Mimi Goldman Positive Achievement Award
Mimi Goldman, who was pivotal in the development of the Council for the Head-Injured Community (CHIC), passed away in 1997. She was the first person with a brain injury to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey. Mimi served as a role model for the brain injury community, sharing her talents and experiences on numerous committees and events, and always with a characteristic smile.
The Brain Injury Alliance of New Jersey established the Miriam (Mimi) Goldman Positive Achievement Award in the spring of 1997 to commemorate Mimi Goldman. This award is presented each year to an individual with a brain injury to honor his or her accomplishments.
2011 Recipient
David Mariconda
Following his acquired brain injury, David's unflappable spirit carried him to brain injury support group meetings, the Council for the Head Injury Community (CHIC) meetings, and the Alliance's Mentor Program. His contagious enthusiasm led members of CHIC to letter writing campaigns to legislators about the needs of individuals with acquired brain injuries. He initiated research to raise more awareness about the Social Security Disability system and the appeals process. As Chairperson of CHIC David advocated for teleconference accessibility to increase CHIC membership, allowing many individuals with transportation challenges the opportunity to participate in meetings. His goal to help CHIC become financially self-sufficient would provide opportunities for social interaction for individuals with brain injury that are so often lacking for many. David is a regular attendee of Brain Injury Awareness Day in Trenton, and has participated in the Partners in Policymaking training program.
Past Recipients
- 2010 - Frank Smith
- 2009 - Joseph Caminiti
- 2008 - Jane Concato
- 2007 – Edwin Rivas
- 2006 – Katrina Majeski & David Showalter
- 2005 – Steve Benvenisti, Esq.
- 2004 – William Snook, Jr.
- 2003 – Patrick Giannetti
- 2002 – Marilyn Gelman
- 2001 – Bob Aaronson
- 2000 – Herb Kinnard
- 1999 – Michael J. Sherman
- 1998 – Kathryn Phillips
- 1997 – Michael Greenwald