MAYS LANDING — Atlantic Cape Community College President Dr. Barbara Gaba was recognized by the Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation on Saturday, July 26 with the Education Award for her commitment to leading with excellence and serving with grace during the 2nd Annual Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch in Clifton, NJ.
“I am deeply honored and humbled to accept this award and to be here today surrounded by so many who have come together to celebrate the legacy of the late Lieutenant Governor,” said Gaba. “To be recognized by an organization that carries the name and legacy of Sheila Y. Oliver is not only a privilege, but it’s a powerful reminder of how our work at Atlantic Cape Community College aligns with the work of the association.”
On this day, the Sheila Y. Oliver Legacy Brunch honored nine outstanding trailblazing female leaders from across the State of New Jersey. Along with Dr. Gaba, the honorees included:
- Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter, D-35, New Jersey General Assembly;
- Linda J. Schwimmer, JD, President and Chief Executive Officer, New Jersey Health Care Quality Institute;
- Estina Baker, Democratic Strategist;
- Tai Cooper, Chief Community Development Officer, NJEDA;
- Pamela B. Jones, Chief Executive Officer, Communities in Cooperation, Inc.;
- Sara Peña, Director of External Affairs, PSEG;
- Cynthia Samuel, School Health Consultant, National Association of School Nurses;
- Monica Slater Stokes, Managing Director, Corporate and Government Affairs, United Airlines.
Sheila Y. Oliver was the first African American woman in New Jersey to become the Speaker of the House, win a statewide office and become the Lieutenant Governor.
Dr. Gaba reflected upon her many fond memories of Lieutenant Governor Oliver.
“Atlantic City held a special place in her heart. Her dedication and commitment to our community and to New Jersey shined through in everything she did. She touched the lives of so many, as she advocated for improving the lives of the residents of New Jersey. Each of us has been touched in some way by Sheila Oliver’s legacy.
“Let us continue to honor that legacy in the actions that we do every day, while continuing the work that she did for our communities. She was more than just a presence in our lives; she was a force. Her kindness, her determination, her laughter and her wisdom have left a legacy that none of us will ever forget. What she left behind are more than just memories; it is a path forward. We honor her not just in words today, but in the way we choose to live, in how we treat each other and in how we continue to speak her name with pride.”
The Annual Legacy Brunch helps empower underserved communities and support the next generation of women leaders in government, public policy and community organizing. Inspired by the Lieutenant Governor, Sheila Y. Oliver’s legacy of leadership, compassion, and service, this event honors women across New Jersey who are driving meaningful change and lifting others as they rise.
Visit sheilaoliver.com for more information on the Sheila Y. Oliver Foundation.
View Dr. Gaba’s acceptance video here: https://youtu.be/FTuaetCP94I.
About Atlantic Cape Community College
Atlantic Cape Community College is a Middle States accredited, 2022 Achieving the Dream Leader College and Hispanic Serving Institution proudly serving the residents of Atlantic and Cape May counties. As a comprehensive, two-year community college, Atlantic Cape offers 47 undergraduate degree programs, and 34 certificate and professional series programs at its Mays Landing, Atlantic City and Cape May County campuses. Atlantic Cape is home to the renowned Academy of Culinary Arts, rated the top culinary school in New Jersey, and for more than 50 years, our highly-acclaimed Nursing program. Atlantic Cape also partners with more than 30 colleges and four-year universities to offer students the opportunity to seamlessly earn a bachelor’s degree upon graduation.
