Donnell Hill, Founding Executive Director at STRIVE North Jersey

Donnell Hill (he/him) is a passionate and strategic leader with more than 20 years of experience in education, workforce development, and community-based programming. Since beginning his professional journey in 2004, Donnell has dedicated his career to creating opportunities for individuals, especially those impacted by systemic barriers, to transform their lives through training, education, and career pathways. 

Donnell has built a reputation as a builder of programs, a connector of people, and a tireless advocate for justice-involved youth, adult learners, and underserved communities. He has led local and national initiatives that improved employment outcomes, expanded access to college and industry credentials, and scaled evidence-based training models across multiple cities. Through this work, he has cultivated a strong network of public and private partners and developed a leadership style that is mission first, outcomes focused, and rooted in equity. 

A proud graduate of SUNY New Paltz with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Long Island University with a Master of Science in Urban Education, Donnell is also a current Leadership Newark Fellow and a former New York City Teaching Fellow. He lives in Harrison, New Jersey with his wife Ana Maria Hill, who serves as the New Jersey State Director and Vice President of 32BJ SEIU, and their two sons. 

Outside of work, Donnell enjoys time with his family, playing Xbox, and cheering for his beloved Green Bay Packers.