The recipients of the very first women’s “Granite State
Beacon Award” was presented during the Women’s Job Fair in Manchester. The
inaugural award is shared by Florence Wiggin of Stratham and Jennifer Turco
Beaudet of Goffstown.
“A beacon gives light to others,” Representative Guinta
said. “The Granite State Beacon Award recognizes New Hampshire women who are
actively working to improve and expand opportunities for women, and who also
serve as positive role models. For some women, success is measured by
professional accomplishments and advancement in the workplace. For
others, it’s offering a helping hand to neighbors through civic and charity
work. For many women, success includes raising happy, confident and proud
children and nurturing them along the path to adulthood. Because of the
many contributions made by Florence and Jennifer, New Hampshire is a better
place to live, work and call home.”
A total of thirty-seven women were nominated for the award
by members of Guinta’s Women’s Advisory Committee. Nominees included business
executives, artists, community and civic activists, charity volunteer workers,
small business owners and many others.
Florence Wiggin was selected for her wide array of community
work. Besides being involved in her family’s egg business, she is a volunteer
with Stratham Community Church, helps with the International Medical Equipment
Collaboration, serves on the committee planning Stratham’s 300th birthday
celebration and the Stratham Library’s centennial committee, serves on the New
Hampshire Friendship Chorus Band, and somehow finds time to also serve on the
Stratham Heritage Committee.
Jennifer Turco Beaudet was chosen in recognition of her
remarkable story of overcoming repeated adversity. She is a survivor of both
cancer and dating violence, and volunteers a great deal of her time and energy
to help women who are struggling against both of those challenges. As a law
school student, she also worked at Poverty Law Clinic as a Shelter Legal
Services volunteer, and is currently with the Manchester office of Primmer
Piper Eggleston & Cramer PC.