Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson and Others from Rutgers-Newark Make List of Powerful NJ Women
Rutgers-Newark Chancellor Tonya Smith-Jackson and 23 women affiliated with RU-N as alumnae, students, or staff are on the list of Insider NJ’s Powerful Women of New Jersey.
Curated by State Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter (D-35), the list includes 21 Rutgers-Newark alumnae, in addition to Shante Palmer, Vice Chancellor for External and Governmental Relations, who is also an alumna of the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA), and Honors Living-Learning Community student Safanaya Searcy, Deputy Director of Service Employees International Union of NJ (SEIU).
“This group of remarkable women serves as a powerful reminder of the value women bring to every space we occupy including politics, business, education, and healthcare,’’ wrote Sumter, who curated the list. “Our voices drive humanity forward, advocating for fairness, dignity, and opportunity, and pushing for fair wages, access to affordable housing and healthcare, expanded educational opportunities, and true economic mobility.”
The list totaled 254 women. Among them are 85 Rutgers alumnae, including 20 from Rutgers-Newark, in addition to Palmer. They’re listed below.
Regina G. Appolon, SASN, 2015
Sharon Balsamo, Law, 1994
Pauliina Banasiak (O’Connor), SSW, 2015
Chrissy Buteas, SPAA, 2007
Kirsten Brannigan, Law, 1995
Patricia Campos-Medina, GSN, 2019
Carlotta Chan, RBS, 2015
Carol Cuadrado, SPAA, 2025
Dyse Davis, SASN, 2016
Brianna Donahue, SPAA, 2025
Natasha Hemmings, SPAA, 2016
Michele Jaker, Law, 2000
Jayne Johnson, Law, 2003
Natalya Johnson, SCJ, 2025
Ami Kachalia, SAS, 2014
Amanda Karpinski, NCAS, 2020
Sarah Lechner, Law, 2005
Kathryn McClure, Law, 2004
Darcella Sessomes, MSW, 1993
Marisa Slaten, Law, 2003
Jennifer Velez, Law,1996
