Gilda Rogers, Journalist, Fashion Stylist, Interior Decorator & Adjunct Professor is one of the 28 honorees who received the 2007 New Jersey C.O.L.A. Award on Saturday, October 27th at the Newark Museum, 49 Washington Street.

Live freely with no expectations value who you are be of service to others and make a difference. These are the simple treasures that award wining journalist, published author (Beyond Publishing), educator and community activist, Gilda Rogers, has chosen to live by, along with irrefutable style. Maya Angelou calls it “The Art of Living.” The fountain of happiness that inspires Gilda Rogers to be a change-agent working on behalf of humanity is her gift to the world that she gives freely.

Rather than accepting life at face value, Gilda creates the life she so desires, while having survived all the complexities that go into being. A Renaissance woman, Gilda is the CEO of The Beyond Group, a public relations firm, “taking you and your ideas above and beyond”. We invite you to celebrate the launch of Beyond Publishing in fall ’07, with an upcoming book release reception for “Arrested Development: The State of Black Achievement and Education in Hip-Hop America,” her soon to be released work. Gilda speaks passionately and critically about her community. She feels a strong responsibility to the community to tell it like it is, with the good intention of raising awareness about the deteriorating plight of Black America and the state of education.

As an adjunct professor of African American History at Brookdale Community College, in Lincroft, New Jersey, Gilda brings a passion to teaching that challenges her students to answer these two important questions: “Am I part of the problem,” or “Am I part of the solution?” Mediocrity is unacceptable because Black America did not advance in America by being mediocre. It is much more fulfilling to define oneself through the measurement of excellence as the ancestors did.

With over 30 years combined experience in the fashion and journalism industry, Gilda expresses herself as a work of art and proves her fearlessness through the written word. Starting her journalism career as a sports writer and columnist with the Asbury Park Press, Gilda is a contributing writer for Odyssey Couleur Magazine . . . “Travel in color.” A reputable fashion stylist and interior decorator, she takes pride in enhancing the beauty she sees and all the endless possibilities, for her clients.

Inspired by such people as, Richard Wright, Malcolm X, Elie Wiesel, Fannie Lou Hamer, B. Smith, and the late golfer, Payne Stewart, W.E.B. DuBois, German philosopher, Immanuel Kant, Rosa Parks, Jill Scott and the poetic Goddess, Nikki Giovanni and Musiq Soulchild and Oprah Winfrey, Gilda’s diverse flavor for people is broad and fuels her creativity.

Gilda holds a Bachelor’s degree in journalism from Kean University and a Master’s degree in history from Monmouth University. She is an administrator at Red Bank Regional High School and is passionate about redirecting and reconnecting Black youth to their cultural history.

Missouri, the CEO and Founder of C.O.L.A., says, “Rogers’ commitment to mankind as a whole, exemplifies the spirit and mission of C.O.L.A. We are dedicated to empowering and educating our heroes who are making a difference in their communities across the Globe.”

Among this year’s C.O.L.A. honorees are Bishop Donald Hilliard Jr., Senior Pastor of the Cathedral International Church, located in Perth Amboy, Asbury Park and Plainfield, NJ; Rita Owens, mother of actress – rapper Queen Latifah and Art Teacher at the Frank H. Morrell High School in Irvington, NJ.

This event will be hosted by Caryl Lucas, a 2006 C.O.L.A. recipient, journalist and motivational speaker; formerly a news reporter with the Star-Ledger, and Communications Director for the Department of State.

Founded in 2004, C.O.L.A. Inc. has a very clear vision of becoming a national movement that encourages and inspires people to live their best lives now. “We publicly recognize phenomenal women, men, and children who give so much of themselves to lead and help others," said Missouri, a Somerset resident.

A portion of the proceeds from the event will go towards C.O.L.A.’s Teen Life-Style Enrichment Program; C.O.L.A. Foundation (project scholarships), and various non-profit organizations such as: Lupus Foundation of America, Sister Network of Central NJ, and others.

The 2007 C.O.L.A. honorees were nominated in seven categories including: Leaders in the Community, Outstanding Achievements, Academic Expansion, Acts of Kindness, Amazing Faith, Starting Over and Talent-In-Action, then selected by the Honoree Committee after careful review.

Among the event’s sponsors are: Cablevision, NUVO for Her, JTE Spirit, National Staffing Association, Peerless Beverages, Mercer County Economic Opportunity, Cathedral International, Vision System Technology, Inc., Executive Wardrobes, and Image by Missouri.