The Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation honored nine female New Jersey leaders recently at its third annual Legacy Brunch, recognizing their work in public service, education, healthcare, advocacy, economic development and community empowerment.
Nearly 300 elected officials, business leaders, nonprofit professionals, students and community advocates attended the July 25 event at the Valley Regency in Clifton, which also featured a keynote address by U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman (D-NJ) and a special tribute honoring her decades of public service and friendship with the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Y. Oliver.
Watson Coleman, the first Black woman elected to represent New Jersey in Congress, previously served with Oliver in the state Assembly.
The event was held days after what would have been Oliver's birthday and ahead of the third anniversary of her death. Oliver, a former speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, served as lieutenant governor from 2018 until her death in August 2023.
"Sheila Oliver devoted her life to opening doors for others, and she challenged each of us to lead with courage and conviction," Watson Coleman said.
The foundation's honorees were:
- Lisa A. Asare, president and CEO of the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority
- Ashley M. Caldwell, a Rutgers University Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy graduate and member of the New Brunswick Board of Education
- Margo Chaly, New Jersey secretary of higher education
- Aisha Glover, global head of urban innovation at Audible
- Fatima Heyward, president of Young Democrats of America
- Dr. Ashanti Jones-Murphy, a policy analyst for criminal justice reform at the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
- State Sen. Angela V. McKnight
- Judy Persichilli, former New Jersey health commissioner
- Rev. Thurselle C. Williams, senior pastor of New Hope Baptist Church of East Orange
The program also included remarks from Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, musical entertainment, recognition of student scholarship recipients, and a silent auction featuring items from Oliver's personal accessory collection.
Proceeds from the brunch support the foundation's efforts to empower underserved communities and develop future leaders through civic engagement, public policy, leadership development, and community advocacy.
"Each year, this brunch reminds us that my aunt's legacy is not confined to history — it lives on through leaders who continue to serve with purpose, compassion and integrity," said Renee Oliver, president of the Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation and Oliver's niece.
The foundation is a private, nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that focuses on economic and social opportunities for underserved communities and on educating and developing young women of color interested in government, public policy and community organizing.
Photo caption: (L-R) Margo Chaly, Esq., the Rev. Thurselle C. Williams, Judy Persichilli Lisa A. Asare, Estina Baker, Lt. Gov. Dale Caldwell, U.S. Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman, Renee Oliver, Fatima Heyward, Ashley Caldwell, state Sen. Angela McKnight, Aisha Glover. – Image courtesy of the Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation.
