Voices of Perth Amboy - Cecilia Gonzalez

Cecilia Gonzalez, Program Coordinator of the Emerging Leaders Program,  the Jewish Renaissance Foundation

-by Alfonso Faura




Cecilia Gonzalez has been working for the Jewish Renaissance Foundation , otherwise known as JRF, for two years now. She was a former coworker of mine and I wanted to interview her.  

As a Latino, I am proud of seeing other Latinos from Perth Amboy take on leadership roles like this.

She leads a program where high school students are paid a stipend to volunteer their time and help give ideas on how to improve our city.


Cecilia at her front desk.


I asked her some questions about her students.  Something that really impressed her about her students was they thought of a walkability audit.  Included in this document were issues on how to fix issues pertaining to pedestrian and cycling safety, including ramps and improving sidewalks,  They also made sure that were complying with Americans with Disabilities Act regulations.

This cohort, with about 12 students, presented this report to the Council Chambers in City Hall. 

The report was a total of 99 pages!


The emerging leaders also tackled health disparities in our town.

Certain sections of Perth Amboy are classified as a "food desert." "Food deserts" are communities where it is hard to find fresh fruits and vegetables. In order to address this phenomenon, our leaders coordinated an event called "Smooth Topia Market." 

During the summer of '18,  the students set up a market serving fresh and free fruits and vegetables, near the Dunlap Homes. 


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