C L A S S O F 2 0 1 6 G R A D U A T I O N

1 1 : 3 0 A . M . T O 2 : 3 0 P . M .S A T U R D A Y , J U N E 1 1 , 2 0 1 6

M A R L E Y R E S I D E N C E

EMERGE NEW JERSEY

A S S E M B L Y W O M A NS H A V O N D A S U M T E R

“ I a m h u m b l e d a n d h o n o r e d t o b e t h e c o m m e n c e m e n ts p e a k e r a t E m e r g e ’ s g r a d u a t i o n t h i s y e a r . T h e

o r g a n i z a t i o n ’ s m i s s i o n t o a s s i s t m o r e D e m o c r a t i cw o m e n t o s e r v e i n p u b l i c o f f i c e i s e s s e n t i a l . I a me l a t e d t o s h a r e t h i s g r e a t a c c o m p l i s h m e n t w i t h

t h e s e o u t s t a n d i n g w o m e n a n d l o o k f o r w a r d t o s e e i n gt h e m i n p u b l i c o f f i c e . "

2 0 1 6 C O M M E N C E M E N T S P E A K E R

A L e t t e r F r o m E m e r g e N e w J e r s e y F o u n d e r :M y r a T e r r y

Dear Emerge New Jersey 2016 Graduating Class:

I was blown away by each and every one of you thisyear! It was my privilege to participate with you andwatch your brilliance, tenacity and confidence. I haveseen your commitment and I am confident that youwill be a force to reckon with in the future. I amdepending on you to break all the glass ceilings thatmy generation couldn’t.

The best advice I can give:

You are the women I would be if I had to do it all over again. I look forward toseeing you running, winning, and making a difference for New Jersey. I encourageyou to go forth, change the world and never lose sight of the goals.

My best wishes to each and every one of you.

1.) Have extensive knowledge on issues that affect justice.

2.) Consult with the communities that are oppressed before you make

decisions affecting them.

3.) Don’t compromise your values.

4.) Keep an open mind.

5.) Don’t let the powers that be co-opt you.

Myra Terry

C l a s s o f 2 0 1 6I s a b e l A l a r c o n , H u d s o n C o u n t y

M a r i e B a t t i s t - C e l e s t i n , C u m b e r l a n d C o u n t yA e r i e l l e B e l k , C a m d e n C o u n t yR e b e c c a C a i n , M o r r i s C o u n t y

H e a t h e r C h a m p a g n e , M o r r i s C o u n t yC o l l e e n C u r r e n , C a m d e n C o u n t y

M a r i e M a r t h e l l e G u e r v i l , U n i o n C o u n t yT o m e c c a ( M e c c a ) K e y e s , E s s e x C o u n t y

E m i l y K u l l m a n n , M o r r i s C o u n t yN i d h i M a k h i j a , S o m e r s e t C o u n t y

D a n a M u r r a y , E s s e x C o u n t yC r i s t i n a P i n z o n , U n i o n C o u n t y

L o r n a P h i l l i p s o n , M o n m o u t h C o u n t yD a m a r i s R a m i r e z , M i d d l e s e x C o u n t y

C o n n i e S a n c h e z , U n i o n C o u n t yM a i s h a S c u d d e r , A t l a n t i c C o u n t y

S t e p h a n i e S m i t h , E s s e x C o u n t yB i b i T a y l o r , E s s e x C o u n t y

D a h l i a V e r t r e e s e , U n i o n C o u n t yS h a r r o n d a W h e e l e r , E s s e x C o u n t y

Isabel Alarcon, Hudson CountyIsabel has been a resident of Jersey City since 1993.Isabel graduated from Berkeley College with a Bachelorof Science in International Business. In September of2013, Isabel opened Quantum Dynamics Consulting,LLC., a consultation firm located in the center of theJersey City Heights.

Marie Battist-Celestin, Cumberland CountyMarie has been a Business Teacher with Millville PublicSchools for nine years. She has her Bachelors in BusinessAdministration from Northwood University and aMaster’s Degree in Educational Technology from NewJersey City University.

Aerielle Belk, Camden CountyAerielle is a Middle School Math Teacher at GoodShepherd Regional School in Collingswood, New Jersey.As a teacher, Arielle strives to encourage students to beall they can be and never give up on their dreams. Ariellegraduated from Binghamton University with a B.S. inIntegrative Neuroscience.

Rebecca Cain, Morris CountyRebecca is the Principal at Tuckerman PartnersConsulting, LLC in Florham Park, New Jersey. She is aseasoned business leader with a demonstrated record ofachievement and advancement across 15+ years ofprogressive experience in corporate, start-up and non-profit settings. Rebecca earned her M.B.A from Cornell,a B.A. from Dickinson College, and graduated from St.Pius X High School in Pottstown, Pennsylvania.

Heather Champagne, Morris CountyHeather has 20 years of experience in the legalprofession which has honed her decision making, timemanagement and interpersonal skills. She currentlyworks as a paralegal for a senior partner at EichenCrutchlow Zaslow & McElroy, LLP. Heather earned herBachelor of Arts in Political Science and Spanish fromDrew University in Madison, New Jersey.

Colleen Curren, Camden CountyColleen graduated from Rowan University in 2014 withBachelor of the Arts degrees in Music, English, andEducation, as well as an endorsement in SpecialEducation. Presently, Colleen is employed as a SpecialEducation Language Arts teacher by the Black Horse PikeRegional School District, where she works with studentsaged 14-21 in a variety of special education settings,including students with behavioral disabilities.

Marie Marthelle Guervil, Union CountyMarie Marthelle is a political organizer focused oneducation, social justice, immigration, and women’srights. Marie Marthelle has built her reputation doingamazing work on the local, county, and federal level.Currently, she works at Paranoa & Associates, a politicalconsulting firm and is the Executive Director of TheHaitian American Committee.

Tomecca (Mecca) Keyes, Essex CountyTomecca is a proven community organizer/politicaladvocate with national and local experience. She is thePresident/Co-Founder of East Orange Citizens United,an independent community-based advocacy group; andTomecca is also a Project Coordinator for New JerseyCares. Tomecca earned her B.S. in BusinessAdministration from Shaw University in Raleigh, NorthCarolina; and an M.A. in Public Administration fromFarleigh Dickinson University in Teaneck, New Jersey.

Emily Kullmann, Morris CountyEmily is a first-time Democratic candidate whocampaigned for mayor in the township of Rockawayduring the 2015 election cycle. She’s been an activemember of the Stony Brook, Copland and Morris HillsHSA. She volunteers with JDRF and Foundation forDiabetes Research, and drives for Meals onWheels. Emily is a graduate of the County College ofMorris and has an associates degree in Liberal Arts.

Nidhi Makhija, Somerset CountyNidhi is a first-time Democratic candidate whocampaigned for mayor in the township of Bridgewaterduring the 2015 election cycle. Nidhi earned herundergraduate degree in engineering from the ShriGovindram Seksaria Institute of Technology in Indorebefore studying management at the Narsee MonjeeInstitute of Management Studies in Mumbai.

Cristina Pinzon, Union CountyCristina is a Principal at Stateside Affairs, a public andgovernment affairs firm. She earned her Bachelor'sdegree in Broadcast Television with a concentration inPolitical Science from Montclair State University. Cristinahas worked in a variety of fields, including education,journalism and politics. Additionally, Cristina serves asthe Chair of the Elizabeth Housing Authority.

Dana Murray, Essex CountyDana is a former Special Education Teacher in bothNewark and Elizabeth who understands the plight offamilies seeking equity and quality education. Committedto demystifying and unapologetically reclaiming thenarrative around education reform, she currently servesas the Director of Community Relations for KIPP NewJersey: TEAM Charter Schools where she oversees sevencampuses.

Lorna Phillipson, Monmouth CountyLorna is a first-time Democratic candidate whocampaigned for the New Jersey Assembly 30thLegislative District seat during the 2015 election cycle.She is a business leadership and strategy consultant totechnology startups, a former bank trading executive,and was an adjunct professor in banking and finance atNew York University.

Damaris Ramirez, Middlesex CountyDamaris is the Program Coordinator for the CathedralInternational Community Development Corporation. Inher role, Damaris implements and executes variousprograms to fulfill organizational objectives. In additionto her work with the CICDC, Damaris is active in manyother organizations in her local community and aroundthe state.

Connie Sanchez, Union CountyConnie is the Executive Director at Unity Charter School.Prior to teaching, she was a Vice President at MorganStanley Smith Barney. In addition, Connie served in theU.S. Air Force Reserve. Connie earned an EdM inEducational School Leadership from Columbia UniversityTeachers College and an MBA from Texas A&M.

Maisha Scudder, Atlantic CountyMaisha is a Constituent Advocate for U.S. Senator CoryBooker. In her role, she focuses on advocating on behalfof New Jersey constituents who are having issues withfederal agencies. Her areas of focus include: Veteran’sAffairs, uniformed services, the Federal EmergencyManagement Agency, and others. She earned herBachelor of Arts in Political Science from CheyneyUniversity of Pennsylvania.

Stephanie Smith, Essex CountyStephanie is a Social Service Professional with strongleadership qualities. She founded, The Vesta Project, anon-profit, while pursuing her Master’s Degree in SocialWork to fill a gap in services for thousands of individualswho are in need of quality mental health counseling andsupport after the Safe and Sound Center was shut downat UMDNJ.

Bibi Taylor, Essex CountyBibi is the Director of Finance and County Treasurer forthe County of Union, New Jersey, and provides executiveleadership and management for the County’s operatingand capital budgets. Bibi earned her Bachelor’s Degree inPolitical Science from the University of West Florida anda Master’s Degree in Public Administration from RutgersUniversity.

Dahlia Vertreese, Union CountyDahlia is a Labor Organizer/Labor Relations Specialist forLocal 68 International Union Operating Engineers. Dahliaenjoys working closely with Assemblyman Thomas P.Giblin (D-34) who has introduced her to manyexperiences in both political and governmental life.Dahlia obtained two Bachelor’s degrees in History andCriminal Justice from the University of Arkansas.

Sharronda Wheeler, Essex CountySharronda has 15 years of experience in the Social ServiceIndustry. She currently works as a Resident ServiceCoordinator for SHP Management Corp. Sharronda hasbeen a community activist for eight years. Sharronda hasan AAS in Public Policy/Urban Studies from St. PetersCollege of Jersey City. Sharronda is a Newark Native.

Mary Knowles,Senior SegmentProducer for HBO’sREAL TIME WITH BILLMAHER

Special Recognition

Thank you Chairman KevinMcCabe, Vice Chair BeatriceMoskowitz and the entireMCDO organization forallowing Emerge New Jerseyto use your space for theduration of our 2016 PoliticalTraining Program.

Thank you Mary for serving asour Program Director. Weare eternally grateful for yourtime, commitment anddedication to Emerge NewJersey's 2016 class.

Middlesex CountyDemocraticOrganization

E m e r g e N e w J e r s e y s i n c e r e l y t h a n k s e v e r y o n e w h oc o n t r i b u t e d t o m a k i n g i t s 2 0 1 6 P o l i t i c a l T r a i n i n g

P r o g r a m a h u g e s u c c e s s . W e w o u l d n o t b e h e r e t o d a yw i t h o u t y o u .

T h a n k Y o u s

B r e n d a B r a t h w a i t e , E d u c a t o r ; A t l a n t i c C o u n t y F r e e h o l d e r

C a n d i d a t e ; a n d E m e r g e N e w J e r s e y ’ 1 5 A l u m n a e

S a b r i n a B r o w n e , P R C o n s u l t a n t a n d S t r a t e g i s t

L i z C h a d d e r d o n , P r e s i d e n t o f T h e C h a d d e r d o n G r o u p

K e r r y C o r d e r o , P e r s o n a l S t y l i n g a n d I m a g e C o n s u l t a n t

F r a n E h e r t , F o r m e r L o c a l 1 9 4 P r e s i d e n t a n d E m e r g e N e w

J e r s e y B o a r d M e m b e r

B r e n d a n G i l l , E s s e x C o u n t y F r e e h o l d e r V i c e P r e s i d e n t

V i n G o p a l , M o n m o u t h C o u n t y D e m o c r a t i c C o m m i t t e e C h a i r

D e b H o w l e t t , A w a r d W i n n i n g R e p o r t e r a n d F o r m e r A C L U

C o m m u n i c a t i o n s D i r e c t o r

M i l a J a s e y , A s s e m b l y w o m a n

D r . K h y a t i J o s h i , R e n o w n e d R e s e a r c h e r a n d E d u c a t o r

C e l i a M . K i n g , L e a d e r s h i p N e w a r k C E O a n d E m e r g e N e w

J e r s e y B o a r d C h a i r

C o u r t n e y K n a p p , C o - C r e a t i v e F o u n d e r

B r a d L a w r e n c e , M e d i a a n d M e s s a g e F o u n d i n g P a r t n e r

T h a n k Y o u s J o e L i b u t t i , C h i e f o f S t a f f f o r A s s e m b l y m a n E r i c H o u g h t a l i n g

a n d A s s e m b l y w o m a n J o a n n D o w n e yC o l l e e n M a h r , F a n w o o d M a y o r

M i l e n e M a t o s , N J E L E CD i a n e M u r r a y , H i l l s i d e C o u n c i l w o m a n a n d E m e r g e N e w J e r s e y ' 1 4

A l u m n a eS h a n t e P a l m e r , C a p i t a l I m p a c t G r o u p V i c e P r e s i d e n t o f B u s i n e s s

D e v e l o p m e n t a n d E m e r g e N e w J e r s e y ’ 1 5 A l u m n a eA r l e n e Q u i n o n e s P e r e z , H u n t e r d o n C o u n t y D e m o c r a t i c C o m m i t t e e

C h a i r w o m a nJ e a n P i e r c e , H P A E P o l i c y S t a f f a n d E m e r g e N e w J e r s e y T r e a s u r e r

L i z e t t e D e l g a d o - P o l a n c o , N e w J e r s e y D e m o c r a t i c S t a t e C o m m i t t e eC h a i r

C a r o l R i z z o , N e p t u n e T o w n s h i p C o m m i t t e e w o m a n a n d E m e r g e N e wJ e r s e y ' 1 4 A l u m n a e

G i n g e r G o l d S c h n i t z e r , N J E A G o v e r n m e n t R e l a t i o n s D i r e c t o rS a f a n y a S e a r c y , S E I U a n d E m e r g e N e w J e r s e y B o a r d M e m b e rJ a n i c e S i e g e l , W e s t f i e l d D e m o c r a t i c C o m m i t t e e C h a i r w o m a n

D e r e l S t r o u d , N e w J e r s e y S t a t e D e m o c r a t i c O p e r a t i v eN o e m i V e l a z q u e z , I m m e d i a t e P a s t L U P E P A C P r e s i d e n t a n d E m e r g e

N e w J e r s e y B o a r d M e m b e r E l i z a b e t h R i l e y W i l l i a m s , P r e s i d e n t o f t h e A m e r i c a n C o n f e r e n c e o n

D i v e r s i t yS t e p h a n i e W o h l r a b , V e t e r a n P o l i t i c a l F u n d r a i s e r

Executive Committee

FounderMyra Terry

ChairCelia M. King

Vice ChairLori Price Abrams

SecretaryDonna T. Pepe

TreasurerJean Pierce

L I T T L E B I R D P H O T O G R A P H Y . C O M

For your life'sspecial moments

Program Chairs

Selection and RecruitmentManeesha Kelkar

Board RecruitmentShawn Laurenti

FundraisingMarcia Marley

ProgramSafanya Searcy

GovernanceSyd Whalley

Advisory Board

Marie BlistanFranceline Ehert

Rosa FariasCarol Rizzo

Idida RodriguezSafanya Searcy

Milly SilvaPatricia TeffenhartNoemi Velazquez

Emerge New Jersey Board

F o r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n a b o u t E m e r g e N e w J e r s e ya n d h o w t o g e t i n v o l v e d , p l e a s e c o n t a c t :

E m e r g e N e w J e r s e y E x e c u t i v e D i r e c t o rT r u s c h a Q u a t r o n e

t r u s c h a @ e m e r g e n j . o r g( 9 7 3 ) - 5 4 1 - 9 5 9 5

w w w . e m e r g e n j . o r g