TRENTON, N.J. - TelAve -- The New Jersey YMCA State Alliance (the Alliance), a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening communities, is pleased to welcome two new team members to help support local YMCAs in building youth leaders, improving community health and advancing equity.

Heather Doerr, of Marlton, has been named food access coordinator for the Alliance, while Jessica Mulkey, a resident of Ewing, has been appointed as youth engagement director. Both joined the Alliance on Jan. 6.

"The Alliance gives a warm welcome to our newest team members who will be instrumental in helping to advance our mission to help strengthen local communities across New Jersey while promoting youth development, healthy living and social responsibility," said Alliance Chief Executive Officer Julie Gallanty.

The Alliance leads a coalition of 30 independent YMCAs associations throughout New Jersey, and serves as advocates to advance public policy, statewide initiatives, strategic partnerships, and service delivery that make life better for all New Jersey families.

Doerr will be responsible for assisting the Alliance in addressing food equity issues in underserved communities in New Jersey. The Alliance, through 11 local YMCAs, connects low-income New Jerseyans to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the nation's most significant anti-hunger program. She will also be providing support for SNAP-Ed, a nutrition and physical activity program developed to help Garden State residents make better food choices and lead more active lives.

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A graduate of Rowan University with a bachelor's degree in public health and wellness, Doerr has over 15 years of experience in healthcare management, with a focus on nutrition and nutrition education. During college, she interned with the Alliance and made significant contributions including enhancing youth engagement strategies and addressing food insecurity.

"I am excited to be able to use my skills and passion to address health equity issues and to advocate for marginalized populations," Doerr said. "By leveraging my strengths in innovative thinking and collaboration, I look forward to creating meaningful, positive change for the residents of New Jersey."

In her new role as youth engagement director, Mulkey will help drive the vision, planning, and execution of the YMCA Youth & Government (YAG) program. "I am committed to – and excited about - creating opportunities for youth to meaningfully connect with their communities." she said. "My goal is to inspire civic engagement and empower youth across New Jersey."

The Alliance will be utilizing funding secured in the New Jersey state budget to support the YAG initiative to increase opportunities for youth and teens in communities that have historically faced barriers to access. Mulkey's leadership will help expand YAG and other programs that encourage young people to take an active role in participating in the future of their communities.

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Prior to working at the Alliance, Mulkey spent eight years in various roles at Mercer Community College's Division of Lifelong Learning.

To learn more about the Alliance and its ongoing initiatives, visit the organization's website at www.NJYMCA.org.

About the New Jersey YMCA State Alliance