An all-star list of top political and business leaders in the state is connected to the inaugural Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch, to be held Saturday at the Valley Regency in Clifton.
The event, sponsored by the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association, will honor the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of the late lieutenant governor and recognize 11 inspiring women leaders from New Jersey.
Michellene Davis, CEO of National Medical Fellowships, will offer the keynote address. Newark City Council President LaMonica McIver will serve as the mistress of ceremonies.
Gov. Phil Murphy and Attorney General Matt Platkin also are expected to offer remarks.
The event will be supported by an honorary committee that includes prominent figures such as Murphy, Lt. Gov. Tahesha Way, former Govs. Jim McGreevey and Jon Corzine, state Sens. Teresa Ruiz (D-Newark) and Britnee Timberlake (D-East Orange), Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter (D-Paterson), Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, state Democratic Party Chairman LeRoy Jones Jr., Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, the Rev. Derrick Green and Pastor Steffie Bartley.
About the association
The Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association is a private, nonprofit, nonpartisan, 501(c)(3) charitable organization, committed to empowering underserved communities to achieve both economic and social success, as well as educating and developing young women of color who are interested in government, public policy and community organizing.
The event aims to celebrate the trailblazing efforts of women who have broken barriers and to support the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association’s mission of empowering underserved communities and cultivating the next generation of female leaders.
The following leaders will be honored:
- Leslie Anderson, CEO, New Jersey Redevelopment Authority;
- Mary Bennett, member, New Jersey State Board of Education;
- Nayibe Capellan, CEO, Programs for Parents;
- Nicole Farrell, owner, Bloomfield Steakhouse;
- The Rev. Dr. Frances Snelling Teabout, pastor, St. John’s Baptist Church of Jersey City;
- The Rev. Dr. Stefanie R. Minatee, artistic director, Rev. Stef and Jubilation Choir;
- A’Dorian Murray-Thomas, Essex County board of commissioners and founder/CEO of SHE Wins Inc.
- State Sen. Nellie Pou (D-Paterson);
- Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson (D-Trenton);
- Deb Visconi, CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center;
- Margaret Weinberger, chair, Somerville Democratic Committee, and president, New Jersey Federation of Democratic Women.
