Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter’s Annual Women’s Power List (PDF)
I am honored to share my annual list celebrating some of the most powerful and courageous women in the State of New Jersey.
In compiling this list of extraordinary women, I was inspired by Vice President Kamala Harris’ words: “The light of America’s promise will always burn bright as long as we never give up, and as long as we keep fighting.” These remarkable women, serving in government, as corporate executives, non-profit leaders, and community champions, embody that promise. While many of these women have been recognized year after year, I continue to meet new trailblazers whose talent and unwavering commitment to improving our communities fill me with confidence that America’s promise will continue to shine brightly. This list, of course, is not exhaustive of all the talented women who call New Jersey home.
For more than a decade, I’ve had the privilege of serving in the New Jersey Legislature and working alongside incredible women leaders. Among them is Senator Emeritus Loretta Weinberg, who entrusted me with the honor of continuing the tradition of the Power List. It brings me profound joy to celebrate women who work tirelessly each day because the work must get done.
This year’s list begins with heartfelt gratitude to Vice President Kamala Harris, who secured the national Democratic nomination for President of the United States. I had the privilege of serving as an At-Large Delegate at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago this past August. While the atmosphere was celebratory, it was also marked by the somber news of my Congressman, William J. Pascrell, Jr., reaching the twilight of his extraordinary life and service. That evening, the DNC paid tribute to him on the big stage, offering a compassionate moment of remembrance. Vice President Harris and the convention organizers ensured his legacy was honored.
For the first time in history, New Jersey boasts a strong delegation of women in Congress. With the passing of Congressman Donald Payne, Jr., the District 10 seat was filled by former Newark Council President LaMonica McIver, the first woman ever to hold that seat. Additionally, former District 35 Senator Nellie Pou secured the nomination and won the election to succeed Congressman Pascrell. These two outstanding leaders now join Congresswomen Bonnie Watson Coleman and Mikie Sherrill in representing New Jersey in Washington, D.C.
This year also saw the loss of a towering figure in New Jersey’s political landscape. Council President Emeritus Mildred C. Crump ascended to join the ancestors. Her compassion, authenticity, and unwavering commitment to Newark and the state of New Jersey will never be forgotten. Council President Crump’s distinguished service empowered pivotal policy changes and inspired countless others.
To all the women serving in elected and appointed positions: thank you for your dedication. Let us continue to draw strength from Amanda Gorman’s powerful reminder in “The Hill We Climb”: “The hill we climb, if only we dare, is steep but we are not afraid.”
With that, I proudly present this year’s Power List, a celebration of the women of New Jersey who are climbing higher every day.
Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter
Nothing but the usual suspects. Radical left-wing, Socialist, Marxist feminists that are hell-bent on taking away the constitutional and human rights of all of us because they believe the government can give us everything we want–like equal misery for everyone.