Voting Now Open for the New Jersey Community Health Worker Association Coordinating Council

Over the past two months and beyond, the CHW Hub has been working towards establishing the New Jersey Community Health Worker Association (NJCHWA). With the support of Partners in Health, the CHW Hub is forming the NJCHWA Coordinating Council, a four-person leadership group, composed of CHWs and individuals in roles with similar competencies, that will play a key role in building the association's infrastructure.  A total of thirteen nominations were received from CHWs interested in joining the Coordinating Council: four for President, four for Vice President, three for Secretary and two for Treasurer. Please see below to learn more about each candidate before casting your vote.

To vote, you must:

1. Be a Community Health Worker (CHW) or serve in a similar role. If you're unsure whether you qualify, please email the CHW Hub at chwnjinfo@acendahealth.org

2. Be interested in being a future member of the NJCHWA and complete the interest form.

To vote, click this button.

Get to Know the Candidates

Presidential Candidates:

Joshua Burton

Newark Department of Health and Wellness

Region: North | 3 Years of CHW Experience

I believe I would be an excellent fit for this role because I bring both experience and passion to the mission of community health. I have been a Community Health Worker for the past three years, and in that time, I’ve gained hands-on experience engaging residents, organizing events, and advocating for the underserved.

As a City of Newark resident, I understand the needs and challenges of our communities firsthand. I’ve built strong relationships through grassroots work and have consistently shown the ability to turn ideas into action. I am a father, a hard worker, and a team player who takes pride in getting the job done and uplifting others in the process.

At my department, I created and currently lead an annual Men’s Health event that has

successfully run for two consecutive years, promoting wellness and connection among staff and community members. I also launched a fitness group for men that

meets every Sunday to encourage brotherhood and physical health. Additionally, I developed a Health Literacy Series on Facebook and Instagram to make health education more accessible to the public.

Along with my team, I’ve helped organize multiple free eye clinics in partnership with our sponsors, providing over 200 Newark residents with free glasses and prescriptions—removing barriers to essential vision care for families who need it most.

Through all of these initiatives, my focus has remained the same: empowering people through information, connection, and compassion. I’m committed to using my leadership, creativity, and lived experience to strengthen the NJCHWA network, support my fellow CHWs, and continue advocating for equity and wellness across New Jersey.

Dr. Kiiera Robinson

Waymark, Medzed

Region: Statewide | 11 Years of CHW Experience

With over a decade of experience as a Community Health Worker, my background spans lived experience, education, research, and hands-on practice. My life’s work and research are centered on CHWs. I entered community health work because I saw firsthand how critical it is for communities to have trusted advocates who understand their lived experiences and connect them to care.

My doctoral dissertation, Understanding the Role of Community Health Workers, explored over four years what CHWs need to succeed, how they learn, and how organizations can best support them to strengthen the field as a whole. I have also published articles on the financial sustainability of CHWs and collaborated with CHW associations while serving on committees for the CHW Section at APHA.

At Columbia University, I helped build curriculum and currently teach CHW certification courses that strengthen skills, professional identity, and advancing the field through education. I bring a well-rounded understanding of the CHW role and its impact across multiple settings. My experience launching a tech startup has equipped me with the leadership, innovation, and organizational skills needed to grow and sustain the NJ CHW Association. In my current role, I manage CHWs nationwide, overseeing their continued learning and professional development while representing my organization at conferences and panels to advocate for the value of CHWs in improving health outcomes.

I want to serve as President of this new NJ CHW Association to ensure that every CHW in our state feels supported and valued. My goal is to help build a strong, sustainable association that amplifies CHW voices, advances fair pay and recognition, and creates spaces for connection, learning, and growth.

As President, I would bring deep passion, research-based insight, and practical leadership experience to elevate, strengthen, and expand the NJ CHW Association’s reach and impact.

Jill Ruiz

Health Coalition of Passaic County

Region: North | 4 Years of CHW Experience

This role requires extensive knowledge of the area, Patience and diplomacy as well as a willingness to represent all the voices involved in this project. My experience working within the community for the past 4 .5 years with different populations to help guide them in advocating for themselves has given me a perspective which I believe would be helpful.

My experience working within the community for the past 4 .5 years with different populations to help guide them in advocating for themselves has given me a perspective which I believe would be helpful. As the sole CHW that works as a liaison between HCPC and St. Mary's hospital I believe this has given me a view into management as well as independent work that would be an advantage for this position.

Cindy Weber

SPAN Parent Advocacy

Region: South/Central | 3 Years of CHW Experience

As a Community Health Worker (CHW) with extensive experience living and working in the southern counties of New Jersey, my work has centered on advancing health equity and supporting underserved communities. I am dedicated to continuing to build strong partnerships and foster collaboration among the many organizations that support CHWs and our collective mission. My professional experience has focused primarily on promoting the health and wellbeing of children and families, while also engaging with diverse, traditionally underserved populations across the lifespan throughout New Jersey.

Vice Presidential Candidates:

Denis Aduda

Health Coalition of Passaic County

Region: North | 4 Years of CHW Experience

I am offering my candidature for the position of Vice President of NJCHWA. It's my belief that my 10 years of experience as a community health worker in Kenya during which I helped established the regional association of CHWs and nurtured it, ensured that the profession grew. This was done through advocacy, education, and collaboration. Here in New Jersey, I have worked as a community health worker for the last 3

years. During that time, I spent over 1 year participating in meetings to establish an association for CHW. I believe I have what it takes to be the Vice President of NJCHWA and to grow it into a formidable association that the membership will be proud of.

Shawna Carter

New Jersey Hospital Association

Region: North | 10+ Years of CHW Experience

I am deeply committed to advancing the mission of this association and supporting the work of community health workers across our state. My experience in community engagement, program coordination, and leadership development makes me well-suited to

assist the President with strategic initiatives and daily operations.

In my current role as a Community Health Worker, I have collaborated with diverse partners—including local health departments, coalitions, and community-based organizations—to improve access to care and promote health equity. I am comfortable leading meetings, facilitating teamwork, and ensuring that projects move forward efficiently and inclusively.

I also value mentorship and strive to uplift others by sharing knowledge, offering guidance, and helping fellow CHWs build their skills and confidence. As Vice President, I would bring a collaborative, organized, and mission-driven approach to help strengthen the

association’s goals, enhance communication, and represent the collective voice in public forums.

Maria Leschinski

Hackensack Meridian Health

Region: Central | 4 Years of CHW Experience

I know that I will be an asset to the President and to NJCHWA based on my skill sets, my passion for CHWs having an association in New Jersey, and my proven actions during my time involved with the Certified Advisory Committee and with the former Engagement, Recruitment and Retention Committee (ERR). I am a team player and look forward to working with CHWs to further develop the NJCHWA. As part of the former ERR committee, I started the initial drafts for the purpose, vision, and mission statements, as well as started the bi-laws with another member of the ERR. Along with another member, we were selected to represent the NJCHWA at the Unity Conference and present where the NJCHWA is currently in their process to become an association and where we plan on going. Networking and fostering connections, membership, and allies are critical for starting and sustaining our association. I look forward to the opportunities to continue to represent the NJCHWA at events, coalitions, and public forums. Assisting the chosen President with developing fundraising opportunities and sustainability planning would be a priority and one that I will assist the president with seeing through. Throughout my tenure as Vice President, I will ensure to provide opportunities to mentor other CHWs, helping them to continue to develop their own leadership skills.

Reina Garcia Perfecto

Zufall Health

Region: Central | 3 Years of CHW Experience

I believe I would be an excellent fit for the Vice President role because of my strong interpersonal skills, leadership experience, and deep commitment to community health work. I am an organized, reliable, and trustworthy individual who values relationship-building and collaboration. Over the past three years as a Community Health Worker- and as a Senior Community

Health Worker- I have gained extensive, hands-on experience supporting individuals and families in New Jersey’s underserved communities.

Having grown up in a low-income and underserved community myself, I bring a personal understanding of the challenges our clients face and a passion for ensuring equitable access to resources. I am familiar with the wide range of services available across New Jersey and often help guide and support staff members throughout the state. This knowledge allows me to connect people effectively with the help they need while empowering others to do the same.

In addition to my field experience, I serve as a mentor and role model to my team members, offering guidance and professional development support. My involvement with the New Jersey Nursing Student Association has provided me with valuable leadership experience and the opportunity to help shape and inspire the next generation of community health professionals.

As Vice President, I will continue to advocate for the voices of Community Health Workers and the communities we serve. I am committed to supporting the President in advancing our strategic initiatives, fostering collaboration across committees, and ensuring that our organizational goals reflect the real needs of our members and the populations we serve.

Secretary Candidates:

Pamela Carr

The Cooperative

Region: South | 2 Years of CHW Experience

I believe my candidacy for Secretary of the NJCHW Association is rooted in one simple truth: I live in, work in, and advocate for the very communities I serve. With over a decade of dedicated experience in complex case management—particularly within vulnerable communities throughout Southern New Jersey and Cumberland County—I’ve developed a deep, firsthand understanding of systemic health barriers, language and cultural gaps, and the real challenges our families face every day.

If selected, I will proudly represent The Cooperative, bringing forward a voice that is grounded in community connection and lived experience. This perspective is especially vital in addressing the health disparities affecting maternal health in our region.

As an active and engaged member of the former Engagement, Recruitment and Retention (ERR) Committee. I’m ready to apply my strengths in organization, scheduling, document management, and action-item tracking to ensure the Coordinating Council runs efficiently, transparently, and with intention. I’m someone who keeps things aligned, structured, and moving—qualities that are essential for a successful Secretary.

Most importantly, I am committed to uplifting the voices of South Jersey CHWs—rural and urban—and ensuring our region’s needs are represented at the state level. My goal is to strengthen the NJCHWA foundation, maintain the meticulous records that keep our work strong, and support the continued growth and advocacy of CHWs across New Jersey. I’m passionate, committed, and ready to serve with purpose, professionalism, and heart.

Christina Norman

Bergen New Bridge Medical Center

Region: North | 3 Years of CHW Experience

Christina Norman currently serves as Director of Integration of Care at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center, where she leads initiatives that bridge the gap of clinical care and community well-being. With over 10 years of experience in NYC homeless services, Christina has built a career dedicated to addressing health disparities, advancing equity in care delivery and serving the underserved population.

Her leadership journey includes completing the Advanced Leadership Program through the National Association of Latino Healthcare Executives and earning a Lean Six Sigma Green Belt certification, equipping her with tools to drive process improvement and measurable outcomes. For the past two and a half years, Christina has spearheaded equity-focused initiatives, including the management of Community Health Workers, also known as Patient Navigators serving behavioral health and substance use populations. These efforts reflect her commitment to trauma-informed, recovery-oriented care.

Christina is passionate about empowering CHWs as essential connectors between health systems and communities. She has introduced monthly Z-code huddles at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center to strengthen documentation of Social Determinants of Health (SDOH), developed custom KPIs and scorecards to validate CHW contributions, and expanded partnerships with healthcare and community-based organizations. Her vision drives action—amplifying CHW voices, building sustainable career pathways, and advancing initiatives that transform community realities into systemic change.

Christina’s blend of operational expertise, equity leadership, and community engagement has interested her in applying for the Secretary position. She looks forward to collaborating with fellow changemakers to shape the future of community health in New Jersey.

Tania Asmal

Zufall Health

Region: Central | 2.5 Years of CHW Experience

As a Certified Community Health Worker and Prenatal Case Manager at Zufall Health, I have developed strong organizational, communication, and documentation skills that align perfectly with the responsibilities of a secretary. In my current role, I manage client records, coordinate case documentation, and facilitate communication between healthcare teams and community partners. These experiences translate seamlessly into maintaining meeting minutes, managing shared folders, and ensuring accountability within our group.

I am highly detail-oriented, reliable, and proactive in keeping information organized and accessible. My experience with digital tools such as Google Workspace, Excel, and shared drives makes me comfortable managing records and scheduling communications efficiently.

Most importantly, I value teamwork, transparency, and collaboration. I will ensure that all members are informed, meetings are well documented, and action items are clearly communicated and tracked. I believe effective communication strengthens community partnerships, and I am committed to helping our team stay connected and organized in advancing our shared goals.

Treasurer Candidates:

Violet Ibrahim

Partnership for Maternal and Child Health of Northern New Jersey

Region: North | 2 Years of CHW Experience

I believe I am well-suited for the treasurer position because I am dedicated to supporting the Community Health Council. Throughout my professional career, I have developed strong skills in financial management, compliance, and organization skills that are essential for maintaining accurate financial records. I gained valuable firsthand experience working at my father’s accounting firm for several years, where I handled financial management, bookkeeping, and utilized Excel spreadsheets to monitor and manage accounts. This foundation, complemented by my Business Administration degree, has given me a thorough understanding of financial principles, strategic planning, and operational oversight. This role requires support and collaboration with the president and the vice-president in managing budgets and applying insights into grants and funding sources to ensure resources are allocated effectively. I understand the importance of accuracy and transparency in financial record-keeping and am committed to fulfilling my fiduciary duty by responsibly managing the organization’s funds and maintaining trust with the board.

Marieangelic Martinez

RWJBarnabas Health

Region: North & Central | 16 Years of CHW Experience

With over 16 years of experience serving communities across North and Central New Jersey—10 of which have been in nonprofit organizations and management—I have dedicated my career to advancing health equity, improving access to care, and fostering community well-being. As a seasoned Community Health Worker, I have built strong and lasting relationships while leading initiatives that address social determinants of health, promote advocacy, and strengthen equitable outcomes within the board and beyond.

My leadership experience extends to serving as a board member for both the Juvenile Justice Commission of Union County and the Statewide Puerto Rican Day Parade, where I also held the position of Executive Assistant for three years. These roles have allowed me to deepen my expertise in governance, fiscal responsibility, and organizational development.

Since 2013, I have proudly owned and operated a small business dedicated to promoting community health and wellness through martial arts and fitness. This venture has enhanced my experience in financial management, grant writing, and community engagement, while reinforcing my commitment to holistic well-being.

I hold degrees from Seton Hall University and the University of Chicago, Professional School of Psychology, and I am a graduate of several esteemed business and leadership programs, including the Rutgers University Business School Entrepreneur Pioneer Initiative (EPI), the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey Hispanic Entrepreneur Training Program, and the Latina Entrepreneur Training Series.

My professional and educational journey reflects a deep commitment to service, leadership, and empowerment. With a strong background in nonprofit management, fiscal oversight, and community partnership, I bring valuable insight and accountability to every initiative I support—making me a strong asset to the Treasurer Position and to any mission focused on equity, transparency, and sustainable community impact.