Fauzia Janjua, a Pakistani-American, has made history by becoming the first Muslim and South Asian woman to serve as the mayor of Mount Laurel in New Jersey.
At her swearing-in ceremony at the Township Hall last week, Ms Janjua, accompanied by her family, proudly held a copy of the Holy Quran, emphasising the cultural diversity of her heritage.
Ms Janjua said she established her NGO with an aim to improve people’s lives.
“Reflecting on my political journey, it all began at a state governor’s party where a woman recognised my potential for leadership,” she added. “With that encouragement, I embarked on this path, ultimately achieving the historic position of mayor.”
Beyond her political responsibilities, Ms Janjua has actively worked to showcase positive aspects of Muslim culture to the world. Leveraging her role as Deputy Mayor, she has promoted understanding and appreciation, contributing to the diverse tapestry of Mount Laurel’s community.
In 2021, Mount Laurel Township began a new era with the most diverse council in history. The swearing in of Mayor Fozia Janjua and Deputy Mayor Nikitas Moustakas builds on the hard work and successes of this council under former Mayor Stephen Steglik and former Mayor Kareem Pritchett. 2023 brought a number of successes for the Township and Township Council, including the news that PAWS Farm will be run by the new Shreiber School of Veterinary Medicine of Rowan University starting later this month. PAWS Farm remains an important part of Mount Laurel’s history, and the Township Council delivered on their promise to find a long term solution to PAWs future, with the help and participation of Rowan University. Township Council continues its commitment to its community, by delivering on maintaining Mount Laurel’s high quality level of services, events for residents, affordability, and continuing to be the best town to grow a business, raise a family, and connect with our growing diverse community.
New Jersey State Assembly Majority Whip Carol Murphy also administered the oath of office to Deputy Mayor Nikitas Moustakas. Deputy Mayor Moustakas commented on the success of 2023, “One of the promises of the Township Council was to empower our business community and make Mount Laurel a great place to start a business and continue to grow our local community. 2023 brought a number of new businesses in our community, and we look forward to welcoming many more as Mount Laurel continues to grow.”
During 2023 Township Council continued to celebrate old and new events, with a focus on inclusion for all families and residents to enjoy. The Township and The Diversity and Inclusion Board, one of the creations of the Township Council, hosted the first Juneteenth event that brought our community together, fostered relationships, and showed that local government can bring together and represent residents of all backgrounds. The popular food truck festival, Greek Independence day event, menorah lighting, and tree lighting have all continued to be successful events due to working with Township management and creating a government that brings everyone together.
During her speech at the oath-taking ceremony, Janjua expressed her deep sense of honor. She added that being elected as the first Pakistani and Muslim woman mayor in the history of Mount Laurel isn’t just an achievement for her but also as a matter of pride for the entire Pakistani community.
Mayor Fozia Janjua and Deputy Mayor Nikitas Moustakas will continue to work for the Mount Laurel community and build on the progress the Township Council has created.