Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson received a 2023 Elected Women of Excellence Award from the National Foundation for Women Legislators (NFWL) on Friday (November 17). This award honors women who work tirelessly, often breaking down barriers and overcoming obstacles that once seemed insurmountable, to serve their communities.
“Empowering women and finding ways to uplift my community has been a lifelong passion of mine and I am honored to receive this award and recognition from my colleagues across the nation,” said Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson (D-Mercer, Hunterdon). “As we break barriers and shatter ceilings, may this award inspire the next generation of women legislators to forge ahead with courage and conviction.”
Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson is the Vice-Chair of the Assembly’s Commerce and Economic Development committee and also serves on the Budget and Higher Education committees. She is passionate about furthering maternal and infant health, and sponsored A-5472, which established the New Jersey Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority. She has also authored legislation to end period poverty.
She previously served as the New Jersey Assembly Deputy Majority Leader between 2021 and 2022 and was recently re-elected to the New Jersey Assembly for a fourth term. Before being elected to serve in the Assembly, Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson served as a Councilwoman in Trenton.
Throughout her career, Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson has dedicated her efforts to issues of social justice, enforcing business and landlord responsibility, environmental protection, demanding accountability for students, and collaboration with law enforcement on crime prevention initiatives.
“Part of the spirit of NFWL is that we take time to acknowledge the significant accomplishments of the hardworking and dedicated women around us, and we are delighted to recognize Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson as one of this year’s honorees,” said NFWL Executive Director Jody Thomas.
The winners were nominated by their colleagues and constituents from their home states, before being chosen by a distinguished panel of NFWL members.
Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson received the award during NFWL’s 2023 Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida. The reception brought together elected women legislators from across the country to recognize their accomplishments.
A video of Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson speaking about her award can be found below:
