JERSEY CITY – Mayor Steven Fulop announced on Jan. 9 the appointment of Soraya Hebron as the chief officer of the Office of Diversity and Inclusion, a post most recently held by Rev. Reginald McRae. The Office, which was created by Mayor Fulop in 2016, is aimed at enhancing workforce diversity and implementing important inclusion practices, including encouraging minority- and women-owned businesses to become partners in city contracts.
“Our focus on diversity and inclusion has never been more important, and I am fully confident that Soraya Hebron will help us in our mission to build a equitable and inclusive city,” said Mayor Fulop. “Soraya brings a new energy to connecting our diverse workforce with new opportunities, and I look forward to working together to expand on our progress.”
Soraya Hebron is a Jersey City native and longtime resident of Bergen-Lafayette. She has served as an aide in the Jersey City Mayor’s Office since February 2017, where she worked on policy creation and implementation. During this time, she played a major role in the Municipal ID Program, as well as organizing city sponsored Hurricane Maria relief efforts.
Hebron previously served as aide to the mayor, a planning intern for the Hudson County Division of Plannning and a field manager assistant for the Fresh Air Fund. She also served as a public policy and advocacy inter for Women’s Way. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Urban Studies and African American studies, she has been involved in volunteer work as a Big Sister, a mentor and peer advisor.
She is currently pursuing a Master of City & Regional Planning degree at Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy. She is a member of Zion Baptist Church in Jersey City.
“I am honored to have been selected to lead the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and look forward to working with City staff and members of the community to make important progress on diversity in Jersey City’s workforce.”
