UNION, N.J — The House of Hearts Network Foundation successfully hosted its First Annual Women’s Day Leadership Brunch at Kean University in celebration of International Women's Day, bringing together community leaders, advocates, and changemakers from across New Jersey to honor women making a lasting impact in their communities. The sold-out event welcomed 120 guests and raised $7,000 to support the Foundation’s youth leadership and civic engagement initiatives.

“This event offered us the opportunity not only to recognize and commemorate the astounding women of the past, but to celebrate and surround ourselves with the women who are trailblazing, serving, and providing the tools for the next generation to succeed,” said Jeremiah La'Porte, Founder and President of the House of Hearts Network Foundation. “These are trailblazers who broke barriers when doors were closed, who spoke when their voices were not always welcomed, and who led when leadership did not always look like them.”

The event recognized several outstanding leaders whose work continues to strengthen communities and expand opportunities for others. Honorees included:

A'Dorian Murray-Thomas, Vice President, Essex County Board of County Commissioners
Claudia Abrantes, Lesniak Institute for American Leadership
Dr. Diane Barbosa, Commissioner, Elizabeth Board of Education
Wendy Martinez, Public Advocate and Policy Advisor
Medinah Muhammed, Commissioner, East Orange Board of Education
Maria Carvalho, President, Elizabeth Board of Education

“I’m honored to collaborate with many of the powerful women who graced the room with their poise and energy for our successful event,” said Adrian Ghainda, Executive Director of the House of Hearts Network Foundation. “These changemakers have consistently shown up for us as we continue pushing the needle forward and expanding opportunities for New Jersey’s youth.”

The program featured a keynote address from Yolanda Melville, Director of the New Jersey Division on Civil Rights. The event also welcomed several distinguished guests, including Assemblywomen Annette Quijano, Linda Carter, representatives from the Office of Tennille McCoy, Senator Joseph Cryan, and members of the Union County Board of County Commissioners including Stanley J. Neron, Lourdes Leon, and Michèle Delisfort. Also in attendance were local elected officials from Clifton, Elizabeth, Union, and more. Including Mayor Bollwage, Councilwoman Perkins Auguste, and Richie Mejia.

The Women’s Day Leadership Brunch marks the Foundation’s first major fundraising event, reflecting growing momentum behind its mission to empower young people through leadership development, mentorship, and civic engagement programming.

About House of Hearts Network Foundation

The House of Hearts Network Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering young people through leadership development, mentorship, civic engagement, and community-driven initiatives. Through conferences, scholarships, and educational programming, the Foundation works to equip the next generation with the tools and opportunities needed to create meaningful change in their communities.

Learn more at Houseofheartsnetwork.org