A state assemblywoman from Bergen County and a Montclair nonprofit serving the Latino community are among the five honorees for the YWCA Northern New Jersey 2025 Racial Justice Awards on Wednesday.
The annual event at the Montclair Art Museum, at 3 S. Mountain Ave. in Montclair, will see awards go to recipients the YWCA lauds for a common goal of “dismantling systemic racism and building bridges to a more inclusive society.”
“In this pivotal moment for our nation, we are proud to recognize these bold and compassionate leaders,” said Helen Archontou, CEO of YWCA Northern New Jersey. “Their work reminds us that change is not only possible — it’s already happening. Through their courage, persistence, and unwavering commitment, they are shifting mindsets, transforming systems, and opening doors that have long been closed to so many. Their work inspires all of us to step into our own power and purpose. At YWCA Northern New Jersey, we’re proud to amplify their voices and celebrate their leadership.”
Here are the honorees:
Kiran Handa Gaudioso
Kiran Handa Gaudioso
Gaudioso is the CEO of United Way of Northern New Jersey and president of United for ALICE. Before joining United Way, she served as interim CEO and vice president of program operations at New Jersey After 3, a public-private partnership that worked to provide safe, quality after-school and expanded learning time programs for New Jersey public school students.
Latinos of Montclair
Latinos of Montclair
The nonprofit was founded in 2022 with the mission of “building a more inclusive community by uplifting American Latino voices and experiences in Montclair and across New Jersey.” The organization has lived up to its mission by organizing various events and community programs in Montclair that celebrate Latino heritage.
Assemblywoman Ellen Park
State Assemblywoman Ellen Park
Park, an Englewood Cliffs resident, is a South Korean native who represents the 37th District. The district covers parts of 13 Bergen County towns, including Fort Lee and Palisades Park, which both have sizable Asian American populations. She is the first Korean American woman elected to the New Jersey Legislature.
Mariekarl Vilceus-Talty
Mariekarl Vilceus-Talty
Vilceus-Talty is the president and CEO of the Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey. The organization engages in various initiatives, such as promoting healthy pregnancy and new parenthood, empowering communities, and engaging health care providers with education, support and vital resources.
Brielle Winslow-Majette
Brielle Winslow-Majette
Winslow-Majette is the deputy director of Garden State Equality, the statewide LGBTQ+ rights advocacy group, which has 150,000 members. She is also a professor at Rutgers University, where she teaches LGBTQIA+ Policy.
How to attend the awards dinner
Tickets for the event can be purchased for $75 for young professionals (35 years or under) and $125 for adults. The proceeds will go toward funding YWCA of Northern New Jersey’s racial justice programs.
Ricardo Kaulessar covers race, immigration, and culture for NorthJersey.com. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.
Email: kaulessar@northjersey.com
Twitter/X: @ricardokaul
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: YWCA of Northern New Jersey recognizes five for racial justice honors