Event Celebrates Women's Empowerment and Leadership, Honoring 11 Inspiring Women and the Late Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver
NEWARK, NJ – The Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association proudly announces that New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Tahesha Way will serve as Honorary Co-Chairs for the inaugural Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch. This special event will take place on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the Valley Regency in Clifton, New Jersey, celebrating the extraordinary contributions of trailblazing women across the state and honoring the legacy of the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver.
"We are excited to have Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Way join us as Co-Chairs for this momentous occasion," said Renee Oliver, President of the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association and niece of the late Lieutenant Governor. "Their participation underscores the significant impact that my beloved aunt, Sheila Oliver, had on our community and her enduring legacy of leadership and empowerment."
Governor Murphy and Lieutenant Governor Way join an esteemed list of honorary committee members for the inaugural Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch, further cementing their commitment to honoring the legacy of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, a revered leader in New Jersey. This distinguished group includes notable figures such as Governor Jim McGreevey, Governor Jon Corzine, Senator Teresea Ruiz, Senator Britnee Timberlake, Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter, Essex County Executive Joe DiVincenzo, NJDSC Chairman LeRoy J. Jones Jr., Mayor Ras Baraka, Reverend Derrick Green, and Pastor Steffie Bartley. Together, they work to celebrate and amplify the profound impact of Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver and recognize the exceptional contributions of trailblazing women across the state. This collective effort highlights the enduring legacy of leadership, resilience, and empowerment that Sheila Oliver embodied and inspires future generations to continue her work in fostering positive change within their communities.
“Tammy and I applaud the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association for its inaugural brunch celebrating the exceptional contributions of women across New Jersey,” said Governor Murphy, expressing his admiration for the event and its mission. “This event is a testament to Sheila’s unwavering dedication to public service and her commitment to empowering others to create positive change in our communities. Her legacy of leadership will continue to inspire generations to come.”
“True leadership leaves a legacy that inspires generations to come. The Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch is a testament to the enduring impact of remarkable women like Lieutenant Governor Oliver, who paved the way for others, including myself, to succeed,” said Lieutenant Governor Way, sharing her deep connection to the legacy of Sheila Oliver and her personal commitment to carrying it forward. “Stepping into the role that Sheila once held has been both an honor and a challenge. Those are big shoes to fill, but I am constantly inspired and motivated by the work Sheila did and the paths she blazed for women like me. Let us honor her memory and celebrate the trailblazers shaping our future."
The Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch promises a day filled with celebration, fellowship, engagement, and inspiration. Attendees can look forward to a captivating keynote address from Michellene Davis, President and CEO of National Medical Fellowships, Inc., live entertainment, an exclusive VIP reception, and a heartfelt memorial dedicated to Lt. Governor Oliver's indelible impact.
The date of the event was thoughtfully chosen to coincide with Lt. Governor Oliver’s birthday (July 14) and the first anniversary of her passing (August 1, 2023), further underscoring the significance of her legacy.
"We are grateful to be able to celebrate the life and legacy of Lt. Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, who will forever be remembered as a consummate leader and champion for change, while also recognizing the remarkable achievements of women across New Jersey who embody her spirit of resilience and determination," added Renee Oliver.
The following distinguished women will be honored for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields:
Leslie A. Anderson | President and CEO, New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA)
Mary Bennett | Member, New Jersey State Board of Education
Nayibe Capellan | CEO, Programs for Parents
Nicole M. Farrell | Owner, Bloomfield Steakhouse
Rev. Dr. Frances Snelling Teabout | Pastor, St. John’s Baptist Church of Jersey City
Rev. Dr. Stefanie R. Minatee | Artistic Director, Rev. Stef and Jubilation choir
A'Dorian Murray-Thomas | Founder and CEO, SHE Wins Inc.; Essex County Board of Commissioners
Nellie Pou | New Jersey State Senator, 35th Legislative District
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson | Assemblywoman, New Jersey General Assembly, District 15
Deborah D. Visconi | President and CEO, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Margaret Weinberger | Chair, Somerville Democratic Committee; President, NJFDW; Treasurer, NFDW
All proceeds and funds raised during the Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch will support the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association's mission to empower underserved communities and cultivate the next generation of female leaders in government, public policy, and community organizing.
Tickets for the inaugural Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch are now on sale, and sponsorship opportunities are available for those looking to support this meaningful initiative. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: SYO Legacy Brunch Tickets.
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