Elect Women NJ Awards First Annual Trailblazer Award in honor of Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver

Middletown, NJ – Elect Women NJ, an organization focused on raising money to invest in strong, diverse women candidates in local races in New Jersey, announces their first Trailblazer award, to be presented at the Annual Gala on October 7, 2023. Elect Women NJ was launched in 2020 to fund women candidates and build a network across the state to begin investing in female candidates locally. To build its network of support, Elect Women NJ is hosting an Annual Gala on Saturday, October 7 at 6 p.m. at Covenhovan Rd, in Manalapan, NJ.

As this year marked the passing of a trailblazing figure in New Jersey—a woman who pushed boundaries at every turn, it is only fitting that Elect Women NJ pays tribute to our former Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver.  Her legacy weaves an intricate tapestry of advocacy that effectively dismantled systemic injustices. From championing equitable housing and wages to advocating for equal pay for equal work and ensuring quality education for our children, Sheila Oliver remained a constant advocate and voice for the marginalized and underprivileged. “She demanded parity at every level of government and actively encouraged women to uplift one another. She also believed in imparting her wisdom to the upcoming generation of leaders in our state,” said Elect Women NJ Board Member and former Communications Director to the Lt. Governor, Gina Trish.

The inaugural recipient of Elect Women NJ’s Sheila Y. Oliver Trailblazer Award is Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter. Upon learning she would be the recipient of the first annual presentation of the award Assemblywoman Sumter stated, “I am truly honored to be awarded the Inaugural Sheila Y. Oliver Trailblazer Award. It is pertinent that we continue to celebrate the life of Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, as she was a true leader who valiantly fought and strived to create a more equitable New Jersey. As a woman in public service, she left the door open for future trailblazers and was committed to uplifting the people.”

The gala will feature keynote speaker Reverend Dr. Regena Thomas.  Rev. Dr. Thomas is the Director of the Human Rights and Community Relations Department of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). She came to the position from the Democratic National Committee where she was the director of community engagement and constituency group services. Thomas served as Secretary of State for the State of New Jersey from 2002 through 2006.  

Elect Women NJ endorses female-identifying candidates running for local office, including races for board of education, council, mayor, county commissioner, surrogate, and sheriff each year.  2023 endorsements will be announced soon. For more information about Elect Women NJ and to purchase tickets to the gala, visit ElectWomenNJ.com.