building a lasting living legacy
wonder | wander | women are happy to crow about Angelica Urra Berrie — our sister and aunt, who has spent her lifetime spreading much good in many working communities worldwide.
Her husband, Russell Berrie created the Making a Difference Award in 1997 to recognize changemakers and unsung heroes who make New Jersey a better place. They worked together until his death in 2002, when Angelica took on the work that continued and expanded to what it now is in 2026.
Since that time, the Making a Difference Award — in partnership and under the management of Ramapo College — has celebrated more than 450 honorees and awarded $4.4 million to advance innovative, community-centered solutions.
For 30 years, the Russ Berrie Making a Difference Award has recognized individuals who have dedicated themselves to creating positive change in communities throughout North Jersey.
Their work spans environmental advocacy, disability inclusion, Holocaust education, youth development, criminal justice reform and community service, representing just a few of the many causes North Jersey honorees have advanced.
For three decades, the Making a Difference Award has included some of the most powerful representatives in the state. Those who serve quietly, persistently, and often without recognition.
To celebrate the 30th and final year, 30 awards were presented in two categories: Gen Z Making a Difference and Growing the Ripple of Positive Change.
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We proudly welcome these exceptional honorees to the community of 485 New Jersey Changemakers. North Jersey awardees responding to their communities’ needs and helping build a better future for others.
As the program sunsets in 2026, The Support Center, a nonprofit management support organization, will provide a range of services to support the community of past honorees and the organizations they lead.
Quoting her own words:
Making a difference, helping other people will never go out of style. It won’t because philanthropy is the gift of who you are.
I think that when you give all of who you are to where you’re going, it doesn’t matter if someone saw it or not, it changes something.
That’s the whole idea that Russ had. One act can make a difference, and you can change your own corner of the world.
Ever proud supporters of Angelica, we are all looking forward to what will unfold for her in the coming years as well.
Originally published at https://wonderwanderwomen.blogspot.com.
