Posted on March 6, 2025
Meet the class of 2025!
X Braithwaite
X Braithwaite is a dedicated advocate for social justice, equality, and environmental stewardship. Born and raised in Newark, NJ, X graduated from Science Park High School and earned a degree in Community and Justice Studies and a degree in African American Studies. Currently, as the New Jersey Environmental Justice Organizer for Clean Water Action, X works to empower communities overburdened by pollution, advocating for systemic change and holding legislators accountable. In addition to her role at Clean Water Action, X serves as the co-chair of the Newark Branch NAACP Environmental Justice Committee and is a member of the Environmental Justice Advisory Council for the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. Her advocacy extends across intersecting areas of carceral, economic, racial, and environmental justice.
Shayaka Wilson
Shayaka is an experienced program and operations professional dedicated to empowering youth through education, enrichment, advocacy, and community engagement. As Program Director for The Partnership for West Side High School, she leads initiatives that promote academic excellence, college readiness, workforce preparation, and a positive school culture. Previously, she served as a Program Officer Fellow at The MCJ Amelior Foundation, advancing impactful education and workforce initiatives in Newark. Her engagement includes programs like the Newark City of Learning Collaborative, the Summer Youth Employment Program, and OYN’s Newark Youth Voices, which create various opportunities for young people to engage in their community and succeed. Shayaka is a summa cum laude graduate of Rutgers University and a Leadership Newark Fellow, Class of 2026.
Rose-Lee Jean-Baptiste
Rose-Lee is an Education and Employment Specialist at the Staten Island Justice Center, dedicated to empowering individuals involved in the criminal legal system through education and career opportunities. With a passion for equity and social justice, she works to dismantle systemic barriers and create pathways to success for underserved communities. She draws on her background in Urban Education and African and African American Studies to address challenges with a critical and informed perspective. She is committed to advocating for transformative change and ensuring that policies reflect the needs of those most impacted. Rose-Lee believes in the power of education to transform lives and communities and is dedicated to shaping policies that bridge gaps in opportunity and access.
Anisaa Jean-Pierre
Anisaa Jean-Pierre earned her Bachelor of Arts in Africana Studies with a minor in the Foundations of Urban Education from Rutgers University-Newark. She is dedicated to improving education in urban communities by advancing policies that reduce the school-to-prison pipeline and address educational disparities in Black and Hispanic communities. Currently, Anisaa works as a research assistant for Professor Wendell Marsh, focusing on Islam within the African-American experience. She is also assisting in the curation of a museum set to open in February 2025. Anisaa’s passion lies in creating lasting change that empowers marginalized communities through education.
Jacinay Coleman-Shelton
Jacinay Coleman-Shelton is a senior at Rutgers University-Newark studying Public and Nonprofit Administration. She is currently employed at the Office of Career Resources and Exploration on campus as a Raider Career Ambassador, assisting students with their career development. A native of Newark, Jacinay witnessed firsthand the city's incredible potential, and is passionate about using her skills to contribute to its continued growth, and create a more equitable and inclusive community for all residents. She is thrilled to join ACNJ and contribute to the organization's mission of creating a thriving city for all.
Puja Dinesh
Puja Dinesh is currently a junior attending Rutgers University School of Public Affairs and Administration. She is majoring in Public Administration with a minor in Journalism. Her goal is to build a career as an Administrator or Program Manager specializing in Public Policies, Public Affairs, or Non-profit Management. In her free time, she likes to read about current events, situations, and other topics. Immersing herself in what’s happening in the world gives her the knowledge and motivation to one day be a part of the change meant to benefit our society.
Ibrahim Waziri
Ibrahim Waziri is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Geographic Information Systems and Sciences at Rowan University. He has worked with multiple advocacy groups throughout New Jersey and continues to focus on the education disparity for Black and Hispanic students in inner cities like Newark. He is a visual artist and wants to join his love for art with his professional studies to build communities that thrive through art and collective power.
Takeya Howell
Takeya Howell currently attends Bard High School Early College, and will be graduating in 2025. When she pursues her post secondary academic path, she will major in finance and then will earn her Master's degree in business. She is a hard-working woman who can take on any challenge that comes her way. She is very outspoken and believes in fairness.
Amal Akkad Wattar
Amal Akkad Wattar is a Biology major at Rutgers University with minors in Computer Science and Social Justice. Her passion for advocacy and education equity led her to join Advocates for Children of New Jersey (ACNJ) as a Policy Fellow, where she supports youth in accessing the resources they need for academic success. With experience in mentorship, research, and policy analysis, she is excited to contribute to ACNJ’s mission and drive meaningful change for underserved communities.
