Trenton, NJ – On Saturday, June 13th the New Jersey LCV Education Fund proudly celebrated a major milestone with the graduation of the inaugural cohort of its Boards and Commissions Fellowship, a first-of-its-kind leadership development program designed to prepare and empower diverse environmental leaders to serve on public boards and commissions across New Jersey.

“The decisions made by public boards and commissions affect all of us, but many qualified individuals never see a pathway to serve. This fellowship opens doors for emerging leaders, ensuring diverse voices and dedicated advocates have the opportunity to make a lasting impact,” said Kate Wister, Boards and Commissions Program Manager.

Launched in January 2026, the highly competitive six-month fellowship equipped participants with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to pursue meaningful leadership roles in shaping New Jersey’s environmental future. Through intensive training and mentorship, fellows deepened their understanding of environmental policy, public health, and climate resilience while building the tools necessary to influence decision-making at the local and state levels.

"The graduation of this inaugural cohort represents an exciting step forward in building a more inclusive and representative environmental leadership pipeline for New Jersey," said Allison McLeod, Interim Executive Director, New Jersey LCV. "These fellows bring invaluable perspectives, expertise, and lived experiences that will help ensure our public institutions reflect and serve the communities most impacted by environmental challenges."

Throughout the program, fellows participated in monthly in-person sessions focused on New Jersey’s environmental landscape, the structure and responsibilities of boards and commissions, and effective leadership and governance practices. They also connected with experienced mentors and public servants who provided guidance and support as they prepare to pursue appointments and continue their leadership journeys.

The fellowship reflects New Jersey LCV Education Fund’s commitment to cultivating the next generation of environmental leaders and strengthening public service with voices that represent the diversity, talent, and experiences of communities across the state.

2026 Boards and Commissions Fellowship Cohort Graduates

• Hazel Applewhite, CEO, Ironbound Community Corporation
• Christopher Bauknight, Chair, WCYD and NJYD Black Caucus
• Andres Caceres, Small Business Owner
• Dr. Richeleen Dashield, Director and Adjunct Assistant Professor at NYU Silver School of Social Work
• Jasmine Fleming, 2026 Graduate of The College of New Jersey; Founder, Enable Everything; Co-Chair, New Jersey Young Democrats Disabilities Caucus
• Tracy Gordon, Advocacy & Outreach Coordinator, Raritan Headwaters Association
• Olivia Haller, Environmental Policy & Planning Professional
• Toni Hazel, New Jersey Coordinator of Housing Programs and Federal Compliance
• Lois Kraus, Vice Chair, Westfield Green Team; Co-Chair, Beyond Plastics NJ
• Loan Nguyen, Business Owner and Food Educator, Save the Last Bite LLC
• Sianna Peal, Director of Marketing & Business Development, PONYFLO
• Sabrina Ross, Executive Director, Keep America Beautiful–Newark Branch
• Keith Thomas, CEO, Rebuild New Jersey
• Victoria Woolfolk, Renewal Sales Operations Manager, Americas, Check Point Software Technologies