Shavonda E. Sumter Named 2026 Executive Women of New Jersey Salute to the Policy Makers Honoree
Paramus, NJ October 16, 2026 — Shavonda E. Sumter, President and CEO of Children’s Aid and Family Services, has been named one of 48 women leaders who will be honored by Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ) at its biennial Salute to the Policy Makers Gala, Wednesday, October 21, 2026, at The Legacy Castle in Pompton Plains, New Jersey.
The event recognizes accomplished women from New Jersey’s public and private sectors whose leadership, achievements, and impact are helping shape the state’s businesses, institutions, and communities.
As President and CEO of Children’s Aid and Family Services, Sumter leads an organization dedicated to empowering individuals, strengthening families, and supporting healthier communities. A former New Jersey Assemblywoman, she brings extensive public-sector experience and a longstanding commitment to advocating for children, families, and communities to her leadership of the nonprofit. Her recognition by EWNJ reflects her continued impact as a leader in both the public and nonprofit sectors and her commitment to advancing opportunities for others.
“I am honored to be recognized by Executive Women of New Jersey alongside an extraordinary group of women whose leadership is making a difference across our state,” said Sumter. “Throughout my career, I have believed that leadership is about being a strong advocate for others, creating opportunities and using our voices to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. I am especially proud to be part of a community of women who are opening doors and helping pave the way for the next generation of leaders.”
“This year’s honorees represent the extraordinary depth of women’s leadership across New Jersey,” said Susan K. Dromsky-Reed, Esq., Executive Women of New Jersey Board President. “These 48 women are leading organizations, strengthening communities, opening doors, and helping shape the future of our state. EWNJ is proud to recognize not only what they have achieved, but the example they set for the women who will follow them.”
Since 1980, EWNJ has championed women business leaders and worked to increase the presence of women in boardrooms and top leadership of New Jersey companies. This year’s Salute to the Policy Makers will bring together and celebrate women executives from business, law, education, government, nonprofit, the arts and more — women who demonstrate excellence, resilience and achievement in their profession.
“The Salute to the Policy Makers Gala is EWNJ’s biennial celebration of New Jersey’s top women executives and leaders,” said Onome N. Adejemilua, Esq., EWNJ Board President-Elect and EWNJ Salute Committee Chair. “For more than 40 years, our mission has been to recognize and affirm the work of women. The Salute Gala brings together remarkable women from public and private sectors to recognize their excellence, resilience, and achievements, while also supporting the next generation of women leaders through our Graduate Merit Award Program.”
For tickets and additional information about the 2026 Salute to the Policy Makers Gala, visit www.ewnj.org/events.
About Children’s Aid and Family Services
Children’s Aid and Family Services is a leading nonprofit human services organization serving northern New Jersey. Founded in 1899, the agency has served the community for 127 years. Its mission is to empower individuals, strengthen families, and support healthier communities. For more information on Children’s Aid and Family Services, call 201-261-2800 or visit www.cafsnj.org.
About Executive Women of New Jersey (www.ewnj.org)
Executive Women of New Jersey (EWNJ) is the leading executive women’s organization committed to increasing the presence of women in boardrooms and top leadership of New Jersey companies. The Salute to the Policy Makers Gala celebrates accomplished women leaders across New Jersey’s public and private sectors. It also celebrates EWNJ’s ongoing commitment to building a pipeline of future leaders through its Graduate Merit Award Program, which has awarded more than $1.4 million in scholarships to non-traditional female graduate students.