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.
 

Interdisciplinary Research Leaders Derek Hyra, Mindy Fullilove, Dominic Moulden and their teams meet in Washington DC and tour the Shaw neighborhood as part of their "Making The Just City" project.

Jegna Council Members

Jorge Cruz, Regional Vice President for Community Development, Citizens Bank

Dr. Nastassia Harris, DNP, MSN, RN, IBCLC, Founding President of the Perinatal Health Equity Foundation

Rev. Eric Dobson, Deputy Director, Fair Share Housing Center

Christian Estevez, New Jersey Legislative and Political Director, Communications Workers of America, District 1

Alma Garcia, LSW, MSW, Executive Director, Puerto Rican Community Center, Inc.

Ivette Guillermo-McGahee, MA, ACS, LPC, Founder and CEO, Allies in Caring, Inc.

Leslie Kantor, PhD, MPH, Professor and Chair of the Rutgers School of Public Health

Taiisa Kelly, Chief Executive Officer, Monarch Housing Associates

DeAnna Minus-Vincent, Founder and Managing Director, The Outcomes Architect

Gisele Pemberton, DrPH, MPH, CHES, PROCEED, Inc., Director, National Center for Training, Support, and Technical Assistance

Chanel Porchia-Albert, CD, CPD, CLC, CHHC, Founder and CEO, Ancient Song Doula Services

Linda Sloan Locke, CNM, MPH, LSW, FACNM, Founding Chair, New Jersey Health Cares about Domestic and Sexual Violence Collaborative

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
A cabinetry apprentice working in a wood shop.

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 Chelsea corner store which has agreed to collaborate with efforts to increase community access to healthy foods, by adding a fruit and vegetable stand to its displays and offering more healthy food options.

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
Child First program care coordinators and clinicians meet with families in Norwalk, CT. Joshua Joubert, 8 months, with mom, Berea Joubert, 16, black shirt, red undershirt, and grandmother, Gala Joubert, green shirt. (African American family). With Child First team, Gail Melanson , blonde hair and colorful shirt with skirt, and Faiza Anwar-Junaidi.

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
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