Overview

Yazminelly Gonzalez is a lifelong Trenton resident and educator who assumed office as an At-Large Councilwoman on February 10, 2023. She won election following a first-place finish in the November 2022 general election and subsequent victory in the January 24, 2023 runoff. In January 2025, she was unanimously voted to serve as Council President for the 2025 term, rotating out of the position in January 2026.

Gonzalez holds a Bachelor's degree in Special Education from the University of Maryland, Eastern Shore (2002) and works as a Special Needs Life Skills instructor at the Trenton 9th Grade Academy. Prior to her council service, she was Vice President of the Trenton United Family Foundation (TUFF) and remains active in multiple community organizations including the Puerto Rican Day Parade of Trenton and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority.

Political Career

Member, Trenton City Council (At-Large) – February 2023 to present; term expires January 1, 2027

Council President – January 2025 to January 2026

Candidate, Trenton City Council At-Large – 2022 (elected)

Vice President, Trenton United Family Foundation – Prior to 2022

Key Policy Areas

Special education and disability services

Urban revitalization and riverfront development

Community partnerships and government transparency

Housing and neighborhood stability

Youth and education programming

Notable Actions / Initiatives

Served as Council President for 2025, elected unanimously by colleagues

Co-authored open letter with Mayor Reed Gusciora addressing City Hall operations and community unity (July 2025)

Presented proclamations to Hedgepeth and Williams families at 80th anniversary celebration of the Hedgepeth-Williams desegregation decision (May 2024)

Publicly supported Route 29 Boulevard Project for riverfront revitalization and reconnection (2025)

Finished first among nine candidates in November 2022 general election for at-large seat

Education

Trenton Central High School

University of Maryland, Eastern Shore – B.S., Special Education (2002)

Personal

Birth date: Not publicly available

Residence: Trenton, New Jersey

Occupation: Special Needs Life Skills instructor, Trenton Board of Education