​

HONOREE BIOS

 

The Montclair Foundation

The Montclair Foundation strengthens the greater Montclair community by supporting nonprofits that enhance health, education, culture, social services, and overall quality of life. As steward of the historic Van Vleck House & Gardens it preserves this treasured green space while serving as a hub for local organizations. Through prudent management of its endowment and a thoughtful grants program, the Foundation ensures that charitable gifts are invested wisely and distributed to organizations, like the Montclair Inn, making a meaningful impact in Montclair.

​

 

Susan Singer, Esq.

Susan Singer is an accomplished employment litigator with more than twenty-five years of experience advocating for equality in the workplace.  Her career includes landmark victories for employees in  cases involving race and age discrimination as well as extensive work representing employees who have suffered retaliation for asserting their rights.  A graduate of Bryn Mawr College, Columbia University, and Rutgers Law School, Singer began her legal career clerking for a judge assigned to the New Jersey Supreme Court.  She has also served the public through long term representation of the Cities of Newark and Trenton and as a two term member of  New Jersey’s District VA Ethics Committee.   Singer has enthusiastically served in a number of leadership roles for her church, St. Luke’s and as our Board Secretary and pro bono counsel.  Her commitment to justice and community service exemplifies the spirit of this year’s Prom Honoree recognition.

​

​

The Alixon & Brendan Gill Foundation

 

The Alixon & Brendan Gill Foundation, founded by Brendan Gill and his wife Alixon Collazos‑Gill, is a community-focused nonprofit that supports and uplifts local communities across New Jersey. Rooted in their shared commitment to public service and community empowerment, the foundation works to advance education, civic and community engagement, environmental protection, community road safety, immigration advocacy, cultural initiatives, and opportunities for underserved families and organizations. Based in Montclair, the foundation is dedicated to building stronger, more inclusive communities through partnerships, advocacy, and grassroots support.

​

​

Rahum Williams

​​

Rahum Williams is the Third Ward Councilor for Montclair, where he brings nearly three decades of leadership experience in commercial finance and a lifelong commitment to community advocacy. Raised in Brooklyn by socially active parents, Williams began his public service by petitioning community boards for safer streets and leading neighborhood beautification efforts. In Montclair, he has championed traffic‑calming measures, infrastructure improvements, and cost‑saving initiatives that support residents. Professionally, he serves as a Senior Vice President at a major national bank, overseeing middle‑market lending across the U.S. and Canada. A dedicated mentor and long‑distance runner pursuing the Abbott World Marathon Majors 6 Star Medal, Williams is most inspired by his wife and four daughters, who motivate his service to the community.

​

​​

Rev. Anya Sammler-Michael, Senior Co-Minister, UUCM
Rev. Scott Sammler-Michael, Senior Co-Minister UUCM

Rev. Anya Sammler‑Michael & Rev. Scott Sammler‑Michael have served as Senior Co‑Ministers of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation at Montclair since 2017, guiding a community long recognized for its justice‑centered ministry and its historic role in founding The Montclair Inn over 30 years ago. Rev. Anya, is known for her leadership in anti‑oppression work, interfaith collaboration, and public witness, including offering invocations for President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama. Rev. Scott brings a background in community‑building, pastoral care, and the arts, including building the TUUL Belt ministry. Rev. Anya who has won awards for her interfaith and justice service from Loudoun Interfaith Bridges, and the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice serves on the board of UUFaithActionNJ, was instrumental in the effort to save the James Howe House, serves on the strategy team for Essex Together and is a leader in the Faith Allies for Reparations in New Jersey. Rev. Scott who is a published writer is the Vice President of our Metro NY Unitarian Universalist Ministers Association, serves as a mentor to regional seminarians, and provides education to our local community through his Theology on Tap program.​