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.

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.

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

April Ryan (2017-18)
Watch the lecture		 Joy Ann Reid (2017)
Watch the lecture 

Nia-Malika Henderson (2016)
Watch the lecture

 Michel Martin (2015)
Watch the lecture
Donna Edwards Congresswoman Donna Edwards (2014)
Watch the lecture		 Melody Barnes Melody C. Barnes (2013)
Watch the lecture
Valerie Jarrett Valerie B. Jarrett (2011)
Watch the lecture		 Michele Norris Michele Norris (2008-09)
Watch the lecture
Gwen Ifill Gwen Ifill (2007)
View her bio		 Eleanor Holmes Norton Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton (2006)
View her bio
Donna Brazile Donna Brazile (2005)
View her bio		 Carol Moseley-Braun Ambassador Carol Moseley Braun (2004)
View her bio
Patricia Williams Professor Patricia Williams (2002-03)
View her bio		 Alexis Herman Former U.S. Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman (2001-02)
View her bio
The Honorable Gertrude Fester (2001)
View her bio		 Shirley Chisholm Former Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm (2000)
View her bio