Training available for female Democrats

MONTVILLE – Emerge New Jersey, a political training organization for Democratic women in New Jersey, is now accepting applications for its 2016 political training program.

"Successfully completing the Emerge New Jersey program is one of my all-time most valuable accomplishments,” said, Roselle Board of Education Commissioner, Jazmine Sandifer. “The program provides such substantial growth opportunities on a political, professional and personal level. As a current elected official, I feel much more confident in making decisions and encouraged to keep the progress going.”

Over the course of six-months, Emerge New Jersey provides 70 hours of in-depth candidate training to ensure Democratic women are “ready to run” for office after they graduate the program, according to a press release from the organization, which said the 2016 program will kickoff in January and conclude with graduation in June.

During the program, participants are taught a variety of skills by New Jersey experts in politics. The sessions include public speaking and communication, fundraising, media and messaging, networking, campaign strategy, and more.

Earlier this year, 11 Democratic women from throughout the state were admitted to-and-successfully completed the Emerge New Jersey program. Those women were the following: Dorcas Adekunle, Long Branch; Dini Ajmani, Short Hills; Cynthia Atkins, Roselle; Brenda Brathwaite, Absecon; Allixon Collazos Gill, Montclair; Denalerie Johnson-Faniel, Lawrenceville; Emily Manz, Newark; Nadia Moses, East Orange; Shante Palmer, Montclair; Grace Strom Power, Princeton Junction; and Jazmine Sandifer, Roselle.

Since its inception, Emerge New Jersey has successfully graduated two classes, for a combined total of 23 Democratic women who have completed the training program.

From the first class, two women were elected into office in 2014, one as a freeholder and the other as a councilwoman. This year, three women from both classes are running for elected office; Cathy Wilson, Class of 2014, candidate for town council in Morris County; Carol Rizzo, Class of 2014, candidate for Monmouth County Freeholder; and Brenda Brathwaite, Class of 2015, candidate for Atlantic County Freeholder.

“Whether they’re running for local boards and commissions, or running for Freeholder, Emerge New Jersey will prepare, train and empower Democratic women with they skills they need to win,” said Emerge New Jersey Executive Director, Truscha Quatrone.”

Democratic women, who are residing in New Jersey and interested in applying for the Emerge New Jersey program, should contact Truscha Quatrone at truscha@emergenj.org or call 973-541-9595 for more information. The deadline for applications is Friday, Nov. 13.

For more information, visit www.emergenj.org.