'Latina Pioneer' Award Given To Mendham Township Committeewoman

MENDHAM, NJ — Latina Civic PAC presented the "Latina Pioneer" award to Amalia Duarte, who sits on the Mendham Township Committee and as the Morris County Democratic Chair.

This annual award honors Latina leaders who assume positions of authority to represent their communities and pave the way for others to follow.

Latina Civic PAC is a non-partisan political action committee with the mission of increasing the number of Latinas in elected and appointed office in New Jersey. The committee promotes and supports progressive leaders who advocate for policies that invest in Latina political leadership and advance critical issues important to Latinas in New Jersey.

"Amalia first ran for office to make a difference in her town; unbeknownst to her at the time, she inspired many others to do the same and by doing so demonstrated that Latina candidates can run and win in any town in New Jersey," said Latina Civic PAC Board Chair, Laura Matos.

According to state officials, Duarte is now the state's second Latina political party chair.

"I am very honored with this award and grateful to Latina Civic PAC for their work to inspire more Latinas to run for office," Duarte said. "It's important to see greater diversity and representation at all levels of our government."

Latina Civic PAC also recognized Raj Parikh, a partner with the law firm Genova Burns, and Milly Silva, Secretary-Treasurer at 1199 SEIU United Healthcare Workers East, at the awards reception this month, which was held in New Brunswick.