ASBURY PARK – Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver and former Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno will participate in a panel discussion entitled “The Women Who Run New Jersey,” moderated by Jeannine LaRue, a lobbyist at Kaufman Zita Group with a 40-year career in government and politics. The panel is part of the annual Asbury Park Women’s Convention, APWC3: Inspired and on the Move.
“Given that this year is the 100th Anniversary of the 19th Amendment, we really wanted to make sure that this year’s Convention is something truly special,” said Jess Alaimo, co-founder of the Asbury Park Women’s Convention. “We’re so excited to bring in a panel of three real heavy hitters to talk about what it means to succeed as a woman in New Jersey politics.”
Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver has crashed through glass ceilings and paved the way for women in government and politics throughout her career. She became the first African-American woman in state history to serve as Speaker of the New Jersey General Assembly, and the second in the nation’s history to lead a state legislative house. She is notably the first woman of color to serve in a statewide elected office in New Jersey’s history.
“Lieutenant Governor Oliver and former Lieutenant Governor Guadagno come from different parts of the state and belong to different political parties, but they share the experience of being statewide elected women in politics,” said Asbury Park Councilwoman Yvonne Clayton. “They will bring their unique experiences and perspectives to what we know will be a not-to-miss conversation.”
Former Lieutenant Governor Kim Guadagno has been a trailblazer for women throughout her career, becoming the first woman elected Sherriff of Monmouth County. She later became New Jersey’s first Lieutenant Governor, serving for two terms before becoming the Republican gubernatorial nominee in 2017 election.
“All three of these women have broken barriers and paved the way for future generations of female leadership,” said Christina Zuk, a lobbyist with Princeton Public Affairs Group and volunteer with the Asbury Park Women’s Convention. “Regardless of political party, all of these women have made their mark on New Jersey politics and government.”
The APWC will be providing scholarships to three young women to participate in the 2020 class of the Eagleton Institute of Politics Ready to Run Program.
“These two women have been role models for me, demonstrating for us that being a champion for women is not a Republican or Democratic issue,” said Amy Quinn, Asbury Park Deputy Mayor. “As a graduate of the Ready to Run Program, I understand the invaluable experience of this program and am thrilled that we can provide scholarships to young women interested in running for office.”
The APWC will also present Community Star awards to former Sea Bright Mayor Dina Long for dedication to Sea Bright and throughout her long career and specifically during superstorm sandy and Diane Shelton, Nina Summerlin, and Pamela Major for their Springwood Avenue Rising initiative. The Springwood Avenue Rising committee intends to create a variety of opportunities that honor the past, celebrate the present, and prepare for the future by using the 4 P’s concept – People, Purpose, Pride and Progress
The panel will take place on Sunday, March 15th at 4PM at the House of Independents, located at 572 Cookman Avenue in Asbury Park. Tickets are available at
for $10, or $15 at the door.
To learn more about the Asbury Park Women’s Convention, visit apwomensconvention.com or follow @apwomensconvention on your favorite social media site.