Jigna Rao is Director at Center for Continuing Studies at Mercer County Community College where she oversees professional development, personal enrichment, and workforce development training programs that create educational pathways for adults, while cultivating a community of learning. Jigna’s career spans education, government, healthcare, business, and nonprofit fields where she has used her leadership to influence growth, affect change, and engage audiences. Previously, Jigna led the Youth Services Programs at Millhill Child and Family Development including the City of Trenton Mayor’s Summer Youth Employment Program. Prior to this, Jigna served on NJ Governor Corzine’s staff as the Director of Drumthwacket- NJ Governor’s Official Residence.
Jigna’s passions go beyond her professional endeavors. In 2007, following a diagnosis of Pelvic Tuberculosis and infertility, she learned firsthand about the stigma of such conditions, particularly for women. She realized that she could make an impact by sharing her story publicly, since few survivors feel they can do so without fear of being socially isolated. Jigna has received multiple recognitions for her advocacy work, including Princeton YWCA’s Tribute to Women Award.
Jigna’s commitment to human rights extends beyond TB. She dedicates her efforts to domestic violence, minority health, and serves on various nonprofit boards and committees including Womanspace, SKN Foundation, and Princeton YWCA. Jigna is an alumni of TCNJ and Mercer County Community College. Jigna lives in Hopewell with her husband and their dog.
Lisa Christiansen believes that executive leaders build trust through courageous leadership, and that trust is what drives thriving teams and loyal customers. Lisa brings over 30 years of global and national corporate experience to her work as a highly skilled facilitator of personal development for individual executives and their teams. She partners with her clients to help them unleash their full leadership potential so that they can bring business and people together to deliver outstanding results.