With over 10 years of government experience under her belt, Kyleesha Wingfield-Hill has solidified herself as the quintessential public servant. After earning her Bachelor’s Degree from Kean University and a Master’s Degree in Administrative Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University, Kyleesha’ s work to address community trauma and to improve the quality of life of residents in urban centers truly began. Her skill set was strengthened through local government classes and a valuable internship with the late Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver. She gained her experience in municipal government under the leadership of the Honorable Dwayne D. Warren, Mayor of Orange. Kyleesha served as an aide to the Mayor and worked as the Community Relations Specialist at the Orange Fire Department. Directly after, she began to work as an Policy Advisor in the City of Newark’s Law Department where she researched critical issues which led her to becoming Mayor Baraka’s Policy Advisor providing key policy analysis and recommendations to the Mayor.
Kyleesha Wingfield- Hill, a lifelong resident of Orange’s East Ward, has shown tremendous strength and perseverance her entire life that has led to her becoming an expert in gun violence prevention, criminal justice reform, and grassroots organizing. Her natural ability to lead, policy knowledge and community partnerships led to the Honorable Ras J. Baraka, Mayor of Newark tapping her to direct the Mayor’s Office of Violence and Trauma Recovery. In this role, she will develop strategies, initiatives, programs and opportunities to reduce violence and strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the Newark community. Her collaborative efforts in her role as Executive Director of the Brick City Peace Collective (BCPC) has led to Newark to being recognized as a national model for reimagining public safety but has more importantly produced overall reductions in crime. In 2023, Newark hit the lowest levels of homicides in 63 years.
This is not by happenstance. Early on, she was clear about her path in life as broke the cycle of two generations of drug and alcohol abuse that plagued her mother and father. She never allowed the stigmas attached to growing up in an urban neighborhood stop her from achieving her dreams but rather let it fuel her passion to create change for her community as well as the larger Essex County region.
Wingfield -Hill’s appreciation for quality education for the children of Orange led her to an appointment to serve on the Orange Board of Education. During her tenure on the Board, she successfully advocated for the improvements of school facilities and more community engagement activities with students. Parents applauded her after-school movement where students are becoming leaders in the community. Kyleesha was an integral partner in opening Orange’s specialized school for Science, Engineering, Technology and Math. In addition, she continues to bridge the gap of opportunity through several initiatives that focus on education and founding the City of Newark’s first guaranteed education program allowing youth in Orange and Newark to be exposed to the college experience.
Through Newark’s Guaranteed Education Program, Kyleesha has provided high school students impacted by violence with free college tuition and has created opportunities that have enhanced the lives of residents, families and communities across the state through her progressive policy initiatives.
Inspired by her grandmother, Mary-Ann Hill who raised her, Kyleesha has been a relentless advocate for senior housing and efforts to improve quality of life. She currently serves as a board member for Newark Downtown District, Vice President for Urban League Young Proffessionals and volunteers with various organizations across the state.
