What a weird time, is the beginning of every conversation these days. It truly is, but you know what’s wonderful about what’s going on? Is that the world is recognizing who the true heroes are. Not our celebrities and reality stars, definetly not our politicians. But our Doctors, our nurses, our police officers and firefighters, our grocery workers, and janitors, scientists, teachers etc… These are the people keeping all of this shit together. I am in awe of everything they have been doing this past couple of months and that is why I’ve been constantly advocating for people to social distance and wear masks because for fuck sakes, these people don’t have the luxury to stay home. If anything we need to do it for them.

Check out 8 local babes who are actual heroes.

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Stephanie Dotterweich – @sdotterweich

Stephanie Dotterweich grew up in Montville, NJ and went to college at the University of Tampa. She received her Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Rutgers in 2017. She now lives with her fiancé and two cats in Port Liberté, Jersey City, NJ. She loves traveling and one of her favorite places in the world aside from Aruba is Thailand, where she has been twice. When she isn’t traveling, she loves cooking and trying new recipes with her fiancé, going out to dinner in Jersey City, and drinking wine on the balcony.

What do you currently do for a living? Tell us more about what you do, and how things are for you being an essential worker.

I am an Acute Care Physical Therapist at Jersey City Medical Center. I assist in mobilizing patients in the hospital, assisting with their discharge planning, and preventing deconditioning. The first few weeks where we began to see patients with COVID-19 were honestly terrifying and very stressful. Rules constantly changing, limited PPE, and having countless positive patient exposures before they were in isolation. I was coming home in tears almost daily. As therapists we are literally in patient’s faces all day. I became sick with COVID-like symptoms, thankfully mild, and was out of work for 10 days in the beginning of April. This definitely has taken a toll on all of us at the hospital, but we will come out of this stronger and hopefully we will see the other side of the rainbow soon! As hard as this has been, I have never been prouder to work in healthcare.

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

Get married and go on our honeymoon to Hawaii! Shout out to my fellow brides of 2020!

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

Having a large glass of wine and walking around the Port Liberté community with my fiancé (in masks of course).

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

It’s hard to name just one. Laico’s, Pinwheel Garden, and Kitchen Step for dinner, and Hudson Hall for fun!

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

I think it’s really great that essential workers are being highlighted for all they do for the community. We love and appreciate all that the community is doing to make us feel appreciated. Thanks for the support!

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

1. I have Megan Fox thumbs, 2. My fiancé proposed to me in Aruba on the same beach that my dad proposed to my mom to 32 years earlier!, 3. I have been to 18 countries and never want to stop traveling.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

About a month after losing my dad to cancer, my fiancé and I were drinking wine one night and spontaneously booked a trip to Thailand. This became a trip that was filled with a lot of healing, amazing memories, and honestly just changed our lives entirely… so we planned another trip to Thailand the second we got home!

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I love the diversity and the eclectic food scene and nightlife. Any type of cuisine we want we are able to enjoy here. I also love living in Port Liberté where it feels like we are in our own little suburb within the city.

Anything else you would like to add?

I just wanted to thank ChicPea for all she’s doing for Jersey City and for giving us a shout out. I also want to thank my fellow essential workers on the front lines: hospital workers, first responders, law enforcement, and grocery store and deliver workers. As tough as this is, we are all in this together and we will get through it. We will come out of this stronger than ever, especially with the undying support from our community, friends, and loved ones.

Juan Garcia – @CoachJuan_7

Juan Garcia is a 33 year old Jersey City native. He is a husband and father of 4.

What do you currently do for a living? Tell us more about what you do, and how things are for you being an essential worker.

I am Jersey City Firefighter/EMT as well as the head football coach at Ferris High School. Things are pretty crazy right now. Just trying to be as safe as possible, while continuing to protect our city. We are all aware of the difficulties and the tasks at hand but we will continue to do our best.

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

Definitely take the family out to eat. Hopefully a small mini getaway.

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

Try to spend time with the wife and kids and sometimes just play Xbox.

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

In the warmer months, I like to hang out anywhere on the avenue (Newark ave) normally for a quick bite from Hollywood fried chicken, but lately Just Beclaws is definitely my favorite.

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

It’s exciting and flattering

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I hate scary movies now.

My birthday lands on Father’s Day this year.

I love girly drinks lol

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

Go into a burning building.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I love when people from Jersey City become a success. I love the culture. I love the history of the city. I also love repping my city.

Any of your colleagues you would like to nominate?

My brother Jovani Garcia JCPD – Jggarcia201@gmail.com

Chris Wall JCFD – @thewall_talks

Steven Petrucelli – @steven_petrucelli

John Carmona – @john_carmona

John Carmona. A Jersey City Fire Fighter who loves to travel, eat, sleep, and repeat !!! He loves to help people in the community, like a fundraiser he did for Christmas at the Hope Center, here in Jersey City. And handing out coats to homeless in the winter out of the trunk of his car. Dedicated to his family and “ The best job in the world “. The JCFD !!

What do you currently do for a living? Tell us more about what you do, and how things are for you being an essential worker.

I’m currently a Fire Fighter for the Jersey City Fire Department. It’s a tough time right now not being able to spend time with your loved ones, or being able to even take a walk through the waterfront downtown to just enjoy the view. Also being constantly at risk of being exposed at work just by doing our job. I wish people would just listen and stay home , so we can all get back to normal and not live in fear of each other anymore. And our city can go back to being the best city in country !

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

The first thing I’m going to do when this pandemic is over is plan a huge gathering with all my family with tons of food and of course adult beverages haha.

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

To unwind/recharge when I’m not working I’ve been binge watching Ozark, and Peaky Blinders. Except for when my girlfriend forces me to watch the Kardashians with her. =( And lots of cooking !

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

The Ashford , hands down, is my favorite place to eat and hang out. Especially the rooftop when the weather permits. Great vibes and amazing service.

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

It feels pretty cool to be nominated as a JC babe. Who would’ve thought?

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I’m Puerto Rican

I’ve never been to Vegas

My dream is to skydive in Dubai (coming soon)

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

The craziest things I’ve ever done was swim with sharks in Cancun.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

The thing I love most about Jersey City is the diversity of people, the views from our waterfronts, and fact I can park almost anywhere in the city and find a good restaurant or bar.

Anything else you would like to add?

Please stay at home people. Stay home and take care of your family. We are out here everyday working to keep you guys safe and make sure we all can get back to normal. This is the time to cherish what we have and bond with our loved ones. There are many of us who have to be separated from our families for weeks to keep them safe because of our potential exposure every day.

Any of your colleagues you would like to nominate?

All my brothers of the Jersey City Fire Department !! And every one on the front line of this pandemic helping out to make sure we are all safe.

Ghadeer Hasan – @ghadeerbhasan

Ghadeer Hasan has been living in Jersey City for over 7 years, previously in Newport and Downtown, and now lives in the heights with her husband. She has lived most of her life in New Jersey.  In addition to traveling, Ghadeer loves exploring the local vibrant art and food scene in JC.

What do you currently do for a living? Tell us more about what you do, and how things are for you being an essential worker.

I’m currently a resident physician finishing up my last year of internal medicine training before starting fellowship in rheumatology this summer. I have spent much of this pandemic taking care of patients in the hospital, both on the regular medical floor and in the ICU, and working days, nights, and weekends. While its definitely been a unique educational experience being a medical trainee during a pandemic, its obviously been both physically and emotionally draining. My patients are isolated, many are dying alone while their loved ones are left feeling helpless at home. I oftentimes feel distant from my patients because I examine them while covered from head to toe in PPE. They are terrified. They don’t know what I look like. They can only hear my voice, muffled under layers of masks. Human connection has always been imperative to the practice of medicine, but during challenging times such as this, our empathy and compassion can sometimes be hindered by emotional exhaustion and burn out. I’ve had to figure out how to manage my own anxiety/fears and learn to be resilient in order to provide the best possible care for my patients. It’s been tough but I’m so thankful for the support of my husband, family, and friends. I’m also surrounded by amazing people at work.

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

Hug and kiss my parents! They are also doctors, and I worry about them every single day.

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

I like to unwind by cooking and baking. We still order take-out and delivery to support local businesses but working with my hands and creating things from scratch has been extremely satisfying. I’ve also been working on our rooftop garden growing a variety of herbs and vegetables, and adding more plants around our home indoors in order to help boost our mood and productivity, since we obviously spend a significant amount of time at home these days. Lastly, my husband has been incredibly supportive and is always there for me whenever I need to decompress.

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

Ani Ramen!!

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

I’m Palestinian and a first generation immigrant.

I’m a Rutgers Lifer- college, medical school, and now residency

I tested positive for COVID-19 but was an asymptomatic carrier

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

Working as a doctor during a pandemic is probably the craziest thing I’ve ever done!

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I love the diversity and sense of community here. It just feels like home. My husband and I are also major foodies and are obsessed with the JC food scene.

Shakira Monroe – @Kera_monique 

Shakira was born and raised in Jersey City. Growing up, she was raised in a single parent home with her mother and older sister. She attended Elementary  and High School in the Jersey City Public School  system. Although Shakira has achieved many great accomplishments, she has overcome a great deal in her life as well. To start, deciding to have her first and only child in her senior year of high school, she knew that she would have to work twice as hard to accomplish her goals not only for herself, but for the child she decided to have as well.  She went on to receive her Bachelors and Masters Degree in Criminal Justice  from New Jersey City University. She also completed two Police Academies for the New Jersey Department of Corrections and the Jersey City Police Department. As a result, she not only became one of the first to graduate college in her family, but the first member in law enforcement as well.

What do you currently do for a living? Tell us more about what you do, and how things are for you being an essential worker.

I am a Jersey City Police Officer working in the South District. I work Patrol so I’m what you would refer to as a first responder. Although we are in the middle of a pandemic and I am an essential employee, I have no fear with going to work. I knew when I decided to take this job that I would be making the sacrifice everyday  to protect and serve others, so that’s what I will continue to do.

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

It’s funny because you would think the first thing I would want to do when the pandemic is over is party or go out , but I really want to go to the gym. It’s so hard to stay motivated and consistent for me personally working out at home. After that, it would have to be traveling. Doing these academies back to back has limited that so I am looking forward to exploring the world again.

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

When I’m not working, I’ve been unwinding now by working out at home, trying to research the next business I can create, spending time with my family, and watching some good old fashioned Netflix lol

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

Picking one spot to eat in Jersey City is difficult but I would have to say the Hibachi Restaurant downtown or Light Rail Cafe

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

It feels great to be nominated. I have a lot of accomplishments but I never showcase them or brag about them because I consider myself a regular person just like everyone else. It feels good to know that the things you do are noticed and to receive your flowers while you’re still here. The reality is, my line of work doesn’t promise me the next day so I’m happy to know that I got some type of recognition or acknowledgement while I’m still here to appreciate it.

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

Three random facts about me are: I love to workout out but I don’t have the greatest diet, I have two brothers and one sister that I love dearly, and I absolutely love seafood especially shrimps. If you know me then you know it’s real lol

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

The craziest thing I’ve done is quit my 9-5 office job that was secure and safe to become a Correctional Police Officer. I left my son and stayed overnight at one of the toughest academies. I look back and still can’t believe I did it and finished till this day.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

What I love most about Jersey City is the culture. There are so many different ethnicities and backgrounds everywhere.

Anything else you would like to add?

I would just like to tell everyone and especially my women that you should never be afraid to step out on faith and chase your dreams. Stepping out on faith means taking risks,  but with no risks there isn’t any reward. Life your best life, sis.

Any of your colleagues you would like to nominate?

I nominate @_jayrod12_   She was my drill instructor and a great officer, wife, and mother.

Carlos Jimenez – @jerzey_los83

Carlos Jimenez was born and raised in jersey city. He also did 8 years in the United States Army.

What do you currently do for a living? Tell us more about what you do, and how things are for you being an essential worker.

Currently a Jersey City Police Officer, I serve the residents of Jersey City specifically within the North District. This pandemic has made a stressful job even more stressful, but it is my duty regardless of what’s happening to do my job without hesitation.

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

First thing I’m doing when this is all over is taking my two sons to have some fun.

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

I spend time with my sons. Also gym/ running helps me unwind after a long day.

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

South house on Newark ave is one of my favorite spots to grab a bite to eat or socialize.

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

I’m surprised and honored to have been nominated.

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

3 random facts about me, I have a degree in history, Big movie fan, and I have traveled to countries most tourists don’t think of.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

I always wanted to go sky diving.

What do you love most about Jersey City?

What I love most about jersey city is we have a little of everything here. Wether it’s our diversity, to historical sights, to the night life. We have it all.

Desiree Hillis – @Yung201

Desiree Hillis is a 32 yr old Puerto Rican firefighter who was recently sworn in during the Covid Pandemic. She enjoys comedy shows, going to the movies and trying new restaurants.

What do you currently do for a living? Tell us more about what you do, and how things are for you being an essential worker.

I am currently a Jersey City Firefighter. I wish things weren’t they way they are right now, but it doesn’t stop us as a department from helping any of the residents of Jersey City. It’s our job and we will continue to fulfill our duties to the community.

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

Get a foot massage!

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

I hang out with my dog, and have been watching Netflix.

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

I really love Just BeClaws.

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

It’s feels super exciting

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

-I am 32 yrs old

-I am allergic to shrimp but not any other shellfish

-I live in the heights, if I cross the street in one direction I am in Union City and if I cross the street in another I am in North Bergen.

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

Craziest thing I have ever done was sky diving with my dad, and the craziest thing I’ve ever wanted to do was run into burning buildings for a living (lol)

What do you love most about Jersey City?

The diversity, it’s such a big city with so many different neighborhoods, but still can feel small.

Maria ‘Peggy’ Diaz – @pegsterd16

Maria ‘Peggy’ Diaz, was born and raised in Hoboken and Works for the Hoboken Fire Dept. She’s a mom to a 25 yr old son who’s currently earning a Masters. Enlisted and served in the USNavy right after graduating from high school.

What do you currently do for a living? Tell us more about what you do, and how things are for you being an essential worker.

Currently I’m a Captain for HFD working out of L2/E2 quarters in downtown Hob. I’ve  been a Firefighter for 18years, responding to emergencies calls like fire alarm activations, gas, electrical and medical calls.  Being an essential worker for years has been the norm for me, but currently with this pandemic our personal alert button has been heightened. As firefighters we try to be more aware of our surroundings, respect our residents social distancing, and wear PPE more often than normal.

First thing you’re going to do when this pandemic is over?

First thing I’ll do when this is over is meet my closest friends for an evening of dinner/drinks/catching up.

How do you unwind/recharge when you’re not working?

I unwind by jogging/working out and reading and traveling.

What is your favorite place to hang out or eat in Jersey City?

Favorite place in jersey city is downtown/waterfront area.

How does it feel to be nominated as a JC babe?

It feels nice, I had no idea until I was tagged.

What are 3 random facts about yourself?

3 random facts:  I’m divorced,  I’m currently enrolled in dog grooming school, I love unique/strange flavored chips

What is the craziest thing you’ve ever done or wanted to do?

1 day I would like to rock climb/rappell in Yosemite Park or the Grand Canyon

What do you love most about Jersey City?

I love the atmosphere, and different culture/areas and blended people and families in JC

Anything else you would like to add?

I love my job!