Elect Women NJ to Honor Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz with Sheila Y. Oliver Trailblazer Award at Annual Gala

Elect Women NJ, an organization focused on raising funds to support strong, diverse women candidates in local New Jersey races, will honor Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz with the 2024 Sheila Y. Oliver Trailblazer Award at its Annual Gala on Saturday, September 21, 2024, at 6 p.m. The event will take place at The Gran Centurions in Clark, NJ.

Founded in 2020, Elect Women NJ has made remarkable progress in its first four years, raising over $100,000 and funding 163 diverse women candidates from all 21 counties in New Jersey. The organization has been dedicated to building a network that invests in women leaders at the local level. The Annual Gala celebrates the progress made in electing more women across the state and inspiring the next generation of political trailblazers.

Elect Women NJ Vice Chairwoman Kathy Williams reflected on the organization’s mission: “Elect Women NJ’s mission is to build a future where women lead at every level of government. Honoring leaders like Teresa Ruiz and Sheila Oliver underscores the critical role of women in breaking new ground and opening doors for others to follow. When we uplift trailblazing women, we inspire countless others to take their place at the table and lead with strength and purpose.”

This year’s honoree, Senate Majority Leader M. Teresa Ruiz, has built a remarkable legacy of leadership, becoming the first Puerto Rican elected to the New Jersey State Senate in 2007 and the highest ranking Latina legislator in state history. A fearless advocate for equity and justice, Senator Ruiz has been a driving force behind landmark legislation, including the 2013 law that made all New Jersey students, regardless of citizenship status, eligible for in-state tuition rates at New Jersey’s public colleges. This year, Senator Ruiz spearheaded legislation to improve student literacy rates and advance equity in education for all children in the state. Her tireless efforts to address social inequalities extend to her sponsorship of laws supporting transgender students, limiting the suspension of young children in school, and expanding universal preschool in the state. She has been a fierce proponent for maternal and infant health, sponsoring legislation that made New Jersey the second state in the nation to have a universal newborn home visitation program. Recognized for her intellect and commitment to civil dialogue, Senator Ruiz is widely regarded as one of New Jersey’s most effective and inspiring public servants, leading efforts to uplift families and children across the state.

Upon learning she would be this year’s recipient, Ruiz shared, “I am deeply touched to be the recipient of this year’s Sheila Y. Oliver Trailblazer Award. The late great Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver, a dear friend and fellow Newarker, dedicated her life to advocating for marginalized people and communities. As the first Black woman in New Jersey to hold statewide office, her brilliance, compassion, and determination earned her a seat at the table and paved the way for future generations of female leaders. Her legacy of public service inspires me to continue to fight for women, for children, and for a more equitable New Jersey. This cannot happen alone, and I am so grateful to organizations like Elect Women NJ for their tireless work in helping to elect more women who pushed boundaries at every turn like Lt. Governor Oliver into office. Thank you for honoring me with this very personal recognition.”

The gala will feature keynote speaker Sue Fulton, Army Veteran, West Point Graduate, and Former Assistant Secretary at the Department of Veteran Affairs. A trailblazer in her own right, Fulton has championed LGBTQ+ rights in the military and led efforts to improve veteran services. Elect Women NJ Fundraising Director, Shelly L. Bell, emphasized the significance of honoring groundbreaking leaders: “Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz, Sue Fulton, and the late Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver have each shattered barriers and paved the way for future generations of women in leadership. Their courage, vision, and commitment to justice embody the mission of Elect Women NJ—to empower and uplift diverse women who are ready to break new ground and lead their communities. By celebrating these remarkable women, we continue our vital work to ensure more voices like theirs are heard at every level of government.”

Elect Women NJ remains committed to its mission of increasing the representation of diverse women in local government. By honoring trailblazers like Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz and highlighting the accomplishments of leaders like Sue Fulton and Sheila Oliver, the organization continues to inspire and support the next generation of women ready to make an impact in New Jersey and beyond.

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Elect Women NJ is New Jersey’s first and leading anti-racist, feminist political action committee dedicated to raising funds for viable, diverse, Democratic, and pro-choice women running for local office. Founded in 2020, the organization has raised over $100,000 and supported 163 women candidates from all 21 counties. These candidates have run for positions such as Sheriff, Surrogate, Commissioner, Mayor, Council, and Board of Education. By focusing on community building and fostering a network of donors, Elect Women NJ ensures their support has the greatest impact, helping women candidates overcome financial barriers to success and building a pipeline of strong women leaders across New Jersey.