Asada Rashidi, a proud Newark native, is passionately dedicated to advocating for environmental justice, with a focus on food security, affordable housing, and access to clean air and water. Her drive for change has led her to impactful roles with organizations such as Commercial District Services, the South Ward Special Improvement District, and the Student Conservation Association. Her tenure at Newark City Hall’s Department of Sustainability further solidified her commitment to environmental advocacy and inspired her to pursue a degree in Environmental Studies, which she completed at Spelman College in just three years.

Currently, Asada serves as the Environmental Justice Organizer for the South Ward Environmental Alliance and chairs the Newark NAACP’s Environmental Justice Committee. In these roles, she leads grassroots campaigns to raise awareness and drive meaningful action in her community. She is also a distinguished member of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's inaugural National Environmental Youth Advisory Council (NEYAC), where she provides critical policy recommendations on youth-related environmental issues to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, serving as Co-Vice Chair. Asada’s leadership and dedication have earned her numerous accolades, including the prestigious Young, Gifted & Green 40 Under 40 Award, which recognizes Black, Latinx, and Indigenous leaders tackling climate change and fighting environmental racism.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Asada actively gives back to her community through volunteer work. She has collaborated with Newark Beth Israel Medical Center on community outreach initiatives promoting local health and wellness and works closely with youth organizations to mentor and inspire the next generation of leaders.

With a deep understanding of environmental challenges and their disproportionate impacts on marginalized communities, Asada remains steadfast in her mission to inform, engage, and empower those around her to create a more just and sustainable future.

The Lighthouse is a safe haven for asylum seekers worldwide, offering housing, hospitality, and community to individuals and families fleeing violence and persecution. As a grassroots ministry of the Episcopal Church, it provides vital support, including assistance from licensed social workers, education on various topics such as English classes and computer instruction, as well as food, clothing, and supplies, empowering residents on their path to independence.

Planned Parenthood of Metropolitan New Jersey provides high-quality reproductive health care and family planning services to individuals of all backgrounds and financial means. Through accurate education programs, it promotes informed choices and responsible lifestyles. Committed to women’s rights, it empowers every woman to decide if and when to have children.

Ms. Glover-Wilson, founder of Hunger Free Bayonne, has dedicated her life to helping others. Since 2015, her nonprofit has grown from a small operation into a program feeding over 600 people weekly across Bayonne and beyond. With 30 volunteers and generous donors, the organization delivers food to churches, shelters, senior housing, and individuals. Recognized by Bayonne’s City Council, Glover-Wilson upholds her family’s tradition of service, inspiring even her 10-year-old daughter, who runs a sock drive for the homeless.

Youth Impact equips young leaders to reduce youth involvement in the criminal legal system. Through paid internships, members lead diversion programs, develop restorative projects, and address systemic inequities. Many bring firsthand experience, embodying the belief that those affected create the best solutions. Youth Impact also offers mentorship, education, and support to help members reach their goals.