Outreach Liaisons
About the Program
The Outreach Liaison Program consists of people from diverse backgrounds and professions. Each brings different perspectives to help create a more informed transportation decision-making process.
The outreach liaisons help tailor our public outreach strategies to the specific needs of a project or study area’s ethnic or cultural groups. Liaisons may offer knowledge about cultural nuances, interface with community members on behalf of the agency, facilitate community meetings or events, and provide translation services, if needed.
The goal of this program is to engage residents more effectively in transportation planning, increase public understanding of our work, and ensure engagement is diverse and inclusive. Our 13-county region is one of most diverse areas in the country, with communities that represent many races, ethnicities, cultures, languages, identities, religions, and traditions.
The NJTPA has been piloting this initiative with support from the Public Outreach and Engagement Team at the Voorhees Transportation Center at Rutgers University.
If you are a subregion interested in using the Outreach Liaisons for one of your NJTPA-funded projects, please contact Ted Ritter at [email protected].
Meet the Outreach Liaisons
Aanya Marya is a student leader and dedicated advocate for community engagement, urban planning, and sustainable transportation. Currently a junior at John P. Stevens High School in Edison, NJ, Aanya has taken on roles that emphasize youth perspectives in local governance and economic development. She serves as a Student Intern with the Metuchen Downtown Alliance, where she collaborates with the executive director, local legislators, and fellow volunteers to bolster economic vitality through youth-centered initiatives. Additionally, as a Youth Committee Member and Advisor for Transportation Alternatives, she is actively involved in promoting sustainable and affordable transportation options for low-income communities. Her interests lie in the intersection between urban planning, entrepreneurship, and public speaking.
Bernie Wagenblast is a seasoned transportation and broadcasting professional with a wealth of experience spanning several decades. She Is known for her distinctive voice in the New York City and New Jersey transportation sectors. A committed advocate for LGBTQ rights in transportation, Bernie uses her platform to promote inclusivity within the industry. Her career includes founding the Transportation Communications Newsletter and hosting the "Transportation Radio" where she shares insights on developments in transportation and urban mobility. In addition to her work in broadcasting, Bernie is actively involved in fostering innovation in the transportation industry.
La Trenda Ross has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to social/human services for almost three decades. Her experience includes advocacy, community engagement, outreach, marketing, and communications. She manages a program for the elderly and disabled population for the Department of Housing and Community Reintegration in Jersey City. Additionally, she is an Entrepreneur and Life Coach with Trending Into A New Life, LLC. She is also an active volunteer with several community organizations. These include being President of the Hudson County Community College Alumni Association and International Associate of Women. La Trenda is also a member Garden State Leaders and Chair of the Hudson County Food and Shelter Coalition. She also enjoys dancing and sight-seeing.
Li Ching Jung is President and Founder of Cultural and Creative Exchange, an organization that aims to spread Eastern Asian culture through creative art shows, exhibitions, and performances. Jung is Honorary President of the Chinese American Cultural Association, Commissioner of Overseas Community Affairs Council ROC (Taiwan) Chapter and Former Chairman of the Taiwan Benevolent Association of NJ Charter.
Mervett Hefyan is a researcher who specializes in recruiting community-based organizations to participate in research studies and providing them with guidance and support throughout the process. She is also a member of the Port Authority Bus Terminal Advisory Council. Mervett holds a master's degree in urban planning from Hunter College. She’s often out walking, running, or riding buses around Hudson County.