Michael Strom is the Program Director of Leadership Newark. He is an LN Class of 2015 Alumni, has served as a graduate intern for Leadership Newark, and has helped teach civics classes to LN Junior Fellows. As Program Director, Michael is responsible for ensuring that the organization’s mission and vision are met with success by developing and managing all activities for initiatives offered by Leadership Newark.
Michael has a Masters Degree in Political Science from Rutgers Newark, with a focus on structural solutions to systemic challenges. His bachelor’s degree is also in Political Science, from The College of New Jersey, where he served as a Student Trustee on the Board.
As an educator, Michael has experience teaching American Government at Union County College, teaching 10th grade Geometry through Teach For America (Philadelphia Corps ‘09), and leading teen social justice programming at Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest. Michael also served as a Leadership for Educational Equity (LEE) Public Policy Fellow (Class of 2019) and a Bonner AmeriCorps Community Leader (Class of 2009). Michael utilizes his background in civic education, public policy, and program management to help ensure that Leadership Newark initiatives are accessible, engaging, socially relevant and fulfilling.
Michael is passionate about leveraging technology to promote equitable learning, personal fulfillment and access to opportunities – especially in a post COVID-19 environment. Michael is well experienced in virtual instruction utilizing GoToMeeting, ZOOM, Skype and other platforms. In a previous role at the Jersey City Housing Authority, Michael managed digital inclusion efforts for residents, including: hosting a digital literacy program, refurbishing computers to open computer labs, assisting seniors with a tablet connectivity program, and hosting community convenings. Michael is a co-creator of the Digital Inclusion Practitioners of New Jersey (DIPNJ), a collaboration of civic-minded individuals promoting access to affordable high-speed internet, reliable technology, digital literacy training, and job opportunities.
Michael is a firm believer in the power of connections to facilitate change and is very active in the Community Networking Associations (CNA) of Essex, Union, and Hudson, among other groups. Outside of work, Michael is a lover of nature & animals, woodworking, and facilitating social gatherings (remotely). Michael is extremely interested in history, political theory & social commentary podcasts, science fiction audiobooks, group board games/video games, and cringe worthy dad-jokes.
**For a list of resources developed by Michael to help individuals struggling from COVID-19 changes, please visit: https://dipnj.org/general-resources/