International Women's Day has been celebrated annually for over one hundred years. The earliest version in New York City was observed in 1909 and has since evolved into a worldwide event that promotes equality and brings to light injustices against women
In its modern form, people all over the world gather on March 8th to bring notable women to the forefront and show younger generations what’s possible when our community bands together. It’s a time to celebrate more established females and inspire their daughters to dream big. After all, their dreams are worth it. When women have a seat at the table, anything is possible.
Then there are the women who are building the tables. Sue Vorcheimer, Director of Marketing and PR at 1776 Morristown, is also the founder of the groundbreaking movement, Pass the Crown Around. Her vision is “a platform intentionally created to help women showcase their ideas, companies, brands, and leadership.”
On International Women’s Day 2026, Pass the Crown Around celebrated its 5th annual Women’s Day Experience at the Harborside Building Atrium in Jersey City. Over 200 people gathered to honor eleven trailblazers who are shattering the glass ceiling in their own businesses. Notable recipients include our very own Morristown-based photographer, Barbora Hindson, whose creativity and sensitivity celebrate women with every click of her camera. Also, Dr. Marisa Sweeney, New Jersey Assemblywoman and founder of Be Well Integrative Health Services in Morristown, is shedding light on women’s health in a way that has long been vastly underrepresented.
Vorcheimer opened the event by explaining, “Every year we have a word that encompasses our mission. This year, our word is REWIRED. At the center of REWIRED is our Emotional IQ. It allows us to lead with empathy, read a room, build authentic relationships, trust our instincts, and create meaningful impact." And the impact that was created in that room was nothing short of extraordinary.
One of our favorite speakers of the afternoon was Deb Balfatto, founder of Let’s Talk Women’s Health and Wellness. She is a two-time breast cancer survivor whose passion for supporting women was contagious. She proclaimed on stage, “Look someone in the eye and let them know that they matter. Make your words rich, make them matter. I’ve committed myself that every woman has the same access to healthcare that I did. That saved my life.”
Let’s Talk Women’s Health and Wellness was this year’s PTCA charity of choice. Each year, they bring together thousands of women to support education, advocacy, and access to healthcare throughout all stages of their lives. It’s organizations like these that move mountains for women, and Vorcheimer has made it her mission to build a platform to raise awareness of such exemplary charities.
The PCTA Woman of the Year was awarded to Dr. Smita Ramanadham. She is one of the few board-certified female plastic surgeons. She spoke about how lucky she felt to be fully supported by her male colleagues. She explained, “We’re in this together. Now I have the privilege to work with women to help them look and feel their best.”