Jegna Council
The Jegna Council is an advisory group that guides our New Jersey grantmaking team as they strive to more effectively center equity in their work and build power across the state, with an intentional focus on communities that have historically lacked opportunities to live their healthiest life.
Through a commitment to advancing health equity and deep connections in key communities and populations across the state, council members reflect the culture, character, and lived experiences of New Jersey’s diverse populations and have knowledge of one or more of the team’s focus areas in New Jersey: maternal and infant health, housing, and public health infrastructure.
“Jegna” is an ancient African concept, conveying distinction, respect, and honor. It represents one who synthesizes wisdom from lifelong experiences and formulates it into a legacy for future generations. The concept encompasses the spirit in which we ask our advisors to help us ensure accountability and strategic relevance to the people and communities of New Jersey.
Jegna Council Members
Adriana Abizadeh, Executive Director, Kensington Corridor Trust
Franca Roibal Fernández, Adjunct Professor at NJCU; Founder, sol y luna consulting
Gisele Pemberton, Ph.D, MPH, CHES, Director, PROCEED, Inc., National Center for Training, Support and Technical Assistance
Ivette Guillermo-McGahee, Founder and CEO, Allies In Caring, Inc.
Dr. Jesselly De La Cruz, Executive Director, Latino Action Network Foundation
Jyoti Venketraman, Director of Collaborations & Organizational Equity, New Jersey Future
Jorge Cruz, Executive Director, LISC-New Jersey
Kathia Ramirez, Food Justice Co-Coordinator, CATA — The Farmworkers Support Committee in New Jersey
Leslie Kantor, Professor and Chair, Department of Urban-Global Public Health, Rutgers School of Public Health
Marissa Davis, Vice President Community Impact, NJ YMCA State Alliance
Nisha Thompson, NJ Advocacy Manager, Participatory Budgeting Project (PBP)
Teresa Vivar, Founder, Lazos America Unida; President of the Indigenous Affairs Council for Fuerza Migrante
Toshira Maldonado, M.Ed., Founder, Most Beautiful W.O.M.B. Inc.
Victoria Martinez, CEO, Spanish Community Center
Vu-An Foster, MPH, Founder and Executive Director, Life After 2 Losses, Inc
Related Content
Members of the Jegna Council have developed pieces to highlight areas of their work that intersect with the Foundation’s priorities in New Jersey. Each of the articles reflect members’ thoughts on different areas that contribute to health inequities and ways that we can create a more equitable healthcare workforce, expand housing options, expand community research, and improve maternal health outcomes.
Championing the Community
Flourishing
Newark for Newark
The Power of Data
Standardized Tests
5-min read