THE HISPANIC BAR ASSOCIATION OF NEW JERSEY APPLAUDS GOVERNOR MIKIE SHERRILL’S NOMINATION OF MARGO CHALY TO SERVE AS SECRETARY OF HIGHER EDUCATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 23, 2026.
The Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey (HBA-NJ) celebrates Governor Mikie Sherrill’s nomination of HBA-NJ board member Margo Chaly to serve as New Jersey’s next Secretary of Higher Education. This historic nomination marks a significant milestone for Latina leadership and reflects a continued commitment to expanding access to higher education for students and families across the Garden State.
Ms. Chaly is the former Executive Director of the New Jersey Higher Education Student Assistance Authority (HESAA), and prior to that, served as HESAA’s Chief of Staff. While at HESAA, Ms. Chaly played a key role advancing its mission to support accessibility to, and affordability of, post-secondary education in New Jersey. Of particular note is Ms. Chaly’s oversight of the administration of $600 million annually in need-based grants and financial aid.
In response to Ms. Chaly’s nomination, HBA-NJ President Cristal Lambert made the following remarks: “the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey recognizes that Margo Chaly’s nomination is both historic and deeply meaningful for our community. As a first-generation Guatemalan-American and lifelong New Jersey resident, Margo understands firsthand the financial and structural barriers that too often prevent talented students from accessing higher education. Her career has been defined by a commitment to expanding opportunity and ensuring that cost is not a barrier to a college education in New Jersey.” President Lambert added, “For the students who are working, caring for family members, or questioning whether college is financially possible, Margo Chaly’s leadership represents hope. Her work has consistently centered on students and her nomination reinforces the importance of investing in their futures.”
Ms. Chaly currently serves as a trustee of the Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey and previously co-chaired the HBA-NJ’s statewide Women’s Empowerment Leadership & Law (WELL) Conference. She also volunteers with the HBA-NJ’s American Dream Pipeline Highschool Mentorship and Statewide Law Student Mentorship Programs and was recognized by the Hispanic National Bar Association in February 2025 as a Top Lawyer Under 40.
The HBA-NJ congratulates Margo Chaly on this extraordinary and well-deserved nomination and looks forward to her continued leadership in advancing access, affordability, and opportunity in higher education throughout New Jersey.
