The Women’s Political Caucus of New Jersey announced the 16 members of the first cohort of the WPCNJ Fellowship Program, an initiative designed to empower emerging women leaders to pursue public office, policy roles and civic leadership.
Supported by the WPCNJ Education and Training Fund, the Fellowship will provide participants with mentorship, hands-on learning, and meaningful engagement opportunities.
The program is dedicated to equipping fellows with the expertise, confidence, and connections they need to lead and influence change at every level — from local advocacy to statewide leadership.
This skills-based program provides six full-day learning sessions from January to May, 2025, and is led by the WPCNJ Fellowship Committee:
- Chrissy Buteas, chair
- Megan Hutton, WPCNJ executive board administrator
- Alexis Bailey and Petra Gaskins, education chairs
- Athina Fassu, communications chair
- Kaylee McGuire, operations chair
“This Fellowship reflects the core of our mission: elevating women, investing in future leaders, and ensuring that New Jersey’s decision-making tables reflect the diversity and strength of our communities,” Buteas said. “We are proud to support these exceptional fellows and excited to see the impact they will make across our state.”
The inaugural cohort was selected from a competitive pool of numerous applicants. This class includes women from across New Jersey with varying perspectives and experiences in public service, from local government to state executive and legislative service, and in advocacy organizations and nonprofits.
The inaugural class of fellows includes:
- Molly Cleary: Environmental advocate, Clean Water Action’s New Jersey
- Caroline Coghlan: Program specialist 3, New Jersey Division of Aging Services
- Khadija Doukali: Constituent relations specialist, Assembly Majority Office
- Soranyelly Francisco: Director of constituent services, 19th Legislative District
- Isabella Hanna: External affairs specialist, New Jersey Board of Public Utilities
- Victoria Kerins: Executive assistant, Stevens & Lee Public Affairs
- Abigail Lewis: Policy and advocacy manager, Mental Health Association in New Jersey
- Ameerah McCoy: Chief of staff, Office of Assemblywoman Carmen T. Morales
- Allison Meyers: Policy analyst, NJ Senate Majority Office
- Taïphane Orange: Administrative assistant, MBI
- Delaney Redford: Director of public affairs, New Jersey Food Council
- Jennie Sherlock-Loeb: Chief clinical officer, The Cooperative
- Zoe Stokes: Government affairs analyst, Princeton Public Affairs Group
- Miranda Toner: Legislative aide, Assemblyman Bill Moen
- Emily Vargas: Legislative aide, Assemblywoman Linda Carter
- Keyann’a Watkins: Community engagement and events coordinator, City of Camden
This Fellowship complements the other programs and events hosted by WPCNJ, including an upcoming event, “Shape New Jersey’s Future and Yours: Appointments to State Boards and Commissions” — to be held Dec. 6, from 8:30 a.m to 12:30 p.m. at Rutgers-New Brunswick.
For more information about the WPCNJ Education and Training Fund, please contact info@wpcnj.org or visit
