Jane Collins-Colding

Jane Collins-Colding is a Liberian-born entrepreneur, deeply committed community servant, and candidate for the Maplewood Township Committee. Her journey—rooted in global perspective and personal perseverance—began in Liberia and Kenya, ultimately settling in the United States at age 17. Today, she and her husband Russell have lived in the SOMA area for 18 years, making Maplewood home for the last four. Together, they are raising five children and have fostered an additional 20, reflecting a powerful legacy of care and inclusion.

Driven by her roots, Jane founded Feed2000, a nonprofit that delivers food, school supplies, and educational support both locally and in her ancestral village in Grand Bassa, Liberia. Her charity work has also supported local shelters like Turning Point, Isaiah House, and provided humanitarian relief following Hurricane Sandy. 

In public service, Jane chairs and co-founded the New Jersey Black Empowerment Coalition, where she leads initiatives like enhancing voter engagement, advancing parole reform, and protecting civil liberties. She also serves as a District Leader in Maplewood’s 9th district. She is actively involved in civic groups, including the Maplewood Senior Advisory Committee, the “We The People” coalition, and EQUIP NJ. 

Having won the Democratic nomination for Township Committee in June 2025, Jane is widely expected to serve Maplewood with a platform built on affordability, safety, and strength.

Jane will focus on preserving affordable housing, ensuring pedestrian safety, defending immigrant and LGBTQ+ rights by preparing the community for a changing political landscape.