Rutgers-Camden Leaders Named to Top Latino List
Front Runner New Jersey honors six individuals from the campus community in its 2026 30 Under 40 Top Latino Leaders list.
Updated on Oct. 21, 2026 in Hispanic
Live Poll
Do you believe local leaders in your community are successfully creating opportunities for the next generation?
Front Runner New Jersey has recognized six members of the Rutgers-Camden community on its 2026 list of the 30 Under 40 Top Latino Leaders of South Jersey. The selections honor professionals and students who have demonstrated leadership in public service, law, and community advocacy.
Why it matters
This recognition highlights the diverse contributions and mentorship roles held by Latino leaders within the university and the broader South Jersey community. It draws attention to emerging talent who are actively creating opportunities for peers and students.
The list honors 30 leaders in South Jersey, with six representatives coming from the Rutgers-Camden community. Each honoree must be under the age of 40 to qualify for the recognition.
The players
Isabella Bordon
She is a student at Rutgers-Camden who received the 2026 Heart & Soul Award and achieved All-New Jersey Athletic Conference honors in the heptathlon.
Raizel Febles
She serves as the student government president at Rutgers-Camden.
Arlette Leyba
She is an associate at the law firm Brown & Connery, LLP.
Melissa Maselli
She works in the Office of U.S. Senator Cory A. Booker.
Abneris Morales
She holds both undergraduate and doctoral degrees from Rutgers-Camden.
The details
The honorees include student body president Raizel Febles, program coordinator Lisa Estevez, and Heart & Soul Award winner Isabella Bordon. They are joined by law firm associate Arlette Leyba, Senator Cory A. Booker’s staffer Melissa Maselli, and alumna Abneris Morales.
Timeline
The 2026 30 Under 40 Top Latino Leaders list was published in 2026.
Culture Shift
The recognition reflects a broader trend of increased professional visibility and community advocacy among younger Latino leaders in South Jersey. This shift highlights how localized mentorship and academic engagement are reshaping regional professional landscapes.
The recognition of these leaders brings positive institutional attention to the Rutgers-Camden campus. It may provide students and local job seekers with new networking avenues as these honorees continue their work in public service and law.
The takeaway
These awards demonstrate the importance of local mentorship in fostering success among young Latino professionals in South Jersey. Aspiring leaders can view these profiles as examples of how to integrate community service into their career paths.
Further reading
Discover more about local achievements and representation on the Camden Hispanic section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Rutgers.
Live Poll
Do you believe local leaders in your community are successfully creating opportunities for the next generation?
