ASBURY PARK – Lt Governor Sheila Oliver and former Lt Governor Kim Guadagno will be the featured guests during ‘The Women Who Run New Jersey,’ a panel discussion being held during the third annual Asbury Park Women’s Convention, being held March 14 and 15.

The panel discussion is part of this year’s APWC3: Inspired and on the Move weekend lineup. The two-day event is being held throughout Asbury Park’s thriving downtown district to honor female-owned and/or operated businesses in recognition of the 100th Anniversary of the passage of the 19th Amendment.

The panel discussion, being held as part of the 4 to 6 pm culminating March 15 event at the House of Independents, will be moderated by Jeannine LaRue, a lobbyist at Kaufman Zita Group with a 40-year career in government and politics.

“Given that this year is the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, we really wanted to make sure that this year’s Convention is something truly special,” said APWC Founding Member Jess Alaimo. “We’re so excited to bring in a panel of three real heavy hitters to talk about what it means to succeed as a woman in New Jersey politics.”

Lt Governor Sheila Oliver crashed through glass ceilings and paved the way for women in government and politics throughout her career. She became the first African-American woman in state history to serve as Speaker of the General Assembly and the second in the nation’s history to lead a state legislative house. She is notably the first woman of color to serve in a statewide elected office in New Jersey’s history.

“Lieutenant Governor Oliver and former Lieutenant Governor Guadagno come from different parts of the state and belong to different political parties, but they share the experience of being statewide elected women in politics,” said Asbury Park Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton. “They will bring their unique experiences and perspectives to what we know will be a not-to-be-missed conversation.”

Former Lt Governor Kim Guadagno has been a trailblazer for women throughout her career, becoming the first female elected Sheriff of Monmouth County. She later became New Jersey’s first Lieutenant Governor, serving for two terms before becoming the Republican gubernatorial nominee in the 2017 election.

“All three of these women have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of female leadership,” said Christina Zuk, a lobbyist with Princeton Public Affairs Group and volunteer with the Asbury Park Women’s Convention. “Regardless of political party, all of these women have made their mark on New Jersey politics and government.”

The March 14 and 15 features an Asbury Underground-like crawl across the city’s downtown. Participating female-owned and/operated venues will feature everything from workshops, small concerts and comedy sets to spoken word, poetry, music, and art shows.

“Asbury Park businesses are predominantly women-owned and operated,” said Women’s March AP Founder Dani Fiori. “We will be providing a map to help visitors shop, eat at, and explore these various businesses.”

AP women-owned and/or operated businesses are encouraged to reach out with their weekend programming ideas via apwomensconvention@gmail.com.

During the 4 to 6 pm culminating event, APWC will announce the three young women being given scholarships for this year’s Eagleton Institute of Politics’ Ready to Run Program.

“These two women [Oliver & Guadagno] have been role models for me, demonstrating for us all that being a champion for women is not a Republican or Democratic issue,” said Amy Quinn, Asbury Park Deputy Mayor. “As a graduate of the Ready to Run Program, I understand the invaluable experience of this program and am thrilled that we can provide scholarships to young women interested in running for office.”

The APWC will also present its Community Star Award to Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long for her long-standing dedication to Sea Bright; particularly during Superstorm Sandy and its recovery. The accolade also goes to Diane Shelton, Nina Summerlin, and Pamela Major for their Springwood Avenue Rising initiative. The Springwood Avenue Rising committee intends to create a variety of opportunities that honor the past, celebrate the present, and prepare for the future by using its four P’s concept – People, Purpose, Pride, and Progress.

The culminating event will take place from 4 to 6 pm Sunday, March 15 at the House of Independents, located at 572 Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park.

To learn more about the Asbury Park Women’s Convention, visit apwomensconvention.com or follow @apwomensconvention on your favorite social media site. Tickets are $10 available via houseofindependents.com or $15 at the door.