LaVonia Abavana is the proud mother of three amazing children. Her amazing journey into advocacy and parent leadership began when her youngest child was bullied in school because of his Tourette syndrome. That traumatizing experience opened her eyes to all the support available to families and made her become dedicated to helping other families in challenging situations. She advocates on multiple systems that support families across the State of New Jersey.

Lashette Pennington owns an aromatherapy brand, is a single mother of four, and has a full-time career in higher education. While navigating the struggles of work/life balance that came with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, LaShette found herself inquiring about paid leave to care for a sick family member and her own mental health. She is passionate about educating others, specifically individuals in the black and brown community, on the resources available to ensure their health and wellness are of the highest regard.

Habibah Johnson is an administrator at Rutgers University, a Parent Leadership Council member with Advocates for Children of New Jersey, a higher education administrator for over 15 years, a wife, and a mother to four wonderful children. She has been advocating for children and families for the last five years in her role as a volunteer parent advocate in New Jersey. She hopes to integrate her studies and passion for advocacy to continue to advocate for policy changes.

Angie Tamayo León (she/they) is a community organizer and educator. She has a bachelor's in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies from The College of New Jersey and a commitment to social justice issues that impact her immigrant community. As a first generation student, she's experienced barriers to accessible language and education regarding paid leave policies and works to bridge that gap for her Spanish-speaking peers. You can connect with Angie via Instagram (@angietamayo_) or through email: tamayoa2@tcnj.edu.

Catherine Galioto is a longtime Ocean County native, a veteran spouse, and a caregiver who serves as an advocate for veteran households through her work as an outreach specialist for Community Hope. Catherine leads a peer support group for veteran spouses through Recalibrate, serves in the American Legion Auxiliary, and is a lifelong learner and helper. Before NJ Paid Family Leave benefits existed, Catherine was placed in a position that led to a period of struggle for her household while she was ill. Catherine appreciates learning about resources and sharing them with folks who may need that support. Reach out to Catherine at catherine.galioto@yahoo.com.

Jessica is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Paid Leave Advocate in New Jersey. She believes that all workers deserve access to paid leave to take care of themselves and their families without sacrificing their financial security. Jessica is committed to educating and advocating for policies that support paid leave for all workers. Having benefited personally from taking paid leave after giving birth to her two children, and after being involved in a car accident, Jessica understands firsthand the importance of paid leave in helping individuals manage their health and familial responsibilities while maintaining their employment.

Carl Boyd is an uncle to five nieces and four nephews, one of whom has passed away, and provides additional support to them. He worked as the Male Involvement Coordinator and a Family Service Advocate Support Specialist at the Center for Family Services and also served as the former Safe Corridors Coordinator for Camden Promise Neighborhood. Currently, he works as the Community Liaison for the Center for Family Services and serves on numerous boards, advisory groups, councils, and committees. His greatest achievement has been having an excellent family support system, allowing him to establish and maintain relationships with his nieces and nephews through mentorship and genuine love. Carl recognizes that being involved in the community starts with being involved with the family that surrounds and supports him.

Alreema started off her doula career as a postpartum doula in 2011 to later become a certified full-spectrum doula. She is a Certified Doula under midwife Shafia Monroe as well as a Certified Medicaid Doula provider for the state of New Jersey and Virginia. As a dedicated mother to three beautiful children, Doula Alreema knows firsthand how much families can benefit from having additional support during all trimesters including labor and delivery. Assisting over 100+ families and being an active community member, Alreema prides herself on creating a peaceful and loving environment for parents whether new or seasoned. She is the founder and owner of Nurturing BayBees and Nurturing Families Two Family Centered Agency targeted to families utilizing insurance including Medicaid. She has an undeniable specialty in postpartum, meal planning, cesareans, and bereavement support. Alreema is passionate and everything nurturing!

LaTanya Marchell resides in Union County and is a child support worker for the County of Union. She has a 20-year-old daughter. She became an advocate for paid leave because 2 years ago, her mother was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. LaTanya knew that she would do anything in her power to be her mother's caregiver including taking time off from work and confronting emotional and financial hardships to ensure that her mother was obtaining the best healthcare possible. She is extremely passionate about raising awareness so that others will not have to have the challenges she faced while caring for a loved one.

Mompreneur, Singer & Flight Attendant- Nicole Lawson is the owner of N. Lawson & Associates, LLC which offers uplifting entertainment, virtual retail services, and opportunities for mothers to create their own home-based business. Mrs. Lawson is a proud mother of 4, stepmother of 2, and life partner of 1! She lives by a saying she loves to call “Crazy Faith” and expresses to all that if your mind can conceive it and you are willing to trade your Ego for Equity, you CAN achieve it! Connect with Nicole Lawson aka #Nicolyboo at www.nicolelawson.com

Diana is a community-based doula, with a passion for reproductive justice, maternal health, and paid leave for all. Daughter of El Salvadoran immigrants, wife, advocate, and mommy to 2 kitties.

Licensed Social Worker and HealthySteps Specialist who is passionate about improving infant, child, and maternal health outcomes.

Taiwo is an outdoor person and her strength comes from the people around her. A lover of children, Taiwo seeks resources that can help people around her.