Overview

In a time of constant change and overlapping challenges, how are Newark’s most creative thinkers working, evolving – and thriving?

Join us every Tuesday at 6PM on Instagram Live to have an in-depth conversation with the young innovators who’ve made this city’s tight-knit community one of the most diverse, interesting, and active in the state.

You’ll be able to ask them questions about their work, their response to the pandemic, and the Black Lives Matter movement – and learn more about the energy that’s making New Jersey’s largest city so resilient.

This week, meet Jessica “JV” Valladolid, a sexuality educator and Board member at the Newark-based Masakhane, a youth-driven organization promoting healthy outlooks on sex and sexuality. As an intern at the organization, they filmed and published ‘Coming Out Stories’ – an online series documenting the varying experiences of Newark resident’s “coming out.” JV has served as a Program Coordinator for a 21st Century Learning Center after-school program for a North Ward middle school in Newark and is actively involved in neighborhood revitalization efforts in the East Ward. A lifelong Newarker, JV is also the co-founder of the Down Bottom Bike Crew youth mentorship program.