Nicole Roberts is set to break new ground as the first Black woman to serve as mayor of Pennsauken Township, New Jersey. The historic swearing-in ceremony is scheduled to take place Tuesday night, marking a significant milestone for the community and its leadership.

Roberts, a 61-year-old retired educator, expressed her excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. “I feel very humbled and honored to be trusted with this position,” she said. No stranger to breaking barriers, Roberts made history in 2020 as the first Black woman to serve on the township committee.

Her passion for public service was inspired early in life through her involvement with the Homestead Youth Association, a nonprofit organization that introduced her to community service. “They brought us together as a community with activities like skating, camping, and summer trips. That’s where I learned the value of service,” Roberts shared. Her dedication to leadership and community work earned her the Camden County Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Medal in 2023.

As mayor, Roberts plans to focus on enhancing the quality of life for Pennsauken’s 37,000 residents. One key priority is the development of outdoor spaces, alongside overseeing major projects such as a $30 million library and municipal building slated for completion this summer, funded through state and federal grants. Another significant initiative is a $20 million community center, partially financed by grants, which aims to bring families together.

A mother of four and a grandmother, Roberts hopes her leadership will inspire the next generation, especially young girls. “I want them to know they can achieve anything and should always reach for the stars,” she said. Roberts attributes her success to the influence of strong Black women in her life, whose compassion and support helped shape her confidence and determination.