Shavonda E. Sumter is a Democratic former New Jersey Assemblywoman who represented the 35th Legislative District, encompassing parts of Bergen and Passaic Counties. She served in the General Assembly from 2012 until her retirement, holding key leadership roles including Deputy Speaker, Majority Conference Leader, and the first woman to chair the New Jersey Legislative Black Caucus. Notable achievements include being recognized as New Jersey's most prolific legislator in 2014 with 16 bills signed into law, championing voting rights restoration for over 80,000 individuals on probation or parole, addressing Black maternal and infant mortality, and leading responses to inequities for minority- and women-owned businesses. She is a longtime advocate for job growth, women's health, civil rights, criminal justice reform, and mental health access, drawing from over 20 years in behavioral health administration, including as director at Hackensack UMC Mountainside Hospital.

Education and Political Experience

• Education: Earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Kean University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Fairleigh Dickinson University Silberman College of Business, supported by programs like the Education Opportunity Fund.
• Political Experience: Elected to the New Jersey General Assembly in 2012; served on committees including Community Development and Affairs , Labor, Law & Public Safety, and Environment, Natural Resources & Solid Waste ; recognized in 2025 as one of New Jersey’s Women in Business Influencers and nominated by EMILY's List for the Gabrielle Giffords Rising Star Award in 2016.