WPCNJ & EWNJ Applaud Governor Murphy on Equal Pay Order
WPCNJ & EWNJ Applaud Governor Murphy's First Executive Order on Equal Pay for WomenThe Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) along with the Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ) commend Governor Phil Murphy and Lt. Governor Sheila Oliver for following through so quickly on their commitment to take concrete steps to address the gender pay gap in New Jersey. Women in our state are still only paid 80 cents for every dollar earned by men and this number is substantially worse for women of color. This inequity not only negatively impacts women and their families, but it also harms the economic progress of our state. Data shows that if New Jersey women received equal pay for equal work, the poverty rate for working women in the state would drop by half and the economy would grow by $16.6 billion according to the Institute for Women's Policy Research.
Ensuring that women receive equal pay for equal work should not be controversial nor should it be negotiable. As evidenced in the 2017 Executive Women of New Jersey report on gender diversity in senior corporate leadership, "A Seat at the Table: Celebrating Women and Board Leadership," women deliver significant and quantifiable business value to companies. At companies where women comprise 15% or more of the senior management, there is a 52% higher return on equity and a 22% higher ratio of dividend payout than those with 10% or fewer women in management. Once again, we salute Governor Murphy and Lt. Governor Oliver for this important and meaningful policy action.
Chrissy Buteas
President
Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ)
Michellene Davis
President
Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ)
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Join the Women's March on New Jersey - January 20
WPCNJ To Honor Murray Bevan, Esq., Good Guy Award Recipient
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Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey
honors
 Murray E. Bevan, Esq.
Founding Shareholder, Bevan, Mosca & Giuditta, P.C.
Good Guy Award
Murray has a long history of supporting and cultivating diversity in the legal profession. More than a decade ago, Murray, along with his partners Bill Mosca and Rich Giuditta, founded the law firm Bevan, Mosca & Giuditta. Women have been an important part of the firm's success right from the start.
Over the last ten years, Murray has actively recruited, hired, empowered, promoted and retained female lawyers within his firm. He has supported family leaves, medical leaves and flexible work schedules for employees when requested and when necessary, ensuring that that all his employees can balance work and family while serving in leadership roles at BMG and beyond. One of the exceptional efforts that Murray has made within BMG is to establish integrated and enhanced technological offerings that enable employees to work seamlessly in or out of the office. This has allowed the firm to increase workplace flexibility without compromising productivity.
Murray recognizes that helping employees to navigate their personal and professional
responsibilities is a sound business practice, providing alternatives that enable professionals to put forth their best work. It has proven to be a win-win strategy for the firm and the women who work there: a flexible work environment and infrastructure enables women at BMG to create and grow a strong, sustainable legal practice that contributes positively to the economic success of the law firm. Flexible work arrangement policies at BMG benefit the firm and all its employees -- without sacrificing merit-based compensation or professional growth opportunities for women at the firm. Murray has an authentic conviction that women can achieve the same success as their male colleagues, and he puts actions behind his personal convictions.
Murray has also devoted a great deal of time and attention to help form and build the Hope Autism Foundation. Hope Autism is a non-profit organization dedicated to identifying and sponsoring community resources for adults with autism, and its goal is to help adults with autism to live productive, meaningful lives so they can become part of their local communities. Murray believes that everyone should be able to live with dignity, and his work with Hope Autism is just one more example of his sense of fairness. Murray also supports his colleagues working pro-bono on women's anti-violence initiatives with a local organization (Partners for Women and Justice).
In addition to his advocacy efforts for state and national trade associations, he also serves as counsel providing these groups with legal advice and assistance on non-profit law, matters of governance, board members roles and responsibilities, annual convention and trade show negotiations and contract review.
Murray has served in a variety of positions both in and out of government prior to entering the private practice of law. He was the Vice President of Government Relations and Regulatory Affairs for the New Jersey Hospital Association and served a six year term with the New Jersey BPU. During that time, he was Chief of Staff to Board President, Christine Todd Whitman, a former Governor of New Jersey and only female to date. Mr. Bevan also worked for the Counsel's Office of former Governor Tom Kean.
Unquestionably, Murray is a "good guy." He is thoroughly deserving of this distinguished Good Guy award.
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February 8, 2018
Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, NJ
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Award Recipients
Mary Philbrook Award
Mary Kay Roberts, Esq.
Partner, Riker Danzig
Good Guy Awards
Senator Troy Singleton
Legislative District 7
&
Murray E. Bevan, Esq.
Founding Shareholder, Bevan, Mosca & Giuditta, P.C.
Corporate Award
Hackensack Meridian Health
Social Justice Award
1199 SEIU
Executive Vice-President, Milly Silva
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WPCNJ To Honor Mary Kay Roberts Esq. on February 8th!
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Women's Political Caucus of NJ
honors
 Mary Kay Roberts, Esq.
Partner, Riker Danzig
Mary Kay Roberts is head of Riker Danzig's Governmental Affairs Practice, based in its Trenton office across from the State House. She works with a broad range of industries, including pharmaceuticals, banking, insurance, education, technology, health care and hospitals.
Both a lawyer and a lobbyist, Mary Kay is counsel to the New Jersey Bankers Association, a trade association of large and small commercial banks in the state, which serves as an advocate and voice for the needs and goals of the banking industry. She is also chairs the NJ Bar Association Banking Law Section's Legislative Committee.
In 2005, she was nominated Vice Chair of the Health Care Administration Board, an 11-member panel that advises the Commissioner of Health and Senior Services on regulation and health care policy.
Prior to joining Riker Danzig, Mary Kay was the chief of staff and legislative liaison to the New Jersey Department of Banking under Gov. Florio. In addition, she was Judicial Law Clerk to Hon. L. Anthony Gibson, J.S.C., Chancery Division in Atlantic and Cape May Counties. Raised in New Jersey, Mary Kay has long been involved with local government affairs.
In 2012 and again in 2018, Mary Kay was named "Lawyer of the Year" for Government Relations by Best Lawyers, an honor given annually to a single governmental affairs attorney in the Princeton/Trenton area. She was also recently named one of the "Power 50 in Banking" by NJBIZ Magazine.
A frequent speaker to the New Jersey Bankers Association on topics such as foreclosures, political contributions and consumer lending, Mary Kay has also written for New Jersey Bankers Magazine on the USA Patriot Act. She is the author of "Ensuring Coverage, Balance, Openness and Ethical Conduct for Advisory Committee Members Under the Advisory Committee Act" (5 Administrative Law Journal, 1991).
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February 8, 2018
Hyatt Regency, New Brunswick, NJ
6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Award Recipients
Mary Philbrook Award
Mary Kay Roberts, Esq.
Partner, Riker Danzig
Good Guy Awards
Senator-Elect Troy Singleton
Legislative District 7
&
Murray E. Bevan, Esq.
Founding Shareholder, Bevan, Mosca & Giuditta, P.C.
Corporate Award
Hackensack Meridian Health
Social Justice Award
1199 SEIU
Executive Vice-President, Milly Silva
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WPCNJ Congratulates WPCNJ Board & Members Named 2017 Insider 100 Power List
The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) congratulates 2017 INSIDERNJ 100 Power List Honorees! Kudos to WPCNJ board members, Jeanine Frisby LaRue, Tai Cooper and Kelly Stewart Maer being named and along with members, Brigid Harrison, Peg Schaffer, and Patrizia "Trish" Zita, recognizing their political power and influence in NJ.
Join WPCNJ and many other powerful movers and shakers at WPCNJ's upcoming Passion Power and Progress awards reception on Feb 8th! For more info, click here.
View the entire list from INSIDERNJ.
Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey Endorses Forty-Six Female Legislative Candidates; PAC Announces Nearly $40k in Contributions
The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) is proud to announce its endorsement of forty-six female legislative candidates for the General Election in November. The WPCNJ PAC is set to distribute nearly $40,000 in contributions to support a key group of its endorsed candidates at an event in Trenton on October 5.
"These forty-six endorsements reflect a strong showing of female candidates whose platforms are consistent with our mission of protecting reproductive freedom and promoting equal rights, regardless of party affiliation," said WPCNJ Political Resources Director Shari Weiner.
The WPCNJ PAC is prepared to make significant contributions to candidates in the 2017 election cycle. WPCNJ PAC Chair Jennifer Mancuso added, "We are thrilled to contribute nearly $40,000 to support a diverse group of talented women who are ready, willing, and able to represent all New Jersey citizens with their unique perspectives."
According to The Center of American Women and Politics (CAWP), women hold a mere 36 of the 120 (30%) New Jersey legislative seats, down from last year's record of 37 women legislators (30.8%). "Women make up more than 50% of voters, however, their elected representation pales in comparison," said Weiner. "It is incumbent upon organizations such as ours to endorse and support these women candidates and break that glass ceiling."
2017 Legislative Candidates Receiving Endorsement
*signifies incumbent
Gabriela Mosquera (D)* District 4, Assembly
Nilsa Cruz-Perez (D)* District 5, Senate
Patricia Egan Jones (D)* District 5, Assembly
Pamela R. Lampitt (D)* District 6, Assembly
Carol Murphy (D) District 7, Assembly
Joanne Schwartz (D) District 8, Assembly
Maryann Merlino (D) District 8, Assembly
Jill Dobrowansky (D) District 9, Assembly
Emma Mammano (D) District 10, Senate
Joann Downey (D)* District 11, Assembly
Mariel Didato (D) District 13, Assembly
Linda Greenstein (D)* District 14, Senate
Shirley Turner (D)* District 15, Senate
Elizabeth Muoio (D)* District 15, Assembly
Laurie Poppe (D) District 16, Senate
Nancy Pinkin (D)* District 18, Assembly
Yvonne Lopez (D) District 19, Assembly
Annette Quijano (D)* District 20, Assembly
Jill Lazare (D) District 21, Senate
Lacey Rzeszowski (D) District 21, Assembly
Nancy Munoz (R)* District 21, Assembly
Christine Lui Chen (D) District 23 Senate
Laura Shaw (D) District 23, Assembly
Kate Matteson (D) District 24, Assembly
Gina Trish (D) District 24, Assembly
Lisa Bhimani (D) District 25, Senate
Mila M. Jasey (D)* District 27, Assembly
Cleopatra Tucker (D)* District 28, Assembly
M. Teresa Ruiz (D)* District 29, Senate
Eliana Pintor Marin (D)* District 29, Assembly
Shanique Speight (D) District 29, Assembly
Sandra Cunningham (D)* District 31, Senate
Angela McKnight (D)* District 31, Assembly
Angelica Jimenez (D)* District 32, Assembly
Annette Chaparro (D)* District 33, Assembly
Nia Gill (D)* District 34, Senate
Sheila Oliver (D)* District 34, Assembly
Nellie Pou (D)* District 35, Senate
Shavonda Sumter* (D) District 35, Assembly
Marlene Caride* (D) District 35, Assembly
Loretta Weinberg (D)* District 3, Senate
Valerie Vainieri Huttle (D)* District 37, Assembly
Linda Schwager (D) District 39, Senate
Jannie Chung (D) District 39, Assembly
Holly Schepisi (R)* District 39, Assembly
Christine Ordway (D) District 40, Assembly
WPCNJ Expresses Condolences to Senator Linda Greenstein
The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) wishes to express its deepest condolences to Senator Linda Greenstein and her son Evan on the passing of her husband Michael. He was an long time supporter of WPCNJ as Senator Greenstein's companion to many events. WPCNJ President Chrissy Buteas states, "I as deeply saddened to hear this news. I was with Michael last week talking to him about local politics. He was a consistent familiar face on the campaign trail with the Senator. He will be missed."
Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey Endorses Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno for Governor
Shari Weiner, Chair of the Political Resources Committee stated, "The Lt. Governor has been a long-time supporter of the Caucus and is aligned with the core mission of the organization: to increase the number of women in elected and appointed positions in government, protect reproductive freedom, and promote equal rights for women."
Lt. Governor Guadagno began her public service career as a federal prosecutor with the Organized Crime & Racketeering Strike Force in Brooklyn, New York. Following a move to Monmouth County, New Jersey, she became an Assistant U.S. Attorney in Newark.
Like many women in elected office, Lt. Governor Guadagno first decided to run for public office to solve real problems facing her community and make it a better place to live, work, and raise a family. In 2005, she was elected as a Borough Commissioner in Monmouth Beach. Lt. Governor Guadagno became the first woman elected Sheriff in Monmouth County history in 2007, leading a 650-member, $65 million law enforcement agency. In 2010 she was sworn in as New Jersey's first Lt. Governor and was re-elected in 2013. Simultaneously serving as Secretary of State, Lt. Governor Guadagno serves as New Jersey's chief election official, oversees promotion of the state's $40 billion tourism industry, and administers programs related to the arts, culture, and history.
Jeralyn Lawrence, Member of the WPCNJ Republican Task Force, added, "Lt. Governor Guadagno is a highly qualified, well-respected candidate with a distinguished career as an advocate for New Jersey women and their families. With just a single female governor in the state's history, we are excited to announce our support for her gubernatorial campaign."
WPCNJ Endorses Forty-Six Female Legislative Candidates
Trenton, NJ - The Women's Political Caucus of New Jersey (WPCNJ) is proud to announce its endorsement of forty-six female legislative candidates for the General Election in November. The WPCNJ PAC is set to distribute nearly $40,000 in contributions to support a key group of its endorsed candidates at an event in Trenton on October 5.
"These forty-six endorsements reflect a strong showing of female candidates whose platforms are consistent with our mission of protecting reproductive freedom and promoting equal rights, regardless of party affiliation," said WPCNJ Political Resources Director Shari Weiner.
The WPCNJ PAC is prepared to make significant contributions to candidates in the 2017 election cycle. WPCNJ PAC Chair Jennifer Mancuso added, "We are thrilled to contribute nearly $40,000 to support a diverse group of talented women who are ready, willing, and able to represent all New Jersey citizens with their unique perspectives."
According to The Center of American Women and Politics (CAWP), women hold a mere 36 of the 120 (30%) New Jersey legislative seats, down from last year's record of 37 women legislators (30.8%). "Women make up more than 50% of voters, however, their elected representation pales in comparison," said Weiner. "It is incumbent upon organizations such as ours to endorse and support these women candidates and break that glass ceiling."
Prominent Statewide Women's Groups Call On Unapologetic Space to Resign
WPCNJ, founded in 1972, is a chapter of the National Women's Political Caucus and is the authoritative voice for women in New Jersey politics. WPCNJ is a multi-partisan organization dedicated to increasing the number of women in elected and appointed positions in government, protecting reproductive freedom, and promoting equal rights for women.
