A Historic Win, an Unforgettable Convention — Thank You from NJYD

We are thrilled to share that our very own President Fatima Heyward has been elected President of the Young Democrats of America — making history as:

• The first Black woman to lead NJYD.
• The first woman elected YDA President in over a decade.
• The second Black woman in YDA history to hold this position.
• The first person from New Jersey ever to be elected YDA President.

This moment is more than historic — it’s a reflection of the power of grassroots organizing, strategic leadership, and a bold vision for what Young Democrats can accomplish across the country. We couldn’t be more proud of President Heyward and her commitment to amplifying young voices from all walks of life.

From July 16th-19th, more than 30 delegates and alternates represented New Jersey at the YDA National Convention in Philadelphia. Our NJYD delegation stood tall, engaged in powerful caucus meetings, cast crucial votes, and built relationships with Young Democrats from across the nation. In addition to President Heyward's win, we are proud to share that several members of our NJYD delegation were also elected to national caucus leadership roles:

• Hana Katz as Vice Chair of Governance for the YDA Environmental Caucus
• Jasmine Fleming as 2nd Vice Chair for the YDA Disability Caucus
• Angelita Martinez as Treasurer of the YDA Hispanic & Latinx Caucus
• Kasiphia Andrews as Treasurer of the YDA Women’s Caucus
• Kyler Dineen as Secretary of the YDA LGBTQ+ Caucus

New Jersey's Young Democrats are leading at every level — and these wins are a testament to the strength, passion, and diversity of our community. This level of representation and impact wouldn't have been possible without the generosity of our incredible sponsors. We'd like to extend a heartfelt thank you to:

Gold Level Sponsors:

• Middlesex County Democratic Organization
• Senator Troy Singleton

Silver Level Sponsors:

• Senator Andy Kim
• Senator Benjie Wimberly
• Senator Linda Greenstein
• Congresswoman LaMonica McIver
• Congressman Robert Menendez
• Congressman Herb Conaway, MD
• Assemblywoman Linda Carter
• Assemblyman Stanley Sterley & Assemblyman Karabinchak
• Surrogate Tina Jalloh
• Chair Debbie Parks
• Mayor Adrian Mapp
• Nimit Palace

Bronze Level Sponsors:

• Fatima for YDA
• Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman
• Assemblywoman Heather Simmons & Assemblyman David Bailey Jr.
• Assemblywoman Tennille R. McCoy
• Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson
• County Commissioner Randy Brolo
• County Commissioner Samuel Frisby
• County Executive Dan Benson
• Mayor Mark Freda
• Councilwoman Teska Frisby
• Council President Yazminelly Gonzalez
• Jeannine LaRue
• Ben Jalloh

Your contributions helped ensure that NJYD’s voice was not only heard but led from the front. From covering travel costs to supporting our organizing efforts, you helped bring this vision to life — and we are grateful.

The energy in Philly was electric. The stakes ahead are high. But with leaders like Fatima Heyward at the helm and supporters like you by our side, we are more ready than ever to meet this moment.

Yours in action,

Angelita Martinez

NJYD Digital Communications Director

New Jersey Young Democrats
https://www.njyoungdems.com/