Organization

Maribel Cruz, Executive Director

Health Jam, Inc. is spearheaded by Maribel Cruz. Born in Puerto Rico and raised in New York City, Maribel is a graduate of Johnson & Wales University. At the age of 16, she worked for Bronx Congressman Robert Garcia and was responsible for community affairs, recreational activities, minority social awareness programs, and educational enhancement. As Director of Sales and Marketing for WonderCamp Entertainment, she was in charge of advertising, public relations, fund-raising events and entertainment.

In 1995, she founded Action Against AIDS, a health and learning organization that helped HIV-positive children who were denied access to summer camps. She saw the need to educate the community about HIV and AIDS and to help adolescents learn how to protect themselves against HIV infection.

Over the years, she has formed collaborations with the New York City Department of Education, New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Community Health Care Network, and New York Youthline. In addition she has received an infrastructure donation, which included office space, staff, advertising, furniture, equipment and supplies. The aftermath of September 11th brought changes to the organization - new board members, In-school and after-school programs, seed money and a corporate name change - leading to Health Jam, Inc.