Emerge New Jersey Introduces Class of 2016 Graduates

Emerge New Jersey proudly celebrated the graduation of its third class with a ceremony held at BlueWave NJ President Marcia Marley’s home in Montclair, New Jersey on Saturday, June 11, 2016.

The premier political training organization, dedicated to giving Democratic women who want to run for office the necessary skills to win, selected 20 dynamic women from throughout the state to participate in its training program. Over the course of six months, the women received training on sessions ranging in topic from public speaking to campaign strategy and fundraising.

“Emerge makes a long-term investment in candidates by building their leadership skills, providing campaign training, and building a network of Democratic women to help them run for – and win – elected office. We are building the bench of qualified democratic women,” said Emerge New Jersey Executive Director Truscha Quatrone.

New Jersey Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter (D) gave the commencement address to Emerge New Jersey’s 2016 graduates and attendees. Sumter was elected to the New Jersey General Assembly on November 8, 2011, to represent the 35th District which includes Paterson, Prospect Park, Haledon, N. Haledon, Garfield, and Elmwood Park. During her inspiring address, Sumter emphasized “there are still firsts to be made,” paying homage to Hillary Clinton -- former First Lady, former U.S. Senator and former Secretary of State -- becoming the first woman to ever capture a major-party nomination for president.

Further into her address Sumter spoke on the importance of Emerge New Jersey in the state and said, “The organization’s mission to assist more Democratic women to serve in public office is essential. Women voices are needed on every level of government throughout the state and country and hopefully in the White House. I am elated to share this great accomplishment with these outstanding women and look forward to seeing them in public office.”

The following women graduated from the 2016 Emerge New Jersey program: Isabel Alarcon, Hudson County; Marie Battist-Celestin, Cumberland County; Aerielle Belk, Camden County; Rebecca Cain, Morris County; Heather Champagne, Morris County; Colleen Curren, Camden County; Marie Marthelle Guervil, Union County; Tomecca (Mecca) Keyes, Essex County; Emily Kullmann, Morris County; Nidhi Makhija, Somerset County; Dana Murray, Essex County; Cristina Pinzon, Union County; Lorna Phillipson, Monmouth County; Damaris Ramirez, Middlesex County; Connie Sanchez, Union County; Maisha Scudder, Atlantic County; Stephanie Smith, Essex County; Bibi Taylor, Essex County; Dahlia Vertreese, Union County; and Sharronda Wheeler, Essex County.