Yvonne L. Mays Makes History as the First Black Woman to Lead New Jersey National Guard

Nationwide — Colonel Yvonne L. Mays has made history as the first African American woman to lead the New Jersey National Guard. She was promoted to Brigadier General in a ceremony at the National Guard Armory in Lawrenceville.

Mays, as the Adjutant General of New Jersey, will oversee the Guard’s operations and continue to serve as a role model for service members.

Mays is also the third Air Force officer to take charge of the state’s guard, according to ABC 7 NY.

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy praised Mays for her leadership and dedication.

“After enlisting in the Air Force straight out of high school, she has spent more than four decades leading her fellow service members with strength and purpose. She will be a remarkable Brigadier General,” he wrote on X.