We at Latina Civic in NJ continue to focus on raising the leadership opportunities for Latina women in public and private service--according to the Rutgers University Center for American Women in Politics, Latino and Latina representation in public service is very low, at 5% across NJ. This translates into lack of political power to advance investment in our communities.
Our organization, Latina Civic Foundation, a 501 (c) 3 non-profit, non-partisan organization, has established education programs to make sure more Latinas have a path to leadership in public service and the private sector.
We are hosting our annual fundraiser on October 9th at 9am at the Rutgers Club, in Piscataway NJ where we will be celebrating NJ Latina Excellence, with a signature event featuring Congresswoman Nellie Pou (CD-9) and Congresswoman Analilia Mejia (CD-11), whose historic elections to the US Congress marked a milestone, as they became the first and second Latinas elected to represent New Jersey in the United States Congress. (https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ComCpYnfr/)
We will honor Zulima Farber, with the Legado Award. Zulima is New Jersey's first Latina Attorney General, whose trailblazing public service and dedication as a Cuban American Latina, led to expanding opportunities for many of us.
We will also honor Las Primeras, women who are the first ones to break glass ceilings in public service. These are extraordinary stories of resilience, dedication to public service, professional excellence, and a deep pride in community and culture. By celebrating these pioneering women, we aim to inspire the next generation of leaders while shining a spotlight on the vital contributions of Latinas in shaping New Jersey’s civic, cultural, and professional landscape.
M. Teresa Ruiz, Senate Majority Leader, District 29, New Jersey Senate
Wilda Diaz, Former Mayor, City of Perth Amboy, Middlesex County, New Jersey
Yolanda Garcia Balicki, Cumberland County Commissioner, Cumberland County, New Jersey
Silvia Catalan-Culnan, Deputy Mayor & Council Member, Mt. Laurel Township, Burlington County, New Jersey
The Latina Excellence Breakfast directly furthers the Foundation’s educational and leadership development initiatives, including:
• ELLA Wins, a leadership and training program developed in partnership with the Center for American Women and Politics (CAWP) at Rutgers University;
• Latinas Building the Bench, a county-by-county network of women focused on amplifying the presence and influence of Latinas throughout New Jersey; and
• The Zulima Farber Cívica Leadership Academy, preparing future Latina leaders with the experience needed to serve with purpose and impact
The Latina Civic Foundation is a nonpartisan 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to engaging, educating, and empowering Latinas through leadership development, civic education, professional advancement, financial literacy, and entrepreneurship initiatives.
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