determined, focused, force of nature in her career and a loving, nurturing soul at home. She and her fiancé purchased a two-family home here in Belleville, which they share with her parents and grandparents.”

The other women recognized during the Women’s Day celebration include:

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Photo credit Belleville Township:  Carla Penelope Veras was honored as “Belleville’s Spirit of Empowerment” during an event last month.

Photo credit Belleville Township: Councilwoman Naomy De Peña and Mayor Michael Melham with the nine Belleville women who were honored last month.

Photo credit Belleville Township: Cecilia Castro, a retired nurse, foster mom and mom to four adopted children, was honored during the township's Women's Day event.

Photo credit Belleville Township: Pietra Noto Rivera, an occupational therapist who worked through the COVID-19 pandemic to give parents advice via a Facebook parent group, was honored last month.