Emerge NJ 2016 Alumni Wins Election for Mayor
Dahlia Vertreese Wins Her Election for Mayor of Hillside
Hillside, NJ— Last night on Dec. 5 it was announced that Emerge NJ’s 2016 alumni, Dahlia
Vertreese won her election to become Mayor of Hillside in Union County.
Vertreese’s labor street push helped her win against her rival, attorney Jorge Batista in
the runoff election.
Vertreese said, “I am a labor organizer and often deal with conflict, fear and uncertainty.
No matter the disagreement, we have to respect each other and leave issues on the table.”
Dahlia Vertreese completed Emerge NJ’s political training program in 2016 where she
learned the crucial components of running for office. The six-month training platform focuses on
breaking down the barriers to entry into the political scene. Emerge levels the playing field by
de-mystifying the process of engagement and connecting women to the knowledge, resources
and networking needed to win office.
To date, more than 50 women have successfully completed the Emerge New Jersey
political training program. Many have gone on to run and win elected office in New Jersey
including Essex County Freeholder Board President Britnee Timberlake, Madison Borough
Councilwoman Maureen Byrne and Neptune Township Councilwoman Carol Rizzo.

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Emerge NJ is a non-profit organization whose mission since 2012 is to build a bench of
successful women to run for office in New Jersey. Our program just completed the process of
accepting our 2018 spring training class.
For more information on our training program or donating to Emerge NJ please go to​ ​https://emergenj.ngpvanhost.com/contribute​ or email ​Truscha@EmergeNJ.org​.