Diana Mejia, Founder of Wind of the Spirit, Bernadette Mueller, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Reinvestment Act Officer for Valley Bank, and David Gonzalez, National Vice President of AFGE District 2, were the other honorees

TRENTON, NJ—New  Jersey Citizen Action (NJCA) held its 43rd Annual Awards Cocktail Party at the New Jersey State Museum on June 4th, recognizing five distinguished honorees whose leadership and advocacy have strengthened communities and helped improve the lives of residents throughout the state.

U.S. Senator Andy Kim received NJCA's Legislator of the Year Award in recognition of his commitment to lowering everyday costs like healthcare and housing, taking on corruption in all forms, building an economy that uplifts all Americans, and helping to create a democracy that’s reflective of all voices. Senator Kim is a life-long public servant who is proud to fight for the needs of New Jersey and make it a better state for the generations to come. The Senator’s award was accepted by his Deputy State Director, Kristin Foca.

Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award for her decades of public service and tireless advocacy, fighting for women, economically and socially disadvantaged populations, and other vulnerable groups in our society. Among her many accolades, she served eight terms in the New Jersey General Assembly and shattered racial and gender barriers to become the first Black woman to serve as Majority Leader, and as the Chair of the New Jersey Democratic State Committee.

In a video acceptance speech, Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman said, “It is indeed a great honor to be recognized for this Lifetime Achievement Award. Serving the 12th District has been one of great honors and blessings of my life... When I entered Congress, I told myself that I would never shy away from the important fights. If standing up for everyday people were to cost me my seat, well then so be it. What I found though was that when you have the backs of working people, they have your back... So, while I humbly accept this award, I want to thank each and every one of you who showed up and stood by me.”

The Evanoff-Shuchter Award for Organizing was presented to Diana Mejia, Founder of Wind of the Spirit, for her leadership in empowering immigrant communities and advancing social justice in times of crisis. In 25 years, WotS, led by Mejia, has been very successful in educating, organizing and mobilizing thousands of community members, immigrant and non-immigrants in Civil, Constitutional, Labor and Human Rights. Today, several formal Wind of the Spirit members are leaders in different organizations being involved in equity and human rights causes.

A Distinguished Honoree Award was presented to Bernadette Mueller, Chief Corporate Social Responsibility and Community Reinvestment Act Officer at Valley Bank for her leadership in guiding the Bank to shape robust philanthropic investments and community development strategies that promote economic opportunity and environmental sustainability in underserved communities. With more than 30 years of banking experience, Bernadette has held key leadership roles across the organization, fostering a strong CSR-CRA culture through outreach, partnership, volunteerism, and charitable giving.

A Distinguished Honoree Award was also presented to David Gonzalez, National Vice President of American Federation of Government Employees District 2, in recognition of his unwavering leadership in defending livelihoods of thousands of federal employees, particularly those working in the social security and healthcare sectors. Representing federal workers across New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Maine, Vermont, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island, David has been on the front lines of the fight against efforts to weaken the federal workforce and dismantle the programs millions of Americans depend on. For over a year, NJCA has worked alongside David as a key partner in our ‘Stand-Up and Fight Back NJ’ efforts to preserve our vital federal programs and services against cuts.

"Our deepest gratitude to all our awards recipients this year for their important contributions in fighting for the interests of their members and the state’s most vulnerable communities," said New Jersey Citizen Action’s Executive Director Dena Mottola Jaborska. "At a time when so many families are struggling with the rising costs of healthcare, housing, utilities, and other necessities, and our democracy, immigrant communities and communities of color are under assault, these leaders have consistently stood up for policies and programs that put people first."

New Jersey Citizen Action is a statewide advocacy and empowerment organization that fights for social, racial and economic justice for all.