Mimi Goldman, who was pivotal in the development of the Council for the Head-Injured Community (CHIC), passed away in 1997. She was the first person with a brain injury to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Brain Injury Association of New Jersey. Mimi served as a role model for the brain injury community, sharing her talents and experiences on numerous committees and events, and always with a characteristic smile.

The Brain Injury Association of New Jersey established the Miriam (Mimi) Goldman Positive Achievement Award in the spring of 1997 to commemorate Mimi Goldman. This award is presented each year to an individual with a brain injury to honor his or her accomplishments.

2009 Recipient

Joseph Caminiti
Mr. Joseph Caminiti sustained a brain injury as a result of a bicycle crash that changed the course of his life. His passion and commitment to the prevention of brain injury has helped to make significant progress in the public's awareness of the incidence and seriousness of brain injury. Mr. Caminiti is an active member of the Council for the Head Injured Community (CHIC), and has become a mentor through the Association's TBI Family CARE Mentor Program. He has advocated for the New Jersey helmet law, participates in Brain Injury Awareness Day at the State House in Trenton, and has presented at the Association's Annual Seminar. He speaks to school children about the importance of prevention and wearing a helmet, and shows pictures of his bike crash to further strengthen the message. Mr. Caminiti consistently demonstrates that self-empowerment can be realized through dedication and hard work. His contributions support the Association's mission to support and advocate for individuals affected by brain injury and raise public awareness through education and prevention. Mr. Caminiti truly reflects the spirit of the Mimi Goldman Positive Achievement Award.  

Past Recipients

2008 - Jane Concato
2007 – Edwin Rivas
2006 – Katrina Majeski & David Showalter
2005 – Steve Benvenisti, Esq.
2004 – William Snook, Jr.
2003 – Patrick Giannetti
2002 – Marilyn Gelman
2001 – Bob Aaronson
2000 – Herb Kinnard
1999 – Michael J. Sherman
1998 – Kathryn Phillips
1997 – Michael Greenwald

Make A Nomination

If you know someone with a brain injury who has made positive achievements deserving of the Mimi Goldman Positive Achievement Award, please take the time to nominate them. The deadline is April 1 every year.