12 Mar ESSEX COUNTY EXECUTIVE DIVINCENZO HOSTS ANNUAL ESSEX COUNTY WOMEN’S HISTORY MONTH CELEBRATION 2026 Althea Gibson Leadership Awards are Presented to Essex County Schools of Technology Students Farida Salley, Jordyn-Rose Mercado and Rosibel Marinez and Essex County College Student Xiomara Rivera
Published on March 12, 2026
Newark, NJ – Essex County Executive Joseph N. DiVincenzo, Jr., hosted the County’s Annual Women’s History Month Program in the Essex County Martin Luther King, Jr. Justice Building on Wednesday, March 11th. The theme of this year’s ceremony was “Students of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow.” During the ceremony, 2026 Essex County Althea Gibson Leadership Awards were presented to Farida Salley from Essex County Donald Payne, Sr. School of Technology, Jordyn-Rose Mercado from Essex County West Caldwell School of Technology, Rosibel Marinez from Essex County Newark Tech and Xiomara Rivera from Essex County College.
“Through their academic achievements and contributions to their local communities, these remarkable young women are on the road to success. Each is unique in their own way, having a profound impact on their schools. Striving for their goals and never letting anything stop them is part of what has driven them to reach the level of success that they have achieved thus far in their lives,” DiVincenzo said. “These young women have made tremendous contributions and are establishing themselves as leaders of our future generations,” he added.
Farida Salley is a senior at Essex County Donald M. Payne Sr. School of Technology who exemplifies leadership, academic excellence and community engagement. She serves as President of the Black Students Union and holds leadership roles in both the Payne Tech African Caribbean Dance Club and the Payne Tech Step Team, demonstrating her commitment to cultural pride and school unity. A member of the Payne Tech track team and a consistent presence on the school’s honor roll during her senior year, she balances athletics and academics while pursuing her passion in the Business Technology program, where she is preparing for a future career in marketing. Beyond the classroom, she remains actively engaged in community service and credits her strong work ethic and determination to her father’s guidance and encouragement to “never give up on your dreams.” Farida plans to continue her education at either Rutgers University or Fairleigh Dickinson University in the fall as she advances toward her professional goals.
Jordyn-Rose Mercado is a senior at Essex County West Caldwell Tech whose academic excellence, leadership and service defines her as one of the most impactful students of her class. As Vice President of the National Honor Society, she upholds the highest standards of scholarship while mentoring peers and promoting academic integrity. A dedicated student-athlete, Jordyn-Rose serves as Varsity Cheer Captain and competes in varsity softball and cross country. She also serves as President of SkillsUSA, helping prepare students for professional success and is a member of the Yearbook Committee. Throughout her high school career, she has played a key role in organizing pep rallies and leading school-wide celebrations for Hispanic Heritage Month, Black History Month and Women’s History Month, ensuring that diversity and culture are honored within the school community.
Beyond the classroom and campus, Jordyn-Rose exemplifies a strong commitment to service and cultural advocacy. She participates in food, clothing, and toy drives and other outreach initiatives supporting families in need. As former Miss Teen Puerto Rico Newark 2022 and current Miss Puerto Rico New Jersey 2025-2026, she proudly represents her heritage while empowering young women to embrace their identity and pursue excellence. Jordyn-Rose aspires to become a Doctor of Holistic Medicine and an Obstetrician, integrating natural and clinical practices to provide compassionate care for women and families. She also plans to continue using her cosmetology license to serve clients and ultimately develop her own beauty and wellness product line.
Rosibel Marinez is a dedicated student leader and aspiring healthcare professional at Essex County Newark Tech whose academic achievement, resilience, and commitment to service reflect exceptional determination and purpose. Born in Puerto Rico, Rosibel and her family moved to New Jersey when she was 3 years old. Spanish was her first language and, as she became fluent in both Spanish and English, she used her bilingual skills to assist her family by translating school and official documents. Now a senior enrolled in the Health Careers Program and the Early College Program through Essex County College, Rosibel will graduate with both her high school diploma and an Associate’s Degree in Liberal Arts.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Rosibel serves as President of the National Honor Society. At 14, she faced significant medical challenges that required extensive testing and ongoing care; despite these obstacles, she maintained strong academic performance, demonstrating remarkable perseverance and focus. Rosibel plans to continue her education with the goal of becoming a pediatric surgeon and aspires to attend either University of Chicago or Montclair State University.
Xiomara Rivera is a scholar-athlete and student leader at Essex County College whose academic excellence, athletic achievement and commitment to service exemplify the highest standards of collegiate distinction. A social science major with a 3.70 GPA, she transferred from Rutgers University-Newark with a clear goal of completing her associate’s degree while leading both in the classroom and on the soccer field. In just one academic year, Ms. Rivera earned Dean’s List honors and recognition as a member of the Garden State Athletic Conference Academic Team and the All–Region 19 Academic Team. On the field, she made an immediate impact as Team Captain of the Essex Women’s Soccer program, leading the team in goals, assists, and total points, earning First Team All-Region 19 honors and being named GSAC Conference Player of the Week. She also was named the 2025-2026 Region 19 Female Athlete of the Year.
Beyond academics and athletics, Ms. Rivera has demonstrated exceptional leadership and service as Acting President of the Essex County College Student-Athlete Advisory Committee, organizing community initiatives including volunteer efforts with the Newark Food Bank and participation in the “Reading with Athletes” program at the Ironbound Youth Academy. Upon graduating from Essex County College, Rivera will continue her academic and soccer career at Caldwell University on an athletic scholarship.
The invocation was given by Rev. Maria Ortiz from Fountain of Life Church in Newark. The National Anthem was performed by Aikeysha Dumas, a student from Essex County Donald M. Payne School of Technology. The African Caribbean Dance Committee from the Essex County Donald Payne School of Technology also performed during the ceremony.
The Annual Essex County Althea Gibson Leadership Awards are dedicated to the memory of the late professional tennis and golf legend, who was the first African American to win the Wimbledon Tennis and U.S. Golf Championships. In 1957, Ms. Gibson became the first African American to win the All-England Championship. That same year she became the first black woman to be voted by the Associated Press as its Female Athlete of the Year. The Althea Gibson Foundation exposes children in the inner city to the games of tennis and golf and provides recreational activities for students during the summer.
The Women’s History Month Celebration is part of a year-long cultural series created by County Executive DiVincenzo to highlight the diversity and various ethnic groups in Essex County. Other cultural celebrations are African American Heritage, Irish Heritage, Italian Heritage, Jewish Heritage, Latino Heritage and Portuguese Heritage.
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