New Jersey Leadership Collective Hosts Commencement Ceremony Honoring 2025 Fellows

Keynote Speaker and Honoree Katie Brennan Recognized for Bold Leadership

Montclair, NJ – On Sunday, June 22, the New Jersey Leadership Collective (NJLC) – formerly known as New Leaders Council New Jersey (NLC-NJ) – hosted its inaugural Commencement Ceremony to celebrate the graduation of its 2025 Class of Fellows. The event was held at the Montclair home of Statewide Chapter Director Mayrose Wegmann.

Nineteen Fellows completed NJLC’s rigorous six-month leadership training program and were presented with graduation certificates recognizing their commitment to progressive leadership in New Jersey.

The ceremony featured keynote remarks from Katie Brennan, Democratic candidate for State Assembly in Legislative District 32 and recipient of the NJLC Progressive Champion Award. Brennan was honored for her courageous leadership and unwavering commitment to speaking truth to power. In her address, she highlighted the critical role NJLC plays in cultivating the next generation of changemakers in New Jersey.

Certificates were presented by NJLC Statewide Director Mayrose Wegmann and Deputy Director Rob Matos-Moran. Special recognition was also given to NJLC Academy Co-Chairs Madelaine Hick, and Viri Martinez as well as NJLC Founding Board of Directors.

Building on the foundation cultivated by Justin Braz and Jackie Cornell since 2011, NJLC continues to expand its growing network of alumni across the Garden State.

2025 NJLC Fellows:

Full bios are available at www.newjerseyleaders.org

NJLC Founding Board of Directors include:

About NJLC: The New Jersey Leadership Collective is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization and the state’s premier leadership development program for emerging progressive leaders. NJLC trains and equips Fellows with the skills needed to run for office, manage campaigns, and lead movements across New Jersey.

Learn more at www.newjerseyleaders.org

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