By: Richard L. Smith
Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr. hosted the county’s annual Women’s History Month celebration on Tuesday, March 25, at the Essex County Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building, spotlighting the next generation of leaders under the theme “Students of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow.”
The highlight of the event was the presentation of the 2025 Althea Gibson Leadership Awards, recognizing five outstanding young women for their academic achievement, community service, and leadership. This year’s honorees were:
- Ayliana Hernandez, Essex County Donald Payne, Sr. School of Technology
- Chelsey Perry, Essex County West Caldwell School of Technology
- Hilary Samo, Essex County Newark Tech
- Laela Lawal and Towela Mwale, Essex County College
Ayliana Hernandez, a senior with a 4.1 GPA, has excelled in dual-enrollment courses and is actively involved in numerous clubs, sports, and mentorship programs. A future law student, she is passionate about justice reform and immigration. “This award is not just about me—it reflects the women who paved the way and continue to inspire us,” she said.
Chelsey Perry, a standout student-athlete and honor roll senior at West Caldwell Tech, has earned recognition as one of the top scorers in the state’s girls’ basketball. She credits her family for her drive with aspirations in business and higher education, she credits her family for her drive. “Every game, every practice is bigger than me. It’s for my family and my grandmother’s legacy,” she said.
Hilary Samo, ranked fifth in her class at Newark Tech with a 4.34 GPA, is a model of academic excellence and community engagement. From varsity sports to peer mentoring and service work, she exemplifies leadership in and out of the classroom. “This award reminds me of my responsibility to keep growing and giving back,” she said.
Laela Lawal, a 4.0 GPA student in Essex County College’s Pre-Med program, has held leadership roles in student government and honor societies while organizing fundraisers and community events. She was recently named a semifinalist for the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Scholarship. “Women have always been catalysts for change,” she told the audience.
Towela Mwale, also a Pre-Med student at ECC with a 3.7 GPA, has been deeply involved in research, STEM clubs, and mental health initiatives. She was recognized for her dedication to student advocacy and inclusivity on campus. “No dream is too ambitious,” she said.
The event featured musical selections by Isabella Cruz of Donald M. Payne Sr. School of Technology and an invocation by Rev. Madelyn Perez of Newark Community Church.
The Althea Gibson Leadership Awards are named in honor of the late trailblazing athlete who broke racial barriers in tennis and golf. The awards are a tribute to her legacy of perseverance and achievement, and they continue to inspire young women to lead with purpose and passion.
This annual celebration continues to uplift Essex County’s brightest students, honoring their achievements and encouraging them to carry forward the legacy of strong, transformative women.