Funder Briefing: Lead by Example: Equitably Addressing Toxic Lead Issues
The presence of lead in New Jersey, whether in drinking water, paint, or soil, is one of many environmental justice issues that disproportionately affect low-income communities and communities of color. This funder briefing for all funders in New Jersey will cover how lead affects New Jersesyans, where it comes from, as well as local solutions, success stories, and partners to help communities equitably remove lead. Panelists will also discuss what funders can do in partnership with local governments to address the issue, including understanding new state mandates for lead pipe replacement and lead paint inspections and remediation.
Speakers:
Deandrah Cameron, New Jersey Future
Ruth Ann Norton, Green and Healthy Homes Initiative
Heather Sorge, Lead-Free NJ
Shereyl Snider, East Trenton Collaborative
Moderator: Anthony Diaz, Newark Water Coalition
Cost: Free for CNJG Members; $50 for Non Member Grantmakers
This program is only open to staff and trustees from grantmaking organizations.
Deandrah Cameron
Deandrah develops and advances state policies that affect health, water infrastructure, and redevelopment, with a primary focus on lead in drinking water. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Deandrah worked as a case investigator at the Monmouth County Health Department to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Deandrah holds a B.S. in Public Health from the Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy, as well as a Master of Public Health focused on Health Systems and Policy with a Graduate Certificate in Public Health Nutrition from the Rutgers School of Public Health.
Ruth Ann Norton
Ruth Ann Norton, President & CEO of the Green & Healthy Homes Initiative, joined the organization in 1993 and has led its development into one of the nation’s most effective and foremost authorities on healthy housing and its impact on the social determinants of health. GHHI is dedicated to addressing the social determinants of health and racial equity through healthy housing. An expert on lead poisoning prevention, healthy housing and the intersection of climate, energy and health, Ruth Ann directs GHHI’s national strategy, policy framework and services to integrate climate, healthcare and healthy housing as a platform for improved health, economic, educational and social outcomes for low-income communities.
Heather Sorge
Heather is the Lead-Free NJ program manager and oversees its day-to-day operations. Lead-Free NJ is a new inclusive and equitable collaborative focused on addressing lead hazards and preventing childhood lead poisoning. Heather’s work is centered on facilitating a diverse statewide network that hopes to ultimately ensure the eradication of childhood lead poisoning in New Jersey within 10 years. Prior to joining New Jersey Future, Heather was the organizer for Healthy Schools Now with the New Jersey Work Environment Council (WEC), a coalition of over 80 organizations representing a diverse set of stakeholders dedicated to ensuring all New Jersey children and school employees learn and work in safe, healthy, modernized school buildings. Heather graduated from Churchman Business School with a degree in Accounting Finance.
Shereyl Snider
Shereyl Snider joined the East Trenton Collaborative (ETC) in 2019 as a Community Organizer. Originally a New Yorker, she has lived in East Trenton since 2003. As an ETC staff member, Shereyl provides dynamic leadership, amplifies the voices of the marginalized, facilitates collaboration among individuals from diverse backgrounds, and develops a robust commercial and residential community. After moving to Trenton, she earned an associate’s degree in Early Child Care from Mercer County Community College and worked as a substitute teacher in the Hamilton School District for five years. As a neighborhood resident and volunteer at the ETC, she learned how to organize in her local community. In addition to her work in the East Trenton neighborhood, Shereyl is also a member of The City of Trenton American Rescue Plan Committee championing for a lead safe Trenton.
Anthony Diaz, moderator
Anthony Diaz was born and raised in Newark, NJ where he currently resides and is the oldest of 4 boys. He is the co-founder and executive director of the Newark Water Coalition, an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the city's lead water crisis and other social justice issues. The Newark Water Coalition has given out over 100,000 gallons of water and over 90,000 lbs of food. He has traveled nationally and internationally to work on water issues on indigenous lands and rural communities. Anthony was able to represent Newark at the United Nations Climate Conference in Glasgow, Scotland. He believes that people power can win against the interconnected struggles of humanity. He is an avid Star Wars and Anime fan.
Webinar Video
Articles of Interest
Gov. Murphy announced grants for organizations ridding NJ of lead exposure
New Jersey will grant $38 million to lead abatement. Here’s where it will go.
New Jersey Lead Poisoning Prevention Action Plan
Jersey Water Works Lead in Drinking Water Task Force
Facts about Lead in the Home
Lead in Drinking Water, a Permanent Solution in New Jersey
Lead in Drinking Water in Child Care Facilities: Ensuring the Future for New Jersey’s Children
Lead Free NJ
East Trenton Collaborative
Newark Water Coalition
Green & Healthy Homes Initiative