Newark Regional Business Partnership Events Newswire

Leadership Summit 1/16/2026 9:30 AM - 1/16/2026 3:00 PM

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 14:33:41 GMT

On-site registration will be accepted for this program. Please note that you will need a photo ID to enter the building. Attendees who register after 11:30am on January 15 will write a name badge onsite.

NRBP’s inaugural Leadership Summit will convene business leaders from across the Greater Newark region for a full day of learning, collaboration, and meaningful connection.

This dynamic summit is designed to engage participants from NRBP’s Nonprofits, Women’s, and Entrepreneurs councils, offering tailored program tracks that address the unique challenges, opportunities, and strategies relevant to each sector.

Attendees will gain actionable insights, expand their professional networks, and leave equipped to drive positive impact within their organizations and the broader Newark business community.

Keynote Address: The Rule of Law and the Power of Leadership: Upholding Principles in Times of Change by Dean Ronald Weich, Seton Hall University School of Law

Tracks and Sessions:

For Nonprofits
Session 1: Partners in Purpose: Aligning Philanthropy and Nonprofit Strategy
Moderated by Calvin Ledford, Jr., PSEG Foundation
Panelists:
Craig Drinkard - Victoria Foundation
Shane Harris – Prudential Foundation
Samra Haider – Geraldine Dodge Foundation
Alejandra Ceja – Panasonic Foundation

Session 2: Synergy in Action: The Future of Strategic Partnerships
Moderated by Mary Makfinsky, Popular Bank
Panelists:
Shadae McDaniel, All Stars Project
Kristen Pappas, Onyx Equities
Karimah Hagans, Turning Point Community Services
Lucy Vandenberg, Schumann Fund for New Jersey
Peter Rosario, La Casa de Don Pedro
Steven Gomez , Citizens Bank

For Women
Session 1: Women in STEM
Moderated by Tracy MacDonald, NJIT
Panelists:
Takeerah Jones - Busy Bees Learning Center
Susan Schofer - HAX/SOSV
Tembi Hommes – ARUP

Session 2: How to Take Calculated Risks
Moderated by Ferlanda Fox Nixon, NRBP
Panelists:
Maria Rivera - Berkeley College
Lauren LeBeaux Craig - Newark Arts
Dr. Balpreet Grewal-Virk - RWJBarnabas Health

For Entrepreneurs
Session 1: Holistic Business, Time Management, and Preemptive Planning/Forecasting with AI and Other Tools
Moderated by Jaramogi Adams, Jarkara Strategies
Paenlists:
Dr. Ginny Baro - ExecutiveBound
Dr. Tendai Ndoro - NJSBDC/Rutgers University
Gary Mann - Jasfel Analytics
Gail Friedberg Rottenstrich – ZAGO Manufacturing Co.

Session 2: Marketing on a Shoestring: Using Newsletters, Thought Leadership, and Relationships as Growth Engines
Moderated by Tom Bergeron, BINJE
Panelists:
Penda Howell – NJ Urban News
Brendan Da Silva – The Da Silva Team/ KW Realtors
Anthony Marin – MIG Real Estate
Cheryl F. McCants – Impact Consulting Enterprises

Registration Instructions: Registration for this event is offered by track. Each track provides programming that is most relevant to its attendees. There are three tracks: Nonprofits, Women's, and Entrepreneurs. You may request changes to your track through January 12. To change your track, please contact Nikki Drake - ndrake@newarkrbp.org.

Please Note: Registration increases by $10 on January 14.

Photo/Video Disclaimer
Your attendance of/participation in any Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) program, event or webinar constitutes consent to be photographed, filmed, or videotaped and you hereby give the NRBP the unqualified right to take pictures and/or recordings of you and grant the perpetual right to use your likeness, image, photo, without compensation, for broadcast or exhibition in any medium and to put the finished pictures/recordings to any legitimate use without limitation or reservation.

Engage and Exchange Luncheon (Members-Only) at Newark Symphony Hall 1/21/2026 12:00 Noon - 1/21/2026 2:00 PM

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 17:51:42 GMT

Online registration is now closed for this program. We will not accept walk-ins.

Join us for the first members-only Engage and Exchange Luncheon of the year at Newark Symphony Hall.

This in-person gathering brings the spirit of our virtual Engage and Exchange conversations to life, nurturing meaningful connections and resource sharing among NRBP members.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to exlpore Newark Symphony Hall, one of Newark's arts and culture institutions.

This members-only event is a great opportunity to share ideas, build relationships, and explore potential collaborations.

Seats are limited—secure your spot today!

Please note:

This is a members only event. If you are not a member, please contact Kirsten Giardi. kgiardi@newarkrbp.org, to learn more about NRBP and the benefits of membership.

NRBP Engage & Exchange: CEO Updates & Members-Only Forum featuring Victor Salama, Executive Director, GNEC 1/29/2026 10:00 AM - 1/29/2026 11:00 AM

Thu, 22 Jan 2026 15:36:55 GMT

Join us for "NRBP Engage & Exchange: CEO Updates and Member Forum," a monthly virtual gathering designed to foster communication and collaboration among NRBP members. This event will take place on the last Thursday of each month (unless otherwise indicated).

During this one-hour session, our President and CEO will share important updates about NRBP initiatives, upcoming events, and opportunities for member engagement. Members are encouraged to bring their questions and insights to the forum, creating an interactive environment where everyone can contribute to the conversation.

Our special guest for next week’s Engage & Exchange is Victor Salama, Executive Director of the Greater Newark Enterprises Corporation (GNEC).

GNEC is a nonprofit Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) that supports entrepreneurs and small business owners across New Jersey’s underserved and underbanked communities by providing access to capital and the support services needed to build thriving, sustainable businesses.

During this session, Victor will highlight the funding opportunities, business support, and guidance GNEC offers to help entrepreneurs grow, become bankable, and overcome barriers in the lending process. This conversation will explore how access to capital plays a critical role in closing the racial funding gap—and how GNEC helps businesses create jobs, build wealth, and generate lasting impact in their communities.

We look forward to your participation in this exciting opportunity to connect with fellow members and leadership.

Let’s engage, exchange ideas, and enhance our partnership!

NRBP Members Register Here.

Please note:

This is a virtual program that will be held on Zoom. Attendees will receive meeting access information within 48hrs of registering. For questions, please contact Maya Curry, mcurry@newarkrbp.org.
This is a members only event. If you are not a member, please contact Kirsten Giardi. kgiardi@newarkrbp.org, to learn more about NRBP and the benefits of membership.