Today, former board members from New Leaders Council – New Jersey (NLC-NJ) proudly announced the launch of the New Jersey Leadership Collective (NJLC), an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to cultivating the next generation of progressive leaders. NJLC is preparing to welcome its inaugural Academy cohort, marking a new chapter in statewide progressive leadership development.

“We believe people, not brands, drive progress,” said Founding Statewide Director Mayrose Wegmann, who serves as Northwest Region Director at New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). “This is a bold step forward in our journey to cultivate grassroots changemakers and progressive leaders with a unique New Jersey focus. Our work has always been more than a program—it’s a network of local and state leaders committed to justice, equity, and progress.”

“This transition marks a formal departure from the national NLC network so we have an organization solely focused on building a stronger, more equitable New Jersey,” said Founding Statewide Deputy Director Rob Matos-Moran, who serves as Director of Legislative Affairs in the Office of Governor Phil Murphy. “This shift opens new opportunities for alumni and allies to engage more directly in shaping the political future of the state.”

“This is a major milestone for the New Jersey progressive community, " said Jackie Cornell, co-founder of NLC-NJ, who serves as the Deputy Director of Human Services in Mercer County. “I am proud of the work NLC-NJ has done over the past 15 years and am excited to see what is in store for NJLC. Since our inception, we’ve always done things a bit ‘Jersey’ style and I’m proud of the next generation of leaders who are making brazen strides in our community and state.”

NJLC is a leadership development organization supporting rising progressive leaders through trainings, skill-building, mentorship, networking, and support. The organization holds a 501(c)(4) nonprofit designation, empowering NJLC to expand its impact through advocacy, issue-based organizing, and public education efforts aligned with its progressive vision. 

NJLC’s Founding Board of Directors includes:

• Mayrose Wegmann 

• Rob Matos-Moran

• Jose Calves

• Intashan Chowdhury

• Anthony Covington

• Erik Cruz Morales

• Ruth Delgado

• Madelaine (Laine) Hicks

• Fatima Heyward

• Viri Martinez

• Medinah Muhammad

• Victoria Pacheco