The basics:

• 2nd annual Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch held in Clifton
• Organization rebrands as the Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation
• Event honors nine NJ women leaders carrying on Oliver’s work
• Proceeds support programs for young women of color in policy

An event to honor the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver drew a large turnout over the weekend.

The second annual Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch took place July 26 at the Valley Regency in Clifton.

In the wake of Oliver’s passing in 2023, a nonprofit in her honor was established. During the Saturday event, the organization, previously known as the Sheila Y. Oliver Civic Association, announced its official rebrand to the Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation.

The group carries a commitment to empowering underserved communities to achieve both economic and social success, as well as educating and developing young women of color who are interested in government, public policy and community organizing.

“This rebrand reflects who we are today – a growing, evolving force for civic engagement, community empowerment, and leadership development,” said Renee Oliver, niece of the late lieutenant governor and president of the Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation. “This event is about looking back on Sheila Y. Oliver’s extraordinary impact and imagining the future we can build together, in her honor.”

Newark‘s ‘secret weapon’

More than 350 leaders across business, government and community organizing came out for the brunch. The event honored Oliver’s life and legacy – while also celebrating influential New Jersey woman leaders.

Tisha Campbell, actress, singer and comedian – and New Jersey native – delivered the keynote address. She noted that she was a proud daughter of Newark.

“I grew up in a time where our city was a completely underserved city,” said Campbell. “But our amazing city, with its amazing people, had a secret weapon. We had leaders like Sheila Oliver who fought tirelessly for us. She was true trailblazer for us, whose courage, vision, and commitment to public service inspired her constituents and communities.”

Key details:

• Event included live entertainment, a tribute video to Oliver’s legacy, and a recognition of the 2025 Rutgers University-Newark Sheila Y. Oliver Center for Politics and Race in America student interns; as well as the 2025 Lincoln University Sheila Oliver Memorial Scholarship recipient
• Proceeds directly support the foundation’s mission

The organization also recognized nine women leaders were for their work in their communities – carrying forward Oliver’s legacy, including:

• Assemblywoman Shavonda Sumter, D-35th District
• Linda Schwimmer, president and CEO, New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute
• Estina Baker, Democratic strategist
• Tai Cooper, chief community development officer, NJEDA
• Barbara Gaba, president, Atlantic Cape Community College
• Pamela Jones, CEO, Communities in Cooperation Inc.
• Sara Pena, director of external officers, PSEG
• Cynthia Samuel, school health consultant, National Association of School Nurses
• Monica Slater Stokes, managing director, Corporate and Government Affairs, United Airlines

“Each of today’s nine awardees is being recognized for leading with the kind of integrity, compassion, and tenacity that Sheila so deeply admired and modeled every day,” said Gov. Phil Murphy.

He added that their work carries forward Oliver’s mission to deliver lasting progress.

“And it proves that Sheila’s legacy isn’t behind us – it’s alive and well in the work still shaping New Jersey today,” said Murphy.