Nicole Roberts Becomes Town’s First African American Female Mayor, Teams Up Again With Jessica Rafeh For Committee’s Leadership Team

By Frank Sinatra, AAP Editor

During the Pennsauken Township Committee reorganization meeting on Jan. 7, Pennsauken native and community volunteer Nicole Roberts was sworn in as the first African American female mayor in the history of the Township.

“I am so very grateful that my fellow Committee members nominated me to serve as Pennsauken’s mayor for 2025,” said Mayor Roberts. “The significance of becoming the first African American female mayor of Pennsauken is not lost on me. I am ready to embrace this role and am completely committed to help further the growth and prosperity for all Township residents.”

Previously, Roberts was part of several significant milestones for Township Committee. With her appointment in December 2020, Nicole became the first African American female ever to serve on the Township’s governing body. And in January 2022, Roberts was sworn in as Pennsauken’s first-ever African American deputy mayor. She is also part of the first all-female leadership team for Pennsauken Township Committee, serving with Jessica Rafeh, the first Hispanic and Middle Eastern to both serve on Committee and be sworn in as mayor.

“During my time on Committee, I have learned so much from so many gifted leaders. Reflecting on the guidance of my mentors, my fellow Committee members, and our administration, we have a team working nonstop for Pennsauken, giving our all for our residents.”  

Nicole Roberts is a lifelong resident of Pennsauken. She and her husband, Darryl, are graduates of Pennsauken High School’s Class of 1981. They married in 1983 and raised their children, Darrah, Darryl, Jared, and Isaiah, in Pennsauken. She had worked in the educational field for over two decades, 15 of which were with the Pennsauken School District.

Nicole and her husband spent many years helping and volunteering their time with PYAA, as their children participated in various PYAA sports. Additionally, Nicole has been a board member of the Pennsauken-based South Jersey Rising Stars AAU Basketball for 20 years and continues to volunteer with the organization.

Nicole also volunteers her time working closely with the board members of Obsidian Charitable Foundation (OCF), a non-profit that supports underserved communities.

Roberts is a 2023 recipient of the Camden County Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Medal for community service, and recognized as one of South Jersey’s Super Women by “South Jersey Magazine,” highlighting local women who go above and beyond to create a better world.

Jessica Rafeh Sworn In As Deputy Mayor

Township Committeewoman Jessica Rafeh will continue to serve as Pennsauken’s deputy mayor in 2025. She also served in this capacity in 2024.

“It’s so exciting to be able to join Nikki to help Pennsauken grow and be successful,” said Deputy Mayor Rafeh. “She’s making history, just like I did; and I know she’s going to great things for Pennsauken. She’s kindhearted and humble, and she really brings our team together. This year is really going to be spectacular.”

“I am thrilled to be able to work closely again with Jessica as we help lead Pennsauken in 2025,” added Roberts. “Her strength, empathy, and wisdom are real assets to our community, and we really make a great team. We’re ready to hit the ground running.” 

Deputy Mayor Rafeh was first elected to Township Committee in 2018 and was re-elected for a third term in November 2024.

Jessica moved from Venezuela to the United States at a very young age and has lived in Pennsauken for over 20 years with her husband, Husan. They have a daughter, Karina, who was born in 2020. Jessica and her family own several small businesses in Pennsauken.

Previously, Rafeh was an adjunct professor at Rowan University, teaching courses in English as a Second Language; she has also earned her Master of Arts Degree in Higher Education from Rowan. She is fluent in Arabic, English, and Spanish.

The Jan. 7 reorganization meeting for Pennsauken Township was live streamed on YouTube and can be found at YouTube.com/PennsaukenTelevision. A more detailed recap of the night’s proceedings will be published in the February edition of All Around Pennsauken.