New Leaders Council – New Jersey (NLC-NJ) Announces Medinah Muhammad as New Advisory Board Chair

For Immediate Release

December 11, 2023

Trenton – New Leaders Council – New Jersey (NLC-NJ), the statewide chapter of the nation’s largest non-profit organization that works to develop, connect, and uplift cross-sector leaders in social justice and progressive politics, announced today that Medinah Muhammud will assume the role of NLC-NJ Advisory Board Chair.

“I am elated to serve in this role to increase engagement and give back to an organization that has helped me to flourish. Having the opportunity to serve in this way is an honor, for what good are my experiences if I don’t use them to benefit others in their growth.” said Medinah Muhammad. “I look forward to working with the Executive Board to the benefit of our current cohort, alumni, and future cohorts.”

Muhammad has been a lifelong resident of Essex County, New Jersey where she currently serves on the Board of Education for East Orange School District. She earned a Bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Rutgers University–Newark Graduate School with a Master’s degree in Political Science.

Currently, Muhammad serves as the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at the New Jersey Economic Development Authority.  In this role, she leads the efforts to build and maintain relationships with elected officials at all levels of government to create legislation and conduct outreach to the benefit of our state’s economy, small business owners, and various work sectors.

Muhammad began her career as a staff member for the Essex County Board of Commissioners, where she worked closely with the President of the Board to expand outreach to Essex County residents. She then went on to serve as Chief of Staff to Assemblywoman Britnee N. Timberlake, becoming the youngest person in history to hold this title.  Muhammad left the Assemblywoman’s office and took a role working for Governor Phil Murphy as a Senior Legislative Aide where she worked to support the passage of the nation’s strictest gun safety bill package.

“Medinah espouses leadership ability and is a true champion for the people of New Jersey,” said Mayrose Wegmann, NLC-NJ Statewide Director and Northwest Region Director at New Jersey Education Association (NJEA). “NLC is fortunate to have a proven change-maker joining our board in this capacity. I am excited to work alongside Medinah as we train the next generation of progressive leaders in this state.”

Muhammad has been featured in various publications, including Insider NJ’s “100 Top Millennials List” and “100 Top Policymakers List”, along with a recent feature in Rutgers Today, highlighting her work in New Jersey politics. Muhammad is also a 2019 graduate of Emerge New Jersey and a 2022 New Leaders Council Graduate.

“I have seen first hand Medinah’s passion and [professional impact.  I can say without a doubt she is someone everyone would want in their corner,” said Rob Matos-Moran, Deputy Chapter Director of NLC-NJ and Senior Legislative Aide to Governor Phil Murphy.  “NLC is proud to have her leadership and experience on the Executive Board.”

“Medinah is not only a friend but someone who I have had the privilege to work alongside ,” said Justin Braz, Chief of Staff and Assistant Commissioner for Transportation Policy at New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT).  “NLC is fortunate to have her leading the charge with the advisory board and I look forward to continuing our work together.”

NLC will hold its annual holiday party and fundraiser at Jimmy’s American Grill in Bordentown on Thursday, December 14 from 6-9pm.  All alumni and supporters are welcome to attend. To attend, please RSVP at this link. This year’s fundraiser will honor the following NLC Changemakers:

• Omar Bareentto, NLC Class of 2020, Associate at McCarter & English, and Professor at Rutgers Law School
• Petra Gaskins, NLC Class of 2016, New Brunswick City Councilwoman, and Chief of Staff to Senator Andrew Zwicker
• Kari Osmond, NLC Class of 2011 and Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman
• Jay Redd, NLC-NJ Advisory Board and Managing Director of Stono Public Affairs
• Amy Torres, NLC Class of 2021 and Executive Director at New Jersey Alliance for Immigrant Justice

NLC-NJ was founded in 2011 by Justin Braz, Chief of Staff and Assistant Commissioner for Transportation Policy at New Jersey Department of Transportation (NJDOT) and Jackie Cornell, Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Action Fund of New Jersey. This class will join the statewide chapter of more than 240 alumni and a nationwide alumni network of more than 10,000 trained progressive leaders.

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