Elect Women NJ to Honor Special Guest Governor Mikie Sherrill with Sheila Y. Oliver Trailblazer Award at Annual Brunch in Blue

EDISON, NJ - Elect Women NJ, an organization focused on raising funds to support strong, diverse women candidates in local New Jersey races, is proud to announce that it will honor Special Guest Governor Mikie Sherrill with the 2026 Sheila Y. Oliver Trailblazer Award. The award will be presented at the organization’s signature annual celebration "Brunch in Blue" on Saturday, March 28, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Pines Manor in Edison, New Jersey.

The Sheila Y. Oliver Trailblazer Award recognizes women who have shattered glass ceilings and paved the way for the next generation of leadership in New Jersey. Governor Sherrill’s career is marked by historic firsts, from graduating in the first class of women eligible for combat roles at the U.S. Naval Academy to being the first Democratic woman elected to the New Jersey governorship as well as the first woman-veteran ever elected to the governorship nationally.

“We are beyond thrilled to honor Mikie Sherrill with this year’s Trailblazer Award,” said Tricia Maguire, Founder and Chairwoman of Elect Women NJ. “Like the award’s namesake, the late Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, Governor Sherrill leads with a vision rooted in unity and a commitment to expanding who has a seat at the table. Her values and dedication to service are exactly the qualities we look for and develop in our own local candidates. Governor Sherrill’s success proves that when we invest in women, we build a stronger New Jersey for everyone.”

The Brunch will also feature remarks from two Elect Women NJ alumnae: Silvia Catalan-Culnan, Deputy Mayor of Mount Laurel (2024 Cohort), the first Latina on her council; and Diya Patel, Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilwoman (2025 Cohort), the first Indian and Gen Z woman to serve on her council.

“Our mission is about more than just one election; it is about reshaping local leadership across New Jersey,” said Shelly L. Bell, Elect Women NJ Fundraising Director. “Elect Women NJ is thrilled to have Mount Laurel Deputy Mayor Silvia Catalan-Culnan and Parsippany-Troy Hills Councilwoman Diya Patel on stage to share their perspectives on running, winning, and now representing. By celebrating the remarkable women leading our state, from Governor Mikie Sherrill to our alumnae in local government, we are able to continue our vital work to ensure that women’s voices are heard at every level of government.”

While the Brunch in Blue is nearly at capacity, a limited number of tickets remain. Supporters are encouraged to secure their seats immediately to join this celebration of women’s political power.

Brunch in Blue is made possible by the support of our generous sponsors. This year’s Trailblazer sponsors are Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul. Suffragist Supporters include the Middlesex County Democratic Organization and the New Jersey Federation of Democratic Women. Let’s Make HERstory sponsors include Chairwoman Janice Mironov, Mercer County Democrats; Sussex County Democratic Committee; Monmouth County Democratic Organization; Somerset County Democratic Black Caucus; and Chairwoman Peg Schaefer, Somerset County Democrats.

The Future is Female sponsors include the Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation; Senate Majority Leader Teresa Ruiz; Senator Vin Gopal; Jeffrey Dublin, Hudson County Register; Next Generation Leaders; Panepinto Properties, Inc.; and Assemblyman Roy Freiman. Champions of HERstory are Senator Andy Kim and Chairman Leroy Jones, Essex County Democratic Committee. Finally, Elect Women NJ thanks the Founders Circle Donors: in the Run Like a Girl category, Heather Burke & Colin Day, Michael & Dawn Dicicco, and Joan Gotti & Kevin McGettigan; and in the Making HERstory category, Syd Whalley, Nicole Gillespie, Mayor Lori Hohenleitner, and Mary Knowles.

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Elect Women NJ is New Jersey's first and leading political action committee dedicated to giving campaign donations and building a network to support strong women candidates who need investment in local races. Founded in 2020, the organization has raised $200,000 and funded 214 diverse women candidates from all 21 counties. 147 of these candidates have been elected to local positions such as Sheriff, Surrogate, Clerk, County 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. Visit our website to learn more: https://electwomennj.com/.