National Advocacy Days - April 2025 Newsletter
1st Picture:Trevor Cromwell (Summit Area YMCA), Marissa Davis (NJ YMCA State Alliance), Jessica Mulkey (NJ YMCA State Alliance), David Carcieri, CEO (Greater Somerset County YMCA), Rose Cushing, CEO (YMCA of Metuchen, Edison, Woodbridge and South Amboy), Iqra Naz, Youth Advocate (YMCA of Newark and Vicinity), Annika Raj, Youth Advocate (YMCA of Greater Monmouth County), Julie Gallanty, CEO (NJ YMCA State Alliance), Kevin Dibble (YMCA of Montclair), Mark Dibble, CEO (YMCA of the Pines)
The NJ YMCA State Alliance team, including CEO, Julie Gallanty; Vice President of Community Impact, Marissa Davis; and Board President, Mark Dibble (YMCA of the Pines), had the great honor and privilege of accompanying our New Jersey Youth Advocates, Annika Raj, Holmdel (YMCA of Greater Monmouth County) and Iqra Naz, Jersey City (YMCA of Newark and Vicinity) for an exhilarating two days in Washington DC. During this time, we were able to witness these teen champions and leaders, sourced from a robust pool of applicants to YMCA-USA from our statewide New Jersey Youth and Government program, bring to life much needed advocacy and support for our critical community programs to the members of House and Senate! Annika and Iqra championed the many issues facing our communities in New Jersey from coast to mountains, speaking on important matters such as, Swim safety, accessibility to childcare and beyond! The NJ YMCA State Alliance team was proud and honored to have Annika and Iqra as the voice of our future generation, and leaders of our community and enjoys the opportunity to represent state serves.
Iqra Naz (YMCA of Newark and Vicinity), Senator Andy Kim, Annika Raj (YMCA of Greater Monmouth County)
Samuel Chasin (YMCA of the USA), Brian Flahaven (Council for Advancement and