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.
 

Community members lead a neighborhood rehabilitation project.

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.

Brief
Two women fill out an application for SCHIP (State Children's Health Insurance Program) at a Covering Kids & Families enrollment event. Covering Kids & Families.

Championing the Community

What We Have Learned about Bridging Research and Practice
An article by members of the Jegna Council focused on the importance of community engagement in equitable and actionable research.
New Jersey
Brief
Fort Lauderdale, FL - August 22, 2019 - Chadrick Lindsay (31), an apprentice in the City of Fort Lauderdale Housing Authority's Step Up program, prepares lumber to build cabinetry in the workshop. The Housing Authority of the City of Fort Lauderdale has operated a state certified Step-Up Apprenticeship Program (Step-Up) since 1994. The objective of the program is to provide apprentices with the opportunity to create a portfolio of education, training, and employment skills to increase their potential for permanent employment and economic self-sufficiency. During the two-year state certified program, apprentices are trained in construction skills with a specialty in housing rehabilitation and building maintenance for occupations in the public and private sectors. All apprentices are required to obtain their GED while in the program and certified instructors teach morning and evening classes at the Housing Authority to help prepare the apprentices for the exam.

Flourishing

Differences Strengthen the Workforce
An article by members of the Jegna Council focused on the importance of hiring and retention practices that not only promote diversity but also establish an environment in which everyone feels included, supported, and valued.
New Jersey
Brief
A row of homes stretches along a street.

Newark for Newark

Strengthening Communities through Housing Ownership
An article by member of the Jegna Council focused on the quest for quality, affordable housing in Newark, New Jersey.
New Jersey
A mother and grandmother sitting with an infant boy drinking milk from a bottle.

The Power of Data

Reducing Racially-Based Maternal Health Disparities
Brief
A doctor examining a patient.

Standardized Tests

A Failing Grade for Diversifying the Healthcare Workforce
An article by members of the Jegna Council focused on healthcare workforce inequities which have their roots in underfunded public schools, underinvested neighborhoods, lack of economic opportunity, and the structural racism that underpins these and so many other social determinants of health.

5-min read

New Jersey

Achieving Health Equity for N.J.

We all deserve to live our healthiest life possible, no matter who we are or how much money we have. This can be a reality in New Jersey.

Find out how
Report

A Policy Agenda for New Jersey

Providing context and data to support informed decisions to address structural racism in policies, practices, and systems and to empower communities and individuals so that each person in N.J. can thrive.

A Healthier, More Equitable New Jersey

To honor the legacy started by our founder, Robert Wood Johnson II, we at RWJF remain committed to improving health and advancing health equity for all in New Jersey and beyond.

SEE OUR WORK