UNION – Nearly 1,000 people from across the Garden State joined U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez at Kean University March 18 for his Eighth Annual Women’s History Month Celebration, which honored six outstanding New Jersey women, including one from Cape May County, with the Evangelina Menendez Trailblazer Award for their exceptional achievements.
“We come together to celebrate Women’s History Month at a time when women across America are rising up, speaking out, and making history each and every day,” stated Menendez in a release. “The outcome of the 2016 presidential election was in many ways a shock to the collective conscience of our country, yet it was women across America who united and gave us hope when so many of us felt hopeless. It was women who turned defeat into defiance, despair into resistance, and together reminded us of our democracy’s resilience.”
New Jersey’s Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver served as this year’s keynote speaker and Assemblywoman Eliana Pintor Marin (LD-29) served as the mistress of ceremonies.
The Evangelina Menendez Trailblazer Awards were created in tribute to Menendez’s mother, who came to the United States from Cuba to give her children a better life and who passed away in 2009 after a long, courageous fight with Alzheimer’s disease.
“My mother, Evangelina, for whom this award is named, showed me the meaning of courage, integrity, and the importance of fighting for what’s right, every single day of her life,” stated Menendez. “She blazed that trail for me and I will continue to honor her and all of the women whose strength, wisdom, and tireless determination to stand up for the people they serve make our country and our state a better, safer, cleaner place to live, work, and raise a family.”
“Kean University educates its students to be active and contributing global citizens,” stated Lauretta Farrell, D.Litt., director of the Human Rights Institute at Kean University. “The exceptional women receiving Trailblazer Awards remind all of our students that there are many ways to make a difference, if they persevere.”
This year’s ceremony honored six pioneering women who have made significant contributions to the Garden State and country in the arts, military, law enforcement, education, and women’s advocacy:
- Amy T. Andersen; 2018 NJEA Teacher of the Year, Ocean City High School
- Mayor Wilda Diaz; Perth Amboy
- Uyen (Winn) Khuong; Co-Founder, Action Together New Jersey (ATNJ)
- Ruth B. Mandel; Director, Eagleton Institute of Politics at Rutgers University
- Audrey Meyers; President & CEO, Valley Health System
- Rev. Tiffany Williams; Founder, The Esther Project
“She is a beloved teacher at Ocean City High School who embodies equity and excellence in teaching,” stated Menendez of Andersen.“She’s proof that great teachers are those who inspire students to find strengths and passions they never imagined for themselves. It’s no wonder why the New Jersey Education Association made Amy Andersen their Teacher of the year.”
“There’s no better definition of a trailblazer than someone who started out as a teller and eventually went on to become Assistant Vice President of Banco Popular,” Menendez stated of Diaz. “It’s leaders like her that inspired me to introduce a resolution in the Senate honoring Latina women for their remarkable contributions to women’s history.”
“When I hear that Uyen describes herself as an accidental activist, I would say her success leading ATNJ is no accident at all,” stated Menenedez of Khuong.“From immigrant to accidental activist, to citizen leader of a leading grassroots organization, Uyenn represents the American promise in women leading the way.”
“From uncovering bias in our politics to inspiring women to run for public office, Ms. Mandel has helped make American democracy more inclusive for all,” stated Menendez of Mandel.“She’s legendary for her roles in empowering women into the public and political system.”
“Above all, what I have appreciated about Audrey [Meyers] is her insights into how we can make our health care system more effective, deliver high quality health care while creating greater accessibility and affordability for those who need a lifesaving institution,” stated Menendez of Meyers.“She’s a leader that speaks to the issues of our time.”
“It is an honor to recognize a proven leader who is literally blazing trails for women and girls around the world,” stated Menendez of Williams.“Her vision is to bring Esther Empowerment Centers to every continent, connecting and empowering women throughout the world to pursue their dreams and I’m pretty sure she’s going to do it.”
