Jennifer Makar

Jennifer Makar is the Director of Faith Outreach at America First Policy Institute (AFPI). She mobilizes Arab American communities in civic duties and voter participation. As an elected member of her local school board, she also helps identify candidates to run for board of education.

Makar attended William Paterson University and, upon graduation, worked in the pharmaceutical industry. She previously worked for American Philanthropic, where she gained valuable experience in the political arena.

In 2021, she ran for an expired term on the Roselle Park Board of Education and won. She then ran for a full three-year term in 2022 and won her reelection to remain on the school board. Makar was instrumental in shaping the new school board, and some of their accomplishments include hiring a new board attorney, a new superintendent, and new principals for the district. Makar is an advocate for parental rights and helped eliminate comprehensive sex education as well as other controversial subject matters mandated by the state. The board has maintained the majority for three elections and continues to fight for families and parents. Makar has chaired the Policy and Board Operations Committee and the Technology Committee.

Makar is also a leader in the Coptic Orthodox community, educating them about the radical gender ideologies pushed by state legislators and the governor. She has testified in front of the State Assembly Education Committee multiple times and successfully persuaded legislators to change their vote. In the summer of 2024, she formed the Coptic Coalition with other concerned community members.

Makar was chosen as Co-Vice President of the New Jersey Federation of Republican Women Union County Chapter. She sits on the County Committee of the Union County Republican Organization and was the 2023 Young Republican National Committeewoman. This year, she is being honored as the Union County Young Republican of the Year. In October 2024, before the presidential election, she was asked to speak on a panel about parental rights for the American Middle Eastern Alliance for Trump Summit in Detroit, Michigan.

Outside of work, Makar is a firm believer in community service and has served her church's high school Sunday school class for more than 15 years. Her passion is serving those who are often unseen or ignored, which helps her maintain a well-rounded perspective.

Looking ahead, Makar is dedicated to advancing the policies that put the American people first, ensuring that AFPI continues to thrive and achieve new heights.