ELECT WOMEN NJ’S ANNUAL GALA CELEBRATED INAUGURAL SHEILA Y. OLIVER TRAILBLAZER AWARD WINNER

Renee, Charles and Sylvia Oliver with Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, Elect Women NJ’s Inaugural Sheila Y. Oliver Trailblazer Award Recipient

[Manalapan, NJ – October 11, 2023] – Elect Women NJ, the pioneering organization committed to empowering strong, diverse women candidates in local New Jersey races, hosted a successful, sold-out gala on October 7, 2023. The event, Co-Chaired by Kathy Williams, Vice Chairwoman and Founding Board Member, and Rachel Green, Founding Board Member, was energized by the organization’s mission to champion and invest in female-identifying candidates.

The event featured Reverend Dr. Regena Thomas as the keynote speaker. Dr. Thomas, the Director of the Human Rights and Community Relations Department of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT), captivated the audience with her inspiring words. Her vast experience, including serving as the Secretary of State for the State of New Jersey from 2002 through 2006, added depth to the Gala’s discussions on community engagement and social progress. Chairwoman and Founder, Kerri Kennedy, thanked Rev. Dr. Thomas for her inspiring testimony and stated that we need to get to 50% of women in office to have a true and thriving representative democracy.

Elect Women NJ unveiled the prestigious Sheila Y. Oliver Trailblazer Award, a tribute to the late Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, a woman whose legacy of advocacy and social change resonates deeply in the hearts of New Jerseyans. Board member Gina Trish, the Lt. Governor’s former Communications Director, moved the crowd with her tribute to Lt. Governor Oliver’s tireless efforts to dismantle systemic injustices, advocate for equitable housing and wages, champion equal pay, and ensure quality education for all children. Trish stated, “I wish I didn’t have to be up here memorializing Sheila tonight, yet I am honored to help celebrate her legacy.” Trish was joined by Oliver family members Sylvia and Renee, as her nephew, Charles Oliver, took the stage and delivered a heartfelt message, encouraging the continued support and empowerment of women in elected office. His words resonated deeply with the audience, inspiring attendees to renew their commitment to fostering diversity and equality in the political arena. Tricia Maguire, Founder, and Executive Director of Elect Women NJ, emphasized the importance of the award, stating, “Tonight, let us measure the prestige of this award by the legacy of its namesake and the character of its recipient.”

The inaugural recipient of the Sheila Y. Oliver Trailblazer Award is Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter, a passionate and dedicated public servant who embodies the spirit of leadership and equality championed by Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver. Assemblywoman Sumter graciously expressed her honor in accepting the award by stating, “Sheila Oliver was a mentor, someone who would take my calls and help answer the tough questions of the why. She helped me navigate a space that often did not reflect the rules and the principles that we hold near and dear while doing the work of the people.” Sumter ended with a call to action, “Let’s remember our north star and our purpose. Let’s remember people and why we do what we do. Do not let the noise drown out all the good simply because somebody has gone away.”

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman, a longtime friend of the Lt. Governor, presented Assemblywoman Sumter with a proclamation honoring her tenure in the NJ Legislature as an example of excellence in the importance of local governance. Watson Coleman, who also presented the Rev. Dr. Regena Thomas with a proclamation honoring her life’s work and unwavering commitment to serving others stated, “Elect Women NJ’s Gala celebrated diversity in women’s politics, emphasizing their crucial support for local female candidates. It marks the starting point for many women, often beginning with local roles before advancing to higher offices.”

Linda Peng-Grooters, Founder and Treasurer shared that Elect Women NJ is only 3 years into our mission-driven work, and we have already funded 125 women across 20 counties in the State of New Jersey. “It was exciting to have members of this year’s cohort and our alumni together to celebrate the work of women in local politics.”  After reflecting on the support she had received from the Lt. Governor Mercer County Chairwoman Janice Mirnov encouraged this year’s cohort and all alumni to stay strong and keep going and congratulated Elect Women NJ on its first 3 years of funding women for local office.

Established in 2020, Elect Women NJ has successfully built a network of support and endorsed female-identifying candidates in various local races, including board of education, council, mayor, county commissioner, surrogate, and sheriff. The organization’s dedication to creating a more inclusive political landscape in New Jersey continues to inspire change and empower women leaders.