Afternoon Sessions
Date: Wednesday, June 17
Time: 1:45 – 3:00 pm
Affordability is in the Eye of the Beholder: Kitchen Table Conversations about Improving Affordability in NJ
Location: Rehearsal Hall 1
In this session, analysts from New Jersey Policy Perspective will lead attendees through “kitchen table” conversations about affordability in the state, utilizing the lenses of different policy areas (for example: criminal legal systems, health, economic security, transit). Through these interactive conversations about affordability issues affecting everyday New Jerseyans, the NJPP team will help attendees understand how affordability challenges connect from the kitchen table to the state budget. Analysts and attendees will work together to develop possible solutions and actions for improving the lives of residents with low- and middle-incomes throughout the state.
Brittany Holom-Trundy
Dr. Brittany L. Holom-Trundy (she/her) is Research Director at the New Jersey Policy Perspective (NJPP), specializing in health care system reform, health policy disparities, and the social and cultural factors influencing health access and outcomes. Before joining NJPP in 2020, she taught at Princeton University’s Woodrow Wilson School and at The College of New Jersey, covering topics such as health systems, human security, human rights, and development. She also served as an AmeriCorps VISTA member with the Puerto Rican Action Board and volunteered with New Jersey’s Medical Reserve Corps during COVID-19 testing efforts. Dr. Holom-Trundy earned her Ph.D. and Master’s in Politics from Princeton University, where her research examined health care reforms in post-Soviet countries, and holds a Bachelor’s degree in Russian and Political Science from the University of Notre Dame.
Peter Chen
Peter Chen, Esq. (he/him) is Senior Policy Analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective, where he leads analysis of state and local tax and budget policy. A child and family policy advocate since 2014, Peter has driven major initiatives, including spearheading the creation of New Jersey’s state Child Tax Credit. His work also includes coordinating the statewide nonprofit Census campaign, advancing policies to reduce childhood lead exposure, and addressing chronic school absenteeism. Previously, Peter served as Policy Counsel at Advocates for Children of New Jersey, a KIDS COUNT grantee, where he focused on policies impacting children and families. He holds a Juris Doctor from Yale Law School and a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University Bloomington.
Marleina Ubel
Marleina Ubel (she/her/ella) is a Senior Policy Analyst focused on the criminal legal system and immigration policy, with research aimed at advancing state policies that promote dignity and justice. She began at NJPP as the 2020–2021 Kathleen Crotty Fellow, where she analyzed the state budget and public spending on law enforcement, and later served as a State Policy Fellow in partnership with the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities. Her work consistently emphasizes people-centered policymaking. Beyond policy analysis, Marleina is a former New Leaders Council (NLC-NJ) Fellow and board member, and she occasionally teaches at the Edward J. Bloustein School. She started college at Valencia College, transferred to UNC Chapel Hill to earn a B.A. in Philosophy, and later completed an MSW at Rutgers University, where she was also an Eagleton Fellow.
Alex Ambrose
Alex Ambrose (she/they), is a Senior Policy Analyst at New Jersey Policy Perspective, where she researches policies with a focus on climate justice and transportation. Prior to NJPP, Alex served as Policy Associate at the Association of NJ Environmental Commissions (ANJEC) and Policy Assistant at New Jersey League of Conservation Voters (NJLCV). In those roles, she worked on policy and legislation to protect clean water, preserve open space, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions with an emphasis on equity. Alex holds a Master of Public Administration from Rutgers University where she also received her Bachelor of Science in Ecology, Evolution, and Natural Resources with a minor in Environmental Geomatics.
Tonanziht Aguas
Tonanziht Aguas (toe-NAHN-see AH-gwas) (she/her) is a Policy Analyst and State Policy Fellow at New Jersey Policy Perspective, where she focuses on economic security and conducts research to advance policies that strengthen stability for New Jersey families. She brings experience in both research and program implementation, having served as a Research Fellow for a guaranteed income pilot program in Newark and studied food access challenges in northern New Jersey. Previously, Tonanziht worked with the New Jersey Office of the Secretary of Higher Education, New America, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, and Vivo Foundation. She holds a Master of Public Policy from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Political Science from Rutgers University–Newark.
From Stability to Ownership: Building an Aligned Ecosystem for Economic Mobility
Location: Arthur Laurents Theater
This session explores how funders can move from supporting short-term financial stability to advancing long-term wealth-building by aligning efforts across the “asset-building lifecycle” from cash supports to pathways to ownership. Drawing on New Jersey examples, including the NJ Cash Alliance and emerging ownership strategies, we will highlight how to connect fragmented efforts, strengthen alignment, and advance more coordinated, system-level impact, while sharing how the Asset Funders Network supports this work.
Tina Corea
Tina Corea serves as the Northeast Regional Program Officer at Asset Funders Network (AFN). Previously, Tina was Senior Vice President of Social Finance at Citi with a focus on national partnerships. She enabled incubation support for a $58 million fund for employee ownership, launched a community development venture capital network for companies across the U.S., and facilitated seed capital for many national nonprofit projects. Tina has served as Vice President for Strategy and Policy among other roles at the City of Newark’s economic development organization, Fellow for the New York City (NYC) Department of Homeless Services; assisted two U.S. Senate offices and the NYC Mayor’s Center for Economic Opportunity. Tina holds a J.D. from Rutgers Law School, M.P.A. from Columbia University and B.A. from Boston College. She was an Adjunct Assistant Professor at New York University and advisory or board member for several organizations such as the Robin Hood Foundation and a statewide nonprofit microlender.
Jasmyne Beckford
Jasmyne Beckford serves on the Steering Committee of the New Jersey Asset Funders Network (AFN), which connects funders and partners across the nonprofit, public, and private sectors to advance effective grantmaking and increase investments in asset building. She is Director of Inclusive Communities at Prudential, where she leads the company’s place-based portfolio focused on advancing inclusive economic growth and mobility for Newark residents. Since joining Prudential in 2022, Jasmyne has helped build strategic partnerships centered on education, workforce development, asset building, and engagement with Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Jasmyne also serves as First Vice-Chair of the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers and co-chairs the Newark Funders Committee, reflecting her commitment to economic mobility and community development. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Maryland, College Park, and a master’s degree in public administration from Rutgers University–Newark.
