Jill Zinckgraf '19
elevate voices.
Tell us about your roles as executive director of the Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County.
The Domestic Abuse and Sexual Assault Crisis Center of Warren County is a $2 million agency that offers support services for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault through a safe shelter, outreach offices, a hotline, counseling, training and events. I work to elevate the voices of those impacted by interpersonal violence and to change the social narrative. In addition to overseeing the agency, I am board chair of the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault. As a member of the advisory committee for the New Jersey State Police, I’m working with administrators who will provide domestic violence training to state troopers.
Why did you choose Stockton?
Over the last 12 years, I have been looking for a doctoral program that was meaningful, complemented and developed my skillset, and that would inspire. I was looking through a local newspaper when I saw a picture of Cohort I with a caption about the Organizational Leadership program offered at Stockton University. I immediately went to the website and read as much as I could about the program. I attended an informational session and was struck by Dr. George Sharp’s passion, commitment and enthusiasm. For the first time, I felt that there was a different way in which we can do this very hard work – collaboratively, creatively and mindfully. Dr. Joe Marchetti also spoke in detail about the competencies that guide the program, and again, I could not help but think this was the program and these were the professors that would challenge me and give me the opportunity to grow.
How has the Organizational Leadership Program affected you as a leader?
The program has had an impact on me on so many levels and has given me language I did not have before. When confronted with a complex situation, I now realize there are multiple answers and no right answers. I am developing relationships that are more meaningful and a deeper comprehension of the issues I deal with on a daily basis. I was brought in as a guest to work with Major League Baseball representatives to start conversations on updating sexual harassment policies and unique approaches to training players. The program gave me language to have conversations that are more meaningful.
What are your goals and aspirations upon graduation?
I am not sure where my journey will take me, however I would like to look at working within an agency that is doing violence prevention work on a national/international level. Currently, I am doing this work on a local level and I would like to work on a more macro scale to make a larger impact.
Proudest accomplishments?
This is a hard question for me to answer. If you ask me on a personal level I would answer … raising my four children to be good, smart, productive people. If you ask me on a professional level I would answer … finding the confidence to take a leadership role in an agency that was struggling internally and externally and leading it to regain its reputation, build relationships with key stakeholders and serving a community in need.
