Nicole Roberts made history on Tuesday night as she was sworn in as Pennsauken Township’s first African American woman mayor.
“I’m feeling really excited,” Roberts told Action News just hours before the milestone event.
While Pennsauken, a diverse community, has previously had both an African American mayor and a female mayor, Roberts is the first to hold both distinctions.
“I feel like… I’m ready,” she said.
Roberts, who has served on the township committee for four years, is no stranger to breaking barriers. In 2020, she became the first Black woman to join the Township Committee.
“I didn’t realize it until someone pointed it out—’You’re the first,'” she recalled.
Though she never set out to be a trailblazer, Roberts’ journey into politics began when a former mayor encouraged her to engage in her community.
“I felt ready to serve—to truly serve,” she said.
A Pennsauken High School graduate, Roberts married her high-school sweetheart, raised four children, and dedicated decades to education before transitioning to public service. Her appointment as deputy mayor in 2022 also marked a first for a Black woman in the township.
“I’m incredibly humbled and honored,” she said of her mayoral election. “Being the first African American woman in this role is significant—not just for me, but for my community.”
Roberts hopes her achievement will inspire others who may not have considered a path in politics or public service.”Hopefully, young women will see me—not necessarily as a role model, but as proof that they, too, can aspire to something great,” she said.
A Democrat, Roberts plans to prioritize public safety, enhance parks and community spaces, and ensure residents feel heard and supported.
“I want to make sure our residents feel protected, cared for, and that they have a voice,” she emphasized.
Her historic appointment comes with an empowering message:
“Never limit yourself,” she said. “You really can do anything!”
