The 8 Annual Nurture NJ leadership summit, Hilton East Brunswick, NJ
Share, Comment, Like, and Subscribe to support Independent Journalism!
By Adam Rizvi | Editor, The India Observer (TIO): East Brunswick, NJ: The 8th Annual Nurture NJ Leadership Summit—First Lady Tammy Murphy’s final and most consequential maternal health convening—drew nearly 800 advocates, experts, policymakers, community leaders, doulas, and families to the Hilton in East Brunswick for a full day of powerful conversations, heartfelt testimonies, and strategy-building around New Jersey’s maternal and infant health crisis.
Although I arrived early and stayed through the evening, the scale of the event made it easy to miss certain moments. According to the day’s program, Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill delivered opening remarks, reinforcing her administration’s commitment to strengthening maternal and infant health systems statewide.
Upon arrival, I was personally received by Maggie Garbarino of the First Lady’s office — a gesture of professionalism and courtesy toward the media. Later in the afternoon, I was escorted along with a small group of just four reporters into a private press room where First Lady Tammy Murphy addressed the media directly and took questions.
Though I chose not to ask a question, I thanked her for her work and dedication. She shook hands warmly and expressed gratitude — a gracious moment marking her final Nurture NJ Summit as First Lady of New Jersey.
Throughout the day, I conducted multiple Live broadcast segments from the TIO Facebook page and my personal account, giving our readers real-time access to the atmosphere, speakers, and community energy inside the fully packed Hilton ballroom.
Gov.-Elect Mikie Sherrill Criticizes Secretary of Education’s Partisan School Visit in New Jersey
“It has been the honor of my lifetime to serve New Jersey’s moms and babies,” said First Lady Tammy Murphy in her emotional remarks. She reflected on the eight-year journey of Nurture NJ — once an idea and now a nationally recognized statewide movement.
During her tenure, New Jersey saw dramatic progress:
-
Maternal mortality ranking improved from 47th to 25th nationally
-
Over 70 pieces of maternal and infant health legislation were signed
-
The Maternal and Infant Health Innovation Authority was established
-
The Trenton-based Innovation Center broke ground in July 2025
-
The state launched Family Connects NJ, the most robust universal nurse home visitation program in the country
Murphy reminded attendees that despite progress, the work is “far from over,” but community momentum gives her “tremendous hope for the future.”
Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill, in her remarks earlier in the program, emphasized that the inequities facing Black mothers remain unacceptable. She pledged to:
-
Strengthen Nurture NJ
-
Support doulas and midwives
-
Expand culturally competent maternal health services
-
Continue long-term maternal health reforms
Her message signaled continuity — and urgency — as she prepares to lead the state.
The Summit featured renowned voices, including:
-
Latham Thomas, founder of Mama Glow, as keynote speaker
-
Lisa Asare, President & CEO of NJMIHIA
-
Dr. Ndidiamaka Amutah-Onukagha, Tufts University
-
Sinsi Hernández-Cancio, JD, National Partnership for Women & Families
-
Jaye Wilson, Melinated Moms
-
Kenn L. Harris, The League of Voices
-
Christy Turlington Burns, Every Mother Counts
-
Shakira Williams-Linzey, March of Dimes
Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill Announces Bipartisan Local Government Advisory Group for Transition
Speakers centered community leadership, father inclusion, culturally competent care, and breaking down systemic silos that limit access to equitable maternal health outcomes.
The event’s theme — “United for Change” — resonated deeply throughout the day. Whether from national health leaders, young advocates, or mothers sharing lived experiences, the message was consistent:
New Jersey’s progress is real, but the path forward must be community-led, locally grounded, and equity-driven.
EDITORIAL COMMENT
As someone who attended the Summit from morning until evening, what moved me most was the genuine sense of community and purpose in the room. Maternal and infant health is not a political talking point—it is a human right, and for many families, a matter of life and death.
Watching nearly 800 people come together for the final Summit under First Lady Murphy’s leadership was a reminder that compassionate public service leaves a lasting legacy. Her work has touched thousands of lives. And as Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill prepares to lead the state, the responsibility to protect New Jersey’s mothers and babies continues.
The India Observer remains committed to covering these issues with integrity, compassion, and truth — keeping our communities informed and our leaders accountable.
Curated by Humra Kidwai
