Recognizing Leaders Who Make Others Seen: YWCA Northern New Jersey Honors Champions of Racial Justice Amid National DEI Backlash
More Than 100 Gather to Celebrate 11th Annual Racial Justice Awards at Montclair Art Museum
Montclair, NJ – In a time when equity and inclusion are under increasing national scrutiny, YWCA Northern New Jersey (YWCANNJ) brought together over 100 community members on April 30th to honor leaders whose work ensures that the most marginalized among us are seen, heard, and valued.
The organization’s 11th Annual Racial Justice Awards, held at the Montclair Art Museum, celebrated elected officials, nonprofit trailblazers, and grassroots organizations committed to dismantling systemic racism and advancing justice.
The event served as both a celebration and a call to action, with reflections throughout the evening centered on visibility, leadership, and impact. Attendees were reminded of the power of representation and the urgent need to protect progress in a time when equity and inclusion efforts face mounting challenges nationwide.
2025 Racial Justice Award Honorees:
Assemblywoman Ellen J. Park, District 37 – The first Korean American woman elected to the NJ Legislature, known for her bold advocacy on behalf of immigrant and marginalized communities.
Kiran Handa Gaudioso, CEO of United Way of Northern New Jersey and President of United For ALICE – A voice for economic justice and working families
Latinos of Montclair – A nonprofit organization uplifting Latino voices, culture, and civic engagement throughout the region.
Mariekarl Vilceus-Talty, President and CEO of the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey – Championing maternal health equity and culturally responsive care.
Brielle Winslow-Majette, Deputy Director of Garden State Equality – Leading with intersectionality to advance LGBTQ+ and racial justice in policy and public life.
“In a time when DEI efforts are being dismantled across the country, we are even more committed to shining a light on those who are building equity from the ground up,” said Helen Archontou, CEO of YWCA Northern New Jersey. “These honorees are not just leaders — they are visionaries who make space for others to lead, live, and thrive. They remind us that justice is not just an ideal — it is a daily, collective pursuit.”
The evening included remarks from honorees, networking with local marketplace vendors — including ThisThatBeauty, Simply Sentient Co., LuvYOULuvMe, and The UGI — and moving reflections on what it means to lead with purpose and empathy.
During her remarks, honoree Brielle Winslow-Majette emphasized the importance of showing up as one's full self and making space for others to do the same. She reflected on the power of visibility — not just being seen, but being valued — and urged the audience to continue building systems that honor the intersectionality of all identities.
The 2025 Racial Justice Awards were made possible thanks to the generous support of the Edwin Gould Foundation (EGF Accelerator), Let’s Talk Women’s Health & Wellness and HM Marketing. Honorees were selected by YWCANNJ’s Racial Justice Awards Committee for their outstanding contributions to racial equity through advocacy, education, and outreach.
About YWCA Northern New Jersey
For over a century, YWCA Northern New Jersey has improved the lives of thousands of women, girls, and families and is at the forefront of the fight against gender and racial discrimination. We work to build more just and inclusive communities through programs for women and girls, anti-racism training, and policy advocacy. We operate healingSPACE, Bergen County’s only Sexual Violence Resource Center (hotline number: 201-487-2227) and provide year-round child care, and senior wellness programs. YWCA Northern New Jersey serves Bergen, Essex, Hudson, Morris, and Passaic counties. To learn more, visit ywcannj.org and follow us @ywcannj
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