Loretta Winters is a powerful voice for the voiceless and a tireless advocate for equity, justice, and community empowerment. As President of the Gloucester County NAACP and former 2nd Vice President of the NAACP New Jersey State Conference, she has led with conviction, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to civil rights. She also serves as Board Chair of First Harvest Credit Union, where her leadership continues to build bridges and dismantle barriers that divide communities.
A consummate servant leader, Loretta has dedicated her life to advancing political, educational, social, and economic equality for all. Her advocacy spans critical issues including education reform, environmental justice, and women’s rights. She is known for her collaborative approach—working respectfully and effectively with policymakers, elected officials, business leaders, and labor organizations to achieve meaningful change.
Loretta’s influence extends to the legislative arena, where she served on the 2018 New Jersey Governor’s Transition Team and was selected as an Electoral College voter in the 2016 presidential election. She founded the first and only NAACP College Foundation at Rowan College of South Jersey and, under her leadership, launched New Jersey’s first NAACP High School Chapter in Deptford.
Her public service includes roles as a Councilwoman and Vice President of Council in Monroe Township, NJ, where she contributed to boards focused on planning, education, finance, administration, and economic development. She is a graduate of the FBI Citizens Academy and a former Advisory Board Member of the State Human Relations Council.
Loretta’s impact is deeply felt across faith communities and civic organizations. Her legacy is honored through “Winters’ Cove,” an 8½-acre park named in her recognition, and by Congressman Robert Andrews, who declared December 14 as “Loretta Winters Day” throughout New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District.
Her accolades include:
• Gloucester County Times’ “Top Ten Most Influential Minority Leaders”
• South Jersey Courier Post’s “Champion of Diversity Award”
• KYW Philly 3’s “Game Changer” for 2014 Black History Month
• Philadelphia Eagles’ “Community Quarterback Award” (2015)
• South Jersey Magazine’s “Superwoman of the Year” (2015)
Locally, Loretta spearheaded a diversity recruitment initiative uniting law enforcement and community leaders to ensure police departments reflect the populations they serve. She also co-founded the Gloucester County School Superintendent’s Equity Committee, promoting culturally competent education.
Her fundraising efforts have provided scholarships, laptops for students in need, and support for causes including voting rights, gun violence prevention, women’s equality, and increased diversity in state government.
On the national stage, Loretta played a pivotal role in organizing the 2015 NAACP Convention in Philadelphia and hosted a major reception at the New Jersey Adventure Aquarium. She was slated to chair the “Welcome New Jersey” reception at the 2022 NAACP National Convention in Atlantic City.
When asked about her proudest achievement, Loretta responds without hesitation:
“Being the matriarch of a blended family of seven beautiful children and seventeen grandchildren.”