Latest news with #YWCANorthernNewJersey
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Five honorees to receive YWCA of Northern New Jersey Racial Justice Awards
A state assemblywoman from Bergen County and a Montclair nonprofit serving the Latino community are among the five honorees for the YWCA Northern New Jersey 2025 Racial Justice Awards on Wednesday. The annual event at the Montclair Art Museum, at 3 S. Mountain Ave. in Montclair, will see awards go to recipients the YWCA lauds for a common goal of "dismantling systemic racism and building bridges to a more inclusive society." "In this pivotal moment for our nation, we are proud to recognize these bold and compassionate leaders," said Helen Archontou, CEO of YWCA Northern New Jersey. "Their work reminds us that change is not only possible — it's already happening. Through their courage, persistence, and unwavering commitment, they are shifting mindsets, transforming systems, and opening doors that have long been closed to so many. Their work inspires all of us to step into our own power and purpose. At YWCA Northern New Jersey, we're proud to amplify their voices and celebrate their leadership." Here are the honorees: Gaudioso is the CEO of United Way of Northern New Jersey and president of United for ALICE. Before joining United Way, she served as interim CEO and vice president of program operations at New Jersey After 3, a public-private partnership that worked to provide safe, quality after-school and expanded learning time programs for New Jersey public school students. The nonprofit was founded in 2022 with the mission of "building a more inclusive community by uplifting American Latino voices and experiences in Montclair and across New Jersey." The organization has lived up to its mission by organizing various events and community programs in Montclair that celebrate Latino heritage. Park, an Englewood Cliffs resident, is a South Korean native who represents the 37th District. The district covers parts of 13 Bergen County towns, including Fort Lee and Palisades Park, which both have sizable Asian American populations. She is the first Korean American woman elected to the New Jersey Legislature. Vilceus-Talty is the president and CEO of the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey. The organization engages in various initiatives, such as promoting healthy pregnancy and new parenthood, empowering communities, and engaging health care providers with education, support and vital resources. Winslow-Majette is the deputy director of Garden State Equality, the statewide LGBTQ+ rights advocacy group, which has 150,000 members. She is also a professor at Rutgers University, where she teaches LGBTQIA+ Policy. Tickets for the event can be purchased for $75 for young professionals (35 years or under) and $125 for adults. The proceeds will go toward funding YWCA of Northern New Jersey's racial justice programs. Ricardo Kaulessar covers race, immigration, and culture for For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today. Email: kaulessar@ Twitter/X: @ricardokaul This article originally appeared on YWCA of Northern New Jersey recognizes five for racial justice honors
Yahoo
04-03-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Operation Sisterhood: Supporting women veterans in New Jersey
TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11) — Standing up for women who have served is a woman who served in Operations Desert Storm and Desert Shield. Army veteran Lucy Del Gaudio isn't just using her voice, she's taking action to help women vets with YWCA Northern New Jersey's Operation Sisterhood. More: Latest News from Around the Tri-State 'A program like ours could basically help them navigate the system, find the right resource for the right issue they might be facing,' said Del Gaudio. Launched just months ago with the goal of supporting women veterans transitioning back to civilian life, Del Gaudio says difficulty in accessing mental health services is among the biggest concerns among female veterans in New Jersey, along with underemployment and lack of knowledge of VA services. So far, it serves women vets in Bergen, Hudson, Essex, Passaic, and Morris Counties. On Monday, Del Gaudio came to Trenton to speak to the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs Committee to ask lawmakers to consider how Trenton could help them expand. 'We are seeking targeted statewide funding that would allow us to directly expand our housing support, job training, and trauma-informed services for women veterans,' Del Gaudio testified to the committee. More Local News Some of the lawmakers on the committee say they hadn't heard of Operation Sisterhood but are glad to have heard their story, and will keep their conversation going in Trenton. '[Veterans]They're the reason, they served, they put their life on the line for the freedoms that we have,' said Sen. Lathan Tiver (R-NJ 8th District). 'While it's disheartening, it was unsurprising to hear the accounts of the challenges that female veterans face in transitioning to civilian life after their military service,' said Sen. Raj Mukherji (D-NJ32nd District). 'It's on us to smooth the path for them.' The next steps would involve lawmakers proposing a budget appropriation for the group. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
