Joelle Martin (2015) Joins the NH State House

Congratulations to Joelle Martin (LEND 2015), who was recently elected to the New Hampshire House of Representatives. Since completing the NH-ME LEND program, Joelle has drawn upon her experience as a business executive, educator, parent, and community volunteer, to improve the quality of life for families across the state. She is now a clear voice for policy decision making that will impact the lives of the citizens of her home town, Milford, NH. 

“My experiences in the LEND program -- including the Policy Partners Program at Community Crossroads, policy advocacy internship at Community Support Network Inc (CSNI), and Policy Brief/Legislative advocacy experience in Washington, DC-- reshaped not only my perspective on policy and advocacy, but also my career path.  Through these experiences, I gained invaluable insights on how policy drives change at the organizational, local, state and federal levels.  I've always enjoyed working collaboratively; the collaborative, interdisciplinary approach in LEND was powerful and inspiring.” 

Upon completion of LEND, Joelle’s work continued at the NH Council for Youths with Chronic Conditions and Spark NH’s Policy Committee. CYCC is a comprehensive statewide advisory and advocacy organization formed to address issues that impact the lives of children with chronic illness and their families. Spark NH is an early childhood advisory council created to promote a comprehensive system of early childhood programs and services in New Hampshire. In April, 2016, she was appointed to the Governor’s Commission on Health Care Workforce, where she is collaborating to set recommendations to address the workforce shortage in the state of New Hampshire.