At the recent NJBIA Public Policy Forum, the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver was posthumously honored with the Candy Straight Trailblazer Award, named after the film producer and investment banker who was a tireless advocate for advancing women in business and politics.
NJBIA President & CEO Michele Siekerka was joined by Gov. Phil Murphy and NJBIA Chief Government Affairs Officer Christopher Emigholz in presenting the Candy Straight Award to the family of the late lieutenant governor, who died Aug. 1 at age 71.
“Anyone who knew Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver knew that she was a long-established trailblazer” even before she joined the Murphy administration, Siekerka said. “Her dedication to underserved communities throughout her years of public service made a clear and lasting impact.
“Especially in her leadership role at the Department of Community Affairs, Lt. Gov. Oliver was also a strong and inspirational advocate for women business owners through the years,” Siekerka said. “We at NJBIA were extremely appreciative of the time she spent with us focused on women business leaders. She attended our leadership programs; she spoke before our women leaders, and she inspired them …”
Accepting the award were members of the Oliver family, including her niece, Renee Oliver, the president of the new Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association, a new nonpartisan and nonprofit organization committed to educating and developing young women of color interested in government, public policy, and community organizing.
To view a video of the awards presentation, go here.
