WPCNJ Announces Inaugural Fellowship Class Supporting Emerging Women Leaders
WPCNJ Announces Inaugural Fellowship Class Supporting Emerging Women Leaders
Trenton, NJ — The Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) proudly announces the launch of its WPCNJ Fellowship Program, a selective program designed to empower emerging women leaders to pursue public office, policy roles, and civic leadership.
Supported by the WPCNJ Education and Training Fund, the Fellowship provides participants with mentorship, hands-on learning, and meaningful engagement opportunities. The program is dedicated to equipping fellows with the expertise, confidence, and connections they need to lead and influence change at every level — from local advocacy to statewide leadership.
This skills-based program provides six full-day learning sessions from January to May, 2025, and is led by the WPCNJ Fellowship Committee, including:
*Chrissy Buteas, Chair
*Megan Hutton, WPCNJ Executive Board Administrator
*Alexis Bailey and Petra Gaskins, Education Chairs
*Athina Fassu, Communications Chair
*Kaylee McGuire, Operations Chair
“This Fellowship reflects the core of our mission: elevating women, investing in future leaders, and ensuring that New Jersey’s decision-making tables reflect the diversity and strength of our communities,” said Chrissy Buteas, Chair of the WPCNJ Education and Training Fund. “We are proud to support these exceptional fellows and excited to see the impact they will make across our state.”
The inaugural cohort was selected from a competitive pool of numerous applicants. This class includes women from across New Jersey with varying perspectives and experiences in public service, from local government to state executive and legislative service, and in advocacy organizations and nonprofits.
The inaugural class of fellows includes:
· Abigail Lewis - Policy and Advocacy Manager, Mental Health Association in New Jersey
· Allison Meyers, Ph.D. - Policy Analyst, NJ Senate Majority Office
· Ameerah McCoy - Chief of Staff, Office of Assemblywoman Carmen T. Morales
· Caroline Coghlan - Program Specialist 3, New Jersey Division of Aging Services
· Delaney Redford - Director of Public Affairs, New Jersey Food Council
· Emily Vargas - Legislative Aide, Assemblywoman Linda Carter
· Isabella Hanna - External Affairs Specialist, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
· Jennie Sherlock-Loeb - Chief Clinical Officer, The Cooperative
· Keyann'a Watkins - Community Engagement & Events Coordinator, City of Camden
· Khadija Doukali - Constituent Relations Specialist, Assembly Majority Office
· Miranda Toner - Legislative Aide, Assemblyman Bill Moen
· Molly Cleary - Environmental Advocate, Clean Water Action's New Jersey
· Soranyelly Francisco - Director of Constituent Services, 19th Legislative District
· Taïphane Orange - Administrative Assistant, MBI
· Victoria Kerins - Executive Assistant, Stevens & Lee Public Affairs
· Zoe Stokes - Government Affairs Analyst, Princeton Public Affairs Group
This Fellowship complements the other programs and events hosted by WPCNJ, including an upcoming event, "Shape New Jersey’s Future and Yours: Appointments to State Boards and Commissions", on Saturday, December 6, 2025, from 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM at Rutgers University in New Brunswick. Registration is $30.
For more information about the WPCNJ Education and Training Fund, please contact info@wpcnj.org or visit https://wpcnj.org/category/education-and-training
