Event Honors Eleven Inspiring Women Leaders, Celebrates the Life and Legacy of the Late Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, and Supports Empowerment of Underserved Communities

NEWARK, NJ  – The Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association is delighted to announce the successful conclusion of its inaugural Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch, held on July 20, 2024, at the prestigious Valley Regency in Clifton, New Jersey. The event was a resounding success, with over 350 guests from various sectors, including government, business, and community organizing, coming together to honor the extraordinary life and legacy of the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver and celebrate trailblazing women leaders across New Jersey.

Governor Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin delivered heartfelt remarks, underscoring the significant contributions of Lt. Governor Oliver and the honorees. Michellene Davis, President and CEO of National Medical Fellowships, Inc., provided a powerful and inspiring keynote address. The event was masterfully hosted by LaMonica McIver, who served as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Event visual assets from the 2024 SYO Legacy Brunch are available here. 

2024 SYO Legacy Brunch Tribute Video

 “We are deeply honored to celebrate the life and legacy of Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver and to recognize the remarkable achievements of women who embody her spirit of resilience and determination,”  said Renee Oliver, Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver’s niece and President of the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association. “This event is a testament to her enduring impact and the positive change she inspired.”

Further highlights of the event include the presentation of a $10,000 contribution by the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus Foundation as well as acknowledging the first recipient of The Sheila Oliver Memorial Scholarship, which aims to support future generations of students at Lincoln University, reflecting Lt. Governor Oliver’s belief in the transformative power of education and her dedication to helping others succeed. Additionally, Johnson & Johnson made a charitable donation to fund the Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver Leadership Scholarship, part of the Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race’s Public Service Leadership Program at Rutgers School of Arts & Sciences in Newark. The scholarship will provide four Rutgers-Newark students with stipends to participate in public service internships over the next five years.

“The inaugural Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch is a testament to the enduring legacy of the late Lieutenant Governor and the remarkable impact she had on the great State of New Jersey,” said keynote speaker, Michellene Davis. “This event not only celebrates her life and professional legacy, but also recognizes outstanding women across New Jersey who, like Lieutenant Governor Oliver, have shattered barriers and paved the way for others to succeed. I am truly honored to support the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association so we can continue her legacy of empowerment and advocacy for underserved communities, honor the trailblazing women who continue to inspire us all, and seed a better future by nurturing the next generation of women leaders.”

The brunch featured live entertainment, including performances by a pianist, a quartet, and a special song tribute from the Voices of Excellence Choir. Attendees were also deeply moved by a tribute video honoring Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver’s legacy, which you can watch here.

Among the notable attendees were former Governors Jon Corzine and Jim McGreevey, NJDSC Chairman LeRoy Jones Jr., and numerous New Jersey state legislative, municipal, and county elected officials. The event provided an opportunity for networking and fellowship, fostering a spirit of unity and empowerment.

Honorees Recognized for Their Remarkable Achievements:

• Leslie A. Anderson | President and CEO, New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA)

• Mary Bennett | New Jersey State Board of Education – Member

• Nayibe Capellan | CEO, Programs for Parents

• Nicole M. Farrell | Bloomfield Steakhouse Owner

• Rev. Dr. Frances Snelling Teabout | Pastor St. John’s Baptist Church of Jersey City

• Rev. Dr. Stefanie R. Minatee | Artistic Director – Rev. Stef and Jubilation choir

• A’Dorian Murray-Thomas | Essex County Board of Commissioners + SHE Wins Inc., Founder and CEO

• Nellie Pou | New Jersey State Senator – 35th Legislative District (Passaic and Bergen Counties)

• Verlina Reynolds-Jackson | Assemblywoman – New Jersey General Assembly, District 15

• Deborah D. Visconi | Bergen New Bridge Medical Center President and CEO

• Margaret Weinberger | Somerville Democratic Committee Chair; President, NJFDW; Treasurer, NFDW

Event Sponsors Included:

• African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ)

• Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

• Healthcare Foundation Of The Oranges

• New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA)

• North Jersey Federal Credit Union

• Parker Health Group

• PSEG

• Rutgers University-Newark (Chancellor’s Office)

• Tara Dowdell Group

• United Airlines

• University Hospital

• Johnson & Johnson

• Victoria Foundation

The proceeds from the Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch will support the association’s mission to empower underserved communities and cultivate the next generation of female leaders in government, public policy, and community organizing.

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Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association

The Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association, is a private, non-profit, non-partisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, committed to empowering underserved communities to achieve both economic and social success, as well as educating and developing young women of color who are interested in government, public policy, and community organizing. Visit www.sheilaoliver.com for more information.