Business

East End Women’s Network names 2014 ‘Woman of the Year’

Jill Schroeder leading a Zumba class at her JABS studio in Mattituck. (file photo)
Jill Schroeder leading a Zumba class at her former JABS studio in Mattituck. (file photo)

The East End Women’s Network is honoring North Fork fitness instructor Jill Schroeder as their 2014 “Woman of the Year.”

Ms. Schroeder has been motivating the community to get active, leading Zumba classes several times a week at her  studio JABS on Main Road in Cutchogue. Her training methods garnered such a large following she moved the club from her former Pike Street location in Mattituck to the more spacious studio in Cutchogue last year to accommodate the growing clientele.

At the age of 29, Ms. Schroeder was named the Suffolk Times Business Person of the Year in 2012 for her dedication to her clients and her numerous volunteer efforts.

Ms. Schroeder has continued to donate a significant amount of time to charity work including hosting “Cure for Cammy” — a fundraiser for the national Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.  She is also a major sponsor of the American Heart Association’s Healing Heart 5k and shortly after the tragic events at the Boston Marathon, Ms. Schroder hosted the “One Ride-One Fund” cycling fundraiser.

While working full-time, the certified personal trainer earned dual degrees in biology and psychology at Stony Brook University.

“Each year we look to honor a woman who has demonstrated tremendous leadership skills and who serves as an inspiration to other women in our community. It was clear to our selection committee that Jill is most deserving of this honor,” said East End Women’s Network President Jennifer Maertz. “She has inspired countless people to live a healthier lifestyle.  As founder, owner and operator of JABS Jill Schroeder has proven to be a great leader in the community with an unwavering dedication to the people of the east end of Long Island. We are so proud to honor her as our 2014 Woman of the Year.”

“Jill has created a place for people to feel good about themselves, through the community at the gym first, and then second in the community at large,” said Nicole Alloway, who nominated Ms. Schroder for the award.

The East End Women’s Network’s annual award  honors an East End woman who has exhibited solid leadership responsibilities, commitment to her goals and achievements in her professional life as well as personal character and service to her community and her colleagues, the organization states. Past winners have included Riverhead school board president Ann Cotten-DeGrasse in 2013 and former chief deputy Suffolk County executive Regina Calcaterra in 2012.

Ms. Schroder will be honored at a dinner celebration on Wednesday, May 14 at Giorgio’s in Baiting Hollow. The event is open to the public and begins at 5:30 p.m. The awards ceremony begins at 6:30 p.m. Pre-ordered tickets are $60 for members and $75 for non-members. Admission is $85 at the door.

To make reservations, go to www.eewn.org or contact [email protected].