March 28, 2025 — TRENTON — Atiya Weiss, executive director of the Burke Foundation, was among eight community leaders recognized at the YWCA Princeton’s 41st Annual Tribute to Women, held at Cooper’s Riverview in Trenton. The annual event honors individuals whose work reflects the YWCA’s mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and strengthen communities across New Jersey.
Weiss was celebrated for her leadership in advancing maternal and child health and her commitment to giving children and families “the best start in life.” Through the Burke Foundation, she oversees investments in programs and policies that support healthier mothers, babies, and families — from nurse home visits for new parents to affordable early child care and paid family leave.
“The first 1,000 days of a child’s life is pivotal — that’s when a child is growing one million neuron connections per second and parents are developing these amazing relationships for lifelong health and well-being,” Weiss said. “I’m passionate about making sure that children and families in this period are getting the best support that they need.”
She also highlighted the importance of early bonds and trusted relationships. “The idea of love and bonding can sound soft, but it’s anything but,” she said. “Research is so clear about how important relationships are to children and lifelong health and well-being. A stable, caring adult in a child’s life can mean a difference of 50% reduction in anxiety and depression. These relationships matter so much.”
Weiss shared how her own family inspires her work. “I’m the mom to two incredible boys. They inspire me and my husband every day. Every child should have someone that is irrationally crazy about them.”
Other 2025 honorees included Councilwoman Teska T. Frisby, Chantille Kennedy, Tawanda R. McCrae, Jennifer Weisberg Millner, Jack Morrison, Cheryl Towns, and Brenda Whitaker, representing diverse fields from education and health care to community development.
Read More: YWCA Princeton Presents 41st Annual Tribute to Women