MEET THE BOARD
Fran Gervasi
President
Since retiring as Education and Training Director for a statewide non-profit, Fran has been actively volunteering with local and statewide non-profits. She has done grassroots volunteer work since childhood. Fran joined the Machestic Dragons in 2019 and feels a strong connection with its members. Though not a breast cancer survivor, she empathizes with those who are. She is honored to serve as a board member and president.
Susan Benjamin
Secretary
Susan Benjamin aka Sue B has been a Machestic Dragon since 2014 and a member of the Board of Trustees since 2015 as the recording secretary. Susan was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2013. Joining the Machestic Dragons has filled a void and offered invaluable friendships. The time spent in the boat is filled with laughter, team spirit and dedication. In her spare time, she loves to spend as much time as she can with her daughters, sons in law and grandchildren.
Jacquie Sjosted
Vice President
Jacquie Sjostedt joined the Machestic Dragons in 2020 and has been a member of the Board of Trustees since 2023. She was invited to her first practice just to give it a try and fell in love with the sport and the amazing, strong, and committed women on the team. After experiencing the teamwork and dedication of the team to one another, she knew this was something she wanted to be a part of.
She looks forward to the practices on the lake, catching up with her friends in the boat, and volunteering with her teammates to support their mission.
In her free time, Jacquie loves spending time with her family, playing with her grandkids, and relaxing at home.
Beth Stratton
Membership Committee
Beth is a Registered Nurse who was diagnosed with triple-positive breast cancer in 2022. In 2023, she discovered the sport of dragon boating, where she found empowerment and healing that revitalized her spirit. In 2024, Beth joined the Machestic Dragons and quickly formed lasting friendships and built a sense of community both on and off the water. Collaborating with extraordinary women, both survivors and supporters, has been a truly transformative experience for her. In 2025, Beth stepped into a leadership role as a member of the Board of Trustees, contributing to raising awareness and supporting breast cancer survivors. She focuses on promoting the benefits of dragon boating as a powerful means of empowerment and resilience, inviting new paddlers to experience the strength she's gained from the water. Beth resides with her husband and three children in Bucks County, PA.
Linda M. Soto
Communications Committee
A Warrior on and off the Water
Linda Soto is a 3-year Triple-Negative breast cancer survivor, dedicated advocate, and proud mother of three. Her journey fueled her passion for supporting women through Majestic Dragon Boat and offering free cleaning services to those undergoing treatment.
As a Project Manager at Dress for Success, Linda empowers women and youth with confidence and professional skills.
She also leads Linda Soto Cleaning, blending business with philanthropy.
Balancing motherhood, entrepreneurship, and advocacy, Linda embodies strength, resilience, and the power of community.
Nancy Colitsas
Board Member
My name is Nancy Colitsas, and I was recently appointed to the Majestic Board of Trustees. I am not a stranger to this organization, as I have been a member for 13 years. During this time, I managed the silent auction for our Paddle for Pink fundraiser. I credit my success to my diverse career across several industries, particularly in sales management with various newspapers, including the Home News Tribune and the Trentonian. I am married and have two children and four grandchildren. I recently retired and returned to college to earn a culinary degree. I have served with the League of Women Voters and the Girl Scouts Council in East Windsor and volunteered with Womanspace, Homefront, and Meals on Wheels in New Jersey.
I look forward to working with my fellow Board members and embracing the challenges of this position.
Judy L. ViaCava
Board Member
Judy ViaCava was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2012 and joined the Machestic Dragons the following year. Paddling became an essential part of her physical and emotional healing. Her passion for dragon boating has been a constant passion, and she has been in a leadership role on the Board of Trustees since the fall of 2014.
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Judy believes that her breast cancer journey also transformed her career as a massage therapist to cancer coaching, and by 2014, she found her purpose as a coach for other people who are on a cancer journey. She began her training with the international company, The Cancer Journey Institute, and has been working as a coach, workshop facilitator, and trainer for the CJI to train future cancer coaches.
Judy is also a mother of two kids and finds her joy in playing with their two (almost 3) children.