By CPS (Holy Name) Healthy Courier reporters | Holy Name Healthy Courier seventh-grade reporters recently learned how one Camden resident works to help New Jersey residents access timely and reliable information about their communities. The reporters interviewed Ayinde Merrill, program officer for the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium (NJCIC), a nonprofit organization.
“I found him to be very relatable, and I admire his mission for helping the community,” said reporter Samayeliz Rivera. Reporter Cassandra Ureña said, “I am impressed that he has accomplished so much at a young age.”
This interview has been shortened and edited.
Q. Describe your career journey.
Mr. Merrill: I have had a lot of experiences in life that have led me to understanding how news keeps communities informed and connected. It all started in my hometown of Camden. I began with grassroots movements, the arts, storytelling, and fully engaging with the community to bring about change.
Q. What is the purpose of the New Jersey Civic Information Consortium?
Mr. Merrill: The mission is to provide grants to support news organizations and nonprofits like Healthy NewsWorks to grow and share trustworthy information.
Q. What is your role at NJCIC?
Mr. Merrill: My role is to oversee how NJCIC works with grantees to help their programs provide quality civic information for the surrounding community and communities.
Q. What is your favorite part of your job?
Mr. Merrill: I like being able to go out into the community to meet people and see what is happening in the community.
Q. What is the most difficult part of your job?
Mr. Merrill: The most difficult part of my job is dealing with budgets and making those tough decisions that come with managing large budgets.
Q. Who or what inspires you?
Mr. Merrill: I get inspiration from everyday people. My wife inspires me. My parents had a service mindset, and I think that led me to the kind of work I am doing. Students, young people, and their way of thinking also inspire me.
Q. What advice would you give someone to enter your profession?
Mr. Merrill: The best advice I would give is to build strong communication skills. The work you are doing with your school newspaper is a skill that you can build on.
Illustration by Lydia, 7th grade, MaST, 2025-2026.
