Education and Training
Senator Wynona Lipman Chair in
Women's Political Leadership
Melody C. Barnes
Former Assistant to President Obama and
Director of the White House Domestic Policy Council
Policies that Empower: The Journey from Vulnerability to Engagement
April 16, 2013
The Senator Wynona Lipman Chair in Women’s Political Leadership is made possible by the generous support of the New Jersey Legislature.
About the Lipman ChairThe Lipman Chair was created to honor the legacy of the late state senator, the first African American woman in the New Jersey legislature (full biography available here). The Chair was established in 2000 when Governor Christine Todd Whitman signed legislation that had been sponsored by the legislative leaders in both parties and passed in both houses without opposition. The Legislature has generously continued its support for the Lipman Chair.
The Chair is intended to celebrate Senator Lipman, remind people of her achievements, and encourage others to follow in the footsteps of this path-breaking African American woman leader. An advisory committee, including members of Senator Lipman's family, members of the New Jersey legislature, and former members of the Senator's staff, has worked with CAWP to make the chair a success. CAWP is grateful to the Governor, the legislature, and advisory committee members for their commitment to honoring Senator Lipman's memory and advancing women's leadership.
Consistent with the Senator’s legacy, CAWP uses the generous support provided by the state legislature to:- inspire a broad public audience with prominent speakers whose work reflects Senator Lipman's interests and values;
- educate college women at CAWP’s NEW Leadership New Jersey program about how and why they should become engaged in the political process and take on leadership roles;
- train women considering running for office or working on campaigns in New Jersey at CAWP’s Ready to Run™ program and its associated diversity programs.
Whenever possible, Lipman Chair funds are directed toward participation of women from Essex County, the area represented by Senator Lipman in the legislature, in NEW Leadership™ New Jersey and Ready to Run™.
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Lipman Lecturers
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Melody C. Barnes (2013) (bio and video here) |
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Valerie B. Jarrett (2011) (bio and video here) |
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Michele Norris (2008-2009) (bio and video here) |
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Gwen Ifill (2007) (bio here) |
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Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (2006) (bio and video here) |
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Donna Brazile (2005) (bio here) |
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Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun (2004) (bio here) |
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Professor Patricia Williams (spring 2002 and spring 2003) (bio here) |
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Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman (2001-2002) (bio here) |
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The Honorable Gertrude Fester (2001) (bio here) |
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Former Congresswoman
Shirley Chisholm (2000) (bio here) |












