About the Lipman Chair
The Lipman Chair was created to honor the legacy of the late state senator Wynona Lipman, the first African American woman in the New Jersey State Senate (full biography). 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.
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.
Lipman Chair funds are applied in ways that reflect Senator Lipman's interests: for Essex County women attending Ready to Run® and community college students in NEW Leadership™.
Lipman Chairholders
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April Ryan (2017-18) Watch the lecture |
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Joy Ann Reid (2017) Watch the lecture |
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Nia-Malika Henderson (2016) |
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Michel Martin (2015) Watch the lecture |
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Congresswoman Donna Edwards (2014) Watch the lecture |
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Melody C. Barnes (2013) Watch the lecture |
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Valerie B. Jarrett (2011) Watch the lecture |
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Michele Norris (2008-09) Watch the lecture |
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Gwen Ifill (2007) View her bio |
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Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (2006) View her bio |
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Donna Brazile (2005) View her bio |
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Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun (2004) View her bio |
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Professor Patricia Williams (2002-03) View her bio |
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Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman (2001-02) View her bio |
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The Honorable Gertrude Fester (2001) View her bio |
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Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm (2000) View her bio |