The first CivicsNJ Exchange of 2026 was hosted on January 28th by Ebonie Simpson, Executive Director, Mid-Atlantic Region, Generation Citizen. With her mentee, Camila Perez, a senior at Yale University, they shared not only their personal civics stories, but how civic engagement changed the trajectory of their personal and professional lives. They delivered a sense of hope and purpose, reminding everyone that civic learning is an ongoing, life long pursuit. In the current social and political climate, they reminded the audience to approach peers with understanding, and lead with empathy. Please view a recording of the Exchange here to be inspired by Ebonie and Camila’s grounding in, and commitment to, civic learning and engagement.