Six from Rutgers–Camden have been named to Front Runner New Jersey’s 2026 “30 Under 40 Top Latino Leaders of South Jersey," recognizing their leadership and contributions in education, law, public service, science, and community advocacy.
Student Success
Stories
Rutgers–Camden received a competitive $2.9 million federal grant to help students translate their education into career success. The funding will expand opportunities for internships, career coaching, mentoring, and employer engagement while advancing the university’s mission of creating educational opportunity and economic mobility.
Vedra Chandler has spent much of her life moving between worlds — from growing up in Camden to studying at Harvard, from performing on the road with the Broadway hit musical “Hairspray” to working in the city’s nonprofit and arts communities. Now, she is pursuing a Ph.D. in public affairs at Rutgers University–Camden, where she is examining how arts and culture can help cities thrive.
Discover how J.J. Fricano earned his Rutgers business administration degree at Atlantic Cape Community College while helping run Storybook Land, applying classroom lessons to strengthen his family business and advance his career.
Yamilex Ortiz’s childhood experience receiving legal assistance inspired her to pursue a career in public-interest law. After working as a Community Legal Services paralegal, she chose Rutgers Law–Camden for its supportive, diverse community. Now, she hopes to use her legal education to advocate for social justice and meaningful change.
Center for Computational and Integrative Biology Ph.D. student Jahmal Ennis will develop computational models for gold nanoparticles used in targeted drug delivery through the selective Chateaubriand STEM fellowship, which fosters collaboration between American and French research teams.