Nearly 300 elected officials, community advocates, business leaders, and students gathered at the Valley Regency in Clifton for the 3rd Annual Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch. Hosted by the Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation, the event honored the enduring public service footprint of the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Y. Oliver while celebrating nine distinguished women leaders shaping the future of New Jersey.
The gathering took place just days after what would have been Oliver’s birthday and ahead of the third anniversary of her passing. Proceeds from the event directly benefit the Foundation’s core mission: empowering underserved communities and cultivating young women of color in civic engagement, public policy, and leadership development.
Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman—the first Black woman elected to represent New Jersey in Congress—served as the keynote speaker and received a Special Award Tribute. The honor recognized her decades of trailblazing public service and deep, long-standing friendship with the late Lieutenant Governor.
“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. “It’s an honor to celebrate her remarkable legacy and to recognize these extraordinary women, whose leadership reflects the same commitment to lifting communities.”
Renee Oliver, president of the Foundation and niece of the late Lieutenant Governor, emphasized that her aunt’s vision continues to thrive through active community builders.
“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,” Renee Oliver said.
Honoring New Jersey’s impactful leaders
In addition to the keynote tribute, the Foundation recognized nine prominent women for their outstanding contributions across public service, education, healthcare, and economic advocacy:
- Lisa Asare – President and CEO, New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority
- Ashley Caldwell – Bloustein School Graduate and Member, New Brunswick Board of Education
- Margo Chaly – Secretary of Higher Education, State of New Jersey
- Aisha Glover – Global Head of Urban Innovation, Audible
- Fatima Heyward – President, Young Democrats of America
- Dr. Ashanti Jones-Murphy – Criminal Justice Reform Policy Analyst, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
- Senator Angela McKnight – New Jersey State Senate
- Judy Persichilli – Former Commissioner of Health, State of New Jersey
- Rev. Thurselle Williams – Senior Pastor, New Hope Baptist Church of East Orange
The program also featured remarks from Lieutenant Governor Dale Caldwell, live musical entertainment, student scholarship presentations, and a silent auction featuring items from Lieutenant Governor Oliver’s personal accessory collection.
