Event Will Honor Eleven Inspiring Women Leaders, Celebrate the Life and Legacy of the Late Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver and Support the Organization’s Mission of Empowering Underserved Communities
NEWARK, NJ - The Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association is thrilled to announce the esteemed honorees and keynote speaker for the inaugural Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch, taking place on Saturday, July 20, 2024, at the prestigious Valley Regency in Clifton, New Jersey. This landmark event will commemorate the extraordinary life and enduring legacy of the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, while paying tribute to trailblazing women across New Jersey who have shattered barriers and paved the way for others to succeed.
“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 Phil Murphy. “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 Tahesha Way. “Let us honor her memory and celebrate the trailblazers shaping our future."
The Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch promises to be a day filled with celebration, fellowship, engagement, and inspiration. Attendees can anticipate a captivating keynote address from Michellene Davis, President and Chief Executive Officer of National Medical Fellowships, Inc., electrifying live entertainment, an exclusive VIP reception, and a heartfelt memorial dedicated to the indelible impact of Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver. The date of the event was chosen to take place around Lt. Governor Oliver’s birthday (July 14) and the first anniversary since her passing (August 1, 2023).
"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," said Renee Oliver, Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver’s niece and President of the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association. “Through their unwavering commitment to serve and tireless efforts to uplift communities, these exceptional women echo the ethos of my beloved Aunt, who served as a catalyst for positive change in our society and paved the way for future generations to thrive and make an impact.”
"The inaugural Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch is a testament to the enduring legacy of the late Lieutenant Governor and the remarkable impact she had on the great State of New Jersey,” said keynote speaker, Michellene Davis. “This event not only celebrates her life and professional legacy, but also recognizes outstanding women across New Jersey who, like Lieutenant Governor Oliver, have shattered barriers and paved the way for others to succeed. I am truly honored to support the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association so we can continue her legacy of empowerment and advocacy for underserved communities, honor the trailblazing women who continue to inspire us all, and seed a better future by nurturing the next generation of women leaders."
The following distinguished women will be honored at the inaugural Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch for their outstanding contributions to their respective fields:
Leslie A. Anderson | President and CEO, New Jersey Redevelopment Authority (NJRA)
Mary Bennett | New Jersey State Board of Education - Member
Nayibe Capellan | CEO, Programs for Parents
Nicole M. Farrell | Bloomfield Steakhouse Owner
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 | Essex County Board of Commissioners + SHE Wins Inc., Founder and CEO
Nellie Pou | New Jersey State Senator - 35th Legislative District (Passaic and Bergen Counties)
Verlina Reynolds-Jackson | Assemblywoman - New Jersey General Assembly, District 15
Deborah D. Visconi | Bergen New Bridge Medical Center President and CEO
Margaret Weinberger | Somerville Democratic Committee Chair; President, NJFDW; Treasurer, NFDW
All proceeds and funds raised during the Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch will directly 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/advertisement opportunities are available for organizations and individuals looking to support this meaningful initiative. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: https://syolegacybrunch24.eventbrite.com/.
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Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association
The Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association, is a private, non-profit, non-partisan, 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. Visit www.sheilaoliver.com for more information.