United Way of Central Jersey's Women United recognized Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez with the inaugural "Heart of the Community Award" for women's leadership at their 5th Annual Legislative Breakfast on June 7th at the Raritan Yacht Club in Perth Amboy. The panel presentation included welcoming remarks from UWCJ Board Chair Lawrence O'Connell, Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin Caba and Women United Chair Lauren Gokhale.
W. Steven Barnett, Ph.D., Board of Governors Professor of Education, Economics & Policy Senior Co-Director, founder National Institute for Early Education Research (NIEER), Rutgers University gave a presentation on the state of preschool in New Jersey and moderated the panel discussion. Panelists Jael Davis, Outreach Director, Office of Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr., 6th Congressional District; New Jersey State Senator Joseph F. Vitale, 19th Legislative District; New Jersey State Assembly Speaker Craig J. Coughlin, 19th Legislative District, and; New Jersey State Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, 19th Legislative District, discussed their legislative priorities for young children and families.
The first annual "Heart of the Community Award" was presented to Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez for her long-term commitment to the needs of young children and families as well as her on-going support for the United Way movement.
Photos of the event are here.
For more information about Women United please contact June Launay, Vice President, Resource Development, at jlaunay@uwcj.org.