A passionate advocate for progress, Mayor Jenny Mundell is more than just the first female mayor of Bloomfield, N.J. She is a champion for small businesses and for amplifying women’s voices in local leadership.
It was an honor to have Mayor Mundell as a guest at Blue Oak during Women’s History Month. During her visit to Blue Oak, Mayor Mundell shared more about her commitment to fostering a strong, inclusive community, both as a public servant and as a citizen of the township.
About Jenny Mundell
Jenny Mundell was elected as mayor of Bloomfield in November 2024 after a special election in June of that year. Prior to her election as mayor, she was appointed to the Bloomfield town council in 2017. She was re-elected four times since that appointment.
She has worked on several key initiatives throughout her tenure, including advocating for the Public Library, revamping local public safety systems, leading Women’s History Month Events, and building the Bloomfield Community Farmer’s Market. Mayor Mundell has been instrumental in building a strong sense of community in Bloomfield, from her efforts in raising funds for local nonprofits to her work in developing and addressing issues of social justice and equity in town.
Mayor Mundell is a graduate of nearby Montclair State University and has lived in Bloomfield since 2009. When she’s not at City Hall, she works as the Vice President of Development at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, New Brunswick.
The small business community in Bloomfield
Small businesses are the heart of any thriving community, whether a dispensary or a hardware store or a great taco spot.
As Mayor Mundell shared with Blue Oak, “Small businesses bring vibrancy to our community by driving economic growth and local connectivity.”
This rings true not just in theory, but in practice, as small businesses like Blue Oak contribute to the town’s economic development, foster community relationships, and support local culture.
We understand the power of collaboration and how working together can create a stronger, more connected community. We’re proud of our partnerships with other local organizations, from supporting the Bloomfield Farmers Market to collaborating with other businesses and groups on initiatives like toy drives and food pantries that benefit the entire community and beyond.
These efforts reflect the spirit of collaboration and shared success that Bloomfield’s small businesses strive to embody.
“As mayor I think we can support small businesses by creating streamlined pathways to navigate local ordinances and make it easier for new small businesses to open,” Mayor Mundell shared, “As well as listening to existing business owners, both those who are successful and/or in need of support, for what they feel they need and then be responsive to those insights.”
Being the change in Bloomfield and beyond
As a woman-owned business, we at Blue Oak further value the importance of diversity and representation in leadership.
Mayor Mundell shared, “It’s important to me to continue to help women grow and be empowered in Bloomfield by creating more opportunities for them to be engaged in town, such as by appointing them to boards and committees.”
We wholeheartedly agree with her vision and are excited to see more women take on leadership roles in our community. When women are empowered to lead, it benefits everyone.
Addressing unseen issues among women
In addition to supporting women in leadership, Mundell is committed to speaking up for issues that still disproportionately impact women. As she points out, “There are still issues that still impact women in unbalanced ways, such as the high cost of menstrual hygiene products [that] can lead to period poverty.”
Just like menstrual hygiene products, cannabis consumption has historically been stigmatized, with many women feeling uncomfortable or ashamed to discuss their needs — or choices — openly. We want women to feel empowered in all their health and wellness decisions.
Whether for pain relief, relaxation, or mental clarity, cannabis can be a helpful option for women, and we want to support them in feeling confident and unashamed about those decisions.
Empowering Bloomfield’s future
As Bloomfield’s first female mayor, Mundell’s leadership is paving the way for a Bloomfield that continues to thrive – one where small businesses can grow, women’s voices are amplified, and every resident has the opportunity to succeed. We look forward to collaborating with her to make Bloomfield an even better place to live, work, and grow.
