The American Association of University Women of New Jersey (AAUW NJ) announced Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way and Dr. Claudine Keenan as the recipients of the 2025 Women as Agents of Change Award. This annual honor recognizes outstanding New Jersey women who have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing gender equity through leadership, advocacy and service.
“Lieutenant Governor Way and Dr. Keenan exemplify what it means to be agents of change,” said Sharon Suber, president of AAUW NJ. “Their work has not only uplifted communities but also empowered countless women across New Jersey. We are thrilled to honor them this year.”
Lt. Gov. Way and Dr. Keenan will be celebrated at a special virtual event, “Organizing for Change,” on Saturday, June 21, 2025, where they will share reflections on their journeys, their current work and the values that continue to drive their efforts for equity and inclusion.
AAUW NJ honors Lt. Gov. Way for devoting her career to improving the lives of her fellow New Jerseyans. A trailblazer in state and local government, she has held numerous roles over two decades and currently also serves as New Jersey’s top election official. Her leadership in protecting voting rights and expanding fair access to the ballot has helped secure the foundations of democracy for all.
“I am honored to be recognized by the American Association of University Women of New Jersey as a 2025 Agent of Change,” said Lt. Gov. Way. “From strengthening the integrity of our elections to highlighting women’s role in our history with projects like RevolutionNJ and the Black Heritage Trail and supporting women-led businesses through the Business Action Center, I have made a commitment in my career to ensure that women’s voices are heard, their talents are recognized and their opportunities are expanded.
“I encourage every young woman pursuing her dreams, every leader advocating for change and every individual lifting others up: keep going, keep striving and know that your impact matters.”
Dr. Keenan has spent her entire career in education leadership, most recently serving as interim vice provost at Stockton University. Now a member of the New Jersey State Board of Education, she continues working to ensure that all students have access to high-quality public education. A longtime AAUW member, Dr. Keenan has led Tech Trek, AAUW NJ’s signature summer STEM program for rising eighth-grade girls, hosted annually on Stockton’s campus.
“For more than 25 years, the American Association of University Women of New Jersey has championed efforts to narrow the gender wage gap, particularly by providing young women in several states with a hands-on, women-led STEM program: Tech Trek residential summer camp. I am honored to be named a 2025 Agent of Change for my work on Tech Trek New Jersey this past decade,” said Dr. Keenan. “As our first alumnae are now graduating with degrees in aeronautics, biomedical and computer engineering, chemistry and physics, we are proud to welcome them back to our host campus at Stockton University as volunteer counselors and mentors to each new cohort of eighth-grade girls from all 21 counties of our great state.”
