SHCCNJ Announces Sept. 24 Health & Wellness Fair Panel

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September 13, 2026

Healthcare Workforce Development and the Growth of New Jersey’s Healthcare Economy

The SHCCNJ Health & Wellness Fair returns Sept. 24 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel in Fairfield. Hosted by the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey, the annual event will feature a breakfast panel and a health care career fair.

The panel, “Healthcare Workforce Development and the Growth of New Jersey’s Healthcare Economy,” will feature Somerset County Commissioner Sara Sooy; Andrea Martinez-Mejia, MPA, MA, executive director of the Greater Newark Health Care Coalition; and David Perez-Herranz, PT, DPT, vice president of clinical services at JAG Physical Therapy.

The conversation will explore health care workforce recruitment, talent development, clinical operations, access to care and the industry’s expanding role in New Jersey’s economy.

Approximately 300 guests are expected to attend the sit-down breakfast, panel discussion and career fair, which will connect employers with candidates interested in health-related careers.

Check back for updates on the event.

Panelists' Biographies

Commissioner Sara Sooy

Commissioner Sooy is a lifelong resident of Somerset County. Professional: Commercial Real Estate Industry. Education: Saint Francis College, Major: Economics, Minor: International Economics, 2014.

Rutgers University, Newark, NJ, MBA, Real Estate Development, 2018.

Public Service: Somerset County Board of County Commissioners, Member, January 4, 2019-present; Somerset Hills School District Board of Education, Member, 2015-2018.

Affiliations & Community Service: Somerset County Business Partnership, Member; Somerset County Commission on the Status of Women, Former Commissioner; Bernardsville Senior Center, Volunteer; Morristown Soup Kitchen, Volunteer; Heart Works, Member; Kiwanians, Member.

Andrea G. Martinez-Mejia, MPA, MA

With a background in public health, advocacy, outreach, and program management, Andrea Martinez-Mejia is passionate about improving access and equity to healthcare services for all community members. Well-versed in the legislative process, Martinez-Mejia can assess changing policy requirements, consult with legislators and advocates to ensure the community’s needs are heard, and adapt to new operational standards and resource allocations. Leveraging a diverse skillset that includes work in the public and private sectors, she currently serves as the Executive Director of the Greater Newark Health Care Coalition, a non-profit organization aiming to work collaboratively to improve systems, communities, and individual conditions for optimal health and well-being. Read more