Emerge New Jersey Accepting Applications For 2017 Class

Emerge New Jersey is now accepting applications for its 2017 political training program which begins in mid-January. Over the course of six-months, Emerge New Jersey provides 70 hours of in-depth candidate training to ensure Democratic women are “ready to run” for office after they graduate the program. During the program, participants master a variety of skills, such as campaign strategy, field operations, fundraising, and other topics, from sessions taught by New Jersey experts and elected officials.

This year, Monmouth County Democratic Committee Chair Vin Gopal, Assemblywoman Mila Jasey, Essex County Freeholder Vice President Brendan Gill, Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr and New Jersey Democratic State Committee Vice-Chair Lizette Delgado-Polanco, were among the handful of experts who shared their knowledge with Emerge New Jersey participants.

“We are grateful to have political relationships that span from the local to state level, enabling our women to gain insight on each level of government. We look to our experts to complement our curriculum and share key information with our participants,” said Emerge New Jersey Executive Director Truscha Quatrone. “In order for women to succeed in New Jersey politics, they need the tools, resources and network to do so. Emerge New Jersey provides all of these things, while simultaneously creating an inclusive environment where women can learn and grow together.”

In June, Emerge New Jersey graduated its largest class to date, of 20 Democratic women from around the state. The women represented 50% of New Jersey’s counties, each bringing unique backgrounds and qualifications to the Emerge New Jersey program. “As a graduate of the 2016 Emerge New Jersey class, I’m proud and honored to be part of this exceptional sisterhood. I look forward to changing the scope of women in leadership at the local level with a sound and clear vision of action,” said Tomecca Keyes, an Essex County resident.

Since its inception, Emerge New Jersey has successfully graduated three classes, for a combined total of 43 Democratic women who have completed its training program. This year, six women from the combined classes are running for elected office in New Jersey. They are the following:

• Lorna Phillipson, Emerge New Jersey’16, candidate for New Jersey's 4th Congressional District
• Dahlia Verteese, Emerge New Jersey’16, candidate for Hillside Board of Education President
• Brenda Brathwaite, Emerge New Jersey’15, candidate for Atlantic County Freeholder
• Maureen Byrne, Emerge New Jersey’14, candidate for Madison Borough Council
• Sadaf Jaffer, Emerge New Jersey'14, candidate for Montgomery Township Committeewoman
• And Carol Rizzo, Emerge New Jersey’14, candidate for Neptune Township Committeewoman.

“We are thrilled to have our alumnae on the ballot and apply what they learned in our political training program throughout the state’s communities. It is our hope, that we can continue inspiring Democratic women to run and become the voices for the issues that matter most,” said Quatrone. “Democratic women who apply and successfully complete the Emerge New Jersey program will be empowered with the knowledge they need to run and the skills they need to win elected office in New Jersey.”

To start your application for the Emerge New Jersey 2017 political training program, go to www.emergenj.org. To learn about the status of your application, contact Emerge New Jersey Executive Director Truscha Quatrone at truscha@emergenj.org.

The deadline for applications is Monday, October 31, 2016 at midnight.