EMPA Alumni Named to Insider NJ’s 2025 Powerful Women List
Insider NJ has named two Executive Master of Public Administration (EMPA) alumni from Rutgers–Camden – Dena Mottola Jaborska and Jigna Rao – to its 2025 Powerful Women of NJ list. In a featured story introducing this year’s honorees, New Jersey Assemblywoman Shavonda E. Sumter describes the list as a “carefully curated group of remarkable women” whose leadership across politics, business, education, and healthcare drives fairness, dignity, and opportunity statewide. The recognition highlights women advancing equity and strengthening democratic participation during a consequential year in New Jersey and beyond.
Dena Mottola Jaborska was appointed Executive Director of New Jersey Citizen Action in 2022 after eight years with the organization, where she served as Associate Director and Director of Advocacy and Organizing. With 27 years of social justice advocacy experience, she previously led New Jersey Public Interest Research Group and Environment New Jersey. As executive director, she has focused on expanding advocacy and direct services for working families, strengthening electoral engagement, and advancing strategic planning around diversity, equity, and inclusion across staff, board leadership, membership, and coalitions.
Jigna Rao serves as Chief Executive Officer of Millhill Child & Family Development. She joined the organization in 2020 as Director of Operations before advancing to CEO, bringing prior leadership experience from Mercer County Community College and service in the New Jersey Governor’s Office. Her work centers on children and families, healthcare equity, and operational leadership that strengthens community-based services.
The full list – introduced by Assemblywoman Sumter with acknowledgment of Senator Loretta Weinberg as founder of the recognition – is available through Insider NJ. Readers are encouraged to download the Insider NJ 2025 Powerful Women of NJ list to learn more about these leaders and others shaping the future of the state.
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Rutgers University–Camden offers comprehensive Master of Public Administration (M.P.A.) and Executive M.P.A. (E.M.P.A.) programs designed to equip students with essential skills in data analytics, financial management, leadership, and information technology. These programs prepare graduates for impactful careers in public service, providing flexible course delivery options—including in-person, hybrid, and fully online formats—to accommodate both full-time students and working professionals. Graduates find opportunities across various sectors, including municipal, state, and federal agencies, as well as leadership roles in nonprofit organizations, making significant contributions to their communities.
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