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I am honored and excited to highlight the courageous and talented women of New Jersey.
I have been a member of the New Jersey General Assembly for over a decade. Throughout my time in the Legislature, I have jumped at any opportunity to tackle systemic and structural policy barriers for women and minorities in our state.
Due to the many cracks made by the chisels of leaders like Senator Loretta Weinberg, Senator Wynona Lipman, and the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver, the glass ceiling is certainly weaker than it once was. There is, however, much work left to do if we are going to shatter the glass entirely.
When I entered the legislature, Sheila Y. Oliver was the Speaker of the House. In the caucus room I had the privilege of a front row seat to her commanding presence and conviction. Public service for her centered on making New Jersey fairer and safer for women in politics, the workplace, schools, and their homes. It was an honor to be brought in under her tutelage. In fact, my first vote was for marriage equality and my first bill that passed which became law was the modernization of the state mental health processing system.
To continue the pursuit of shattering glass, I have worked on improvements to legacy issues such as voter rights expansion, child tax credits, and childhood literacy. Restorative and social justice reforms continue to be critical, such as the historical harms towards detained women that are documented at the soon-to-be shuttered Edna Mahon Facility. I have also authored legislation that designates our state as a safe haven for reproductive freedom with the transparency of rights afforded to women published on the NJ Reproductive Health Information Hub.
Partnering with hard-working advocates and strategic allies has helped to make historical increases to reproductive health services and expanded access to menstrual products for school-aged girls. Working with other women leaders to champion pertinent issues as we pivot towards the future, especially one so uncertain on the federal level, has proven to be crucial.
When we lost our Lieutenant Governor Oliver on August 1, 2023, there was an outpouring of heartfelt love and loss for a true public servant. Her family lovingly acknowledged her as a “cherished daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and hero. Who left behind a legacy of dedication, service, and inspiration.” Lieutenant Governor Oliver’s transition left a gaping void in state government leadership. Therefore, the selection of someone to fulfill the term in office was a heavy burden that required our voices to appoint a distinguished woman of character to continue the legacy and work of the late Lieutenant Governor.
I am proud of the ascension of New Jersey Secretary of State Tahesha Way who was appointed as New Jersey’s 3rd Lieutenant Governor. She has served at numerous levels of government and in addition to her powerful role as the Lieutenant Governor, she also serves as our state’s 34th Secretary of State. Lieutenant Governor Way is passionate about access to reproductive healthcare and equality under the law and we are fortunate to have a Lieutenant Governor who was willing and able carry the torch of Lieutenant Governor Oliver’s legacy.
Now, without further ado, on to the women of New Jersey who have a chisel in hand and continue to strike that ancient glass ceiling.
Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter
Download Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter’s 2023 Women’s Power List or view it below:
Senator Weinberg’s 2023 Women’s Power List
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