Verlina Reynolds-Jackson 2024 Shirley Chisolm Award

Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson

“Life's most persistent and urgent question is, What are you doing for others” Martin Luther King, Jr.
Assemblywoman Verlina Reynolds-Jackson is a product of the Trenton public school system and has obtained
advance degrees from Trenton State College/The College of New Jersey and earned a Master of Science in
Administration from Central Michigan University. Her career as a Social Worker coupled with a commitment
to public service led her to the elected position of East Ward Councilwoman, where she became the 1 st African
American female to serve in that position. and Council Vice-President where she legislated laws for the City of
Trenton. Assemblywoman Reynolds-Jackson proudly served 7 ½ years on City Council before being elected to
fill the vacant New Jersey Assembly seat in the 15 th Legislative District. Ms. Reynolds-Jackson is currently
serving her 4th term in the New Jersey Assembly and has ascended to Senior Leadership where she serves as
Constituent Outreach Chair, Co-Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Schools, and Vice-Chairwoman of the
Assembly Appropriations Committee. She is a member of the Assembly Budget Committee, the Assembly
Children, Families and Food Security Committee, and the Joint Committee on Economic Justice and Equal
Employment. The Assemblywoman also serves as a Commissioner on the State of New Jersey Martin Luther
King, Jr. Commission, the Amistad Commission and is Vice Chair of the New Jersey Legislative Black
Caucus. Since graduating from college, the Assemblywoman has continued her education through the New
Jersey Redevelopment Authority and Rutgers University. She currently teaches Public Policy at Saint Peter’s
University in Jersey City, New Jersey. For the past 10+ years, Verlina Reynolds-Jackson has been committed
to serving her constituents through public service. She has achieved great satisfaction working with various
populations, including her neighbors, the homeless, elderly, children, and people with disabilities. Her efforts
have been dedicated to championing social justice causes, bolstering minority, women, and veteran-owned
businesses, improving access to quality healthcare safeguarding our environment, and creating pathways for
student success. Verlina resides in the City of Trenton with her wonderful husband, Lorenzo Jackson.
Memberships & Affiliations:
 Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Trenton Alumnae Chapter
 Government Finance Officers Association
 YWCA of Princeton Board of Directors
 Central Jersey (NJ) Chapter of The Links, Inc.
 United Way of Greater Mercer County Board of Directors
Education:
 Master of Science in Administration, Central Michigan University
 Bachelor of Arts, Sociology, Trenton State College/The College of New Jersey
 State of New Jersey Certified Municipal Finance Officer