LN Gala Dancers pose for a picture with Celia at the conclusion of the dance routine during this year’s 17th Annual Anniversary Gala. Left to right: Barry Carter; Kaylyn Kendall-‐Dines, LN ’02; Larry Muhammad; Dana Murray, LN ’15; Shavar Jeffries, LN ’03; Naomi Jeffries; Khalil Nassinruddin, LN ’14; Tai Cooper; Robert Steinbaum, Board Trustee; Linda Morgan, Alison Fernandez, LN Staff; Jesus Huaranga.
Table of Contents A Message from the CEO
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Alumni Corner
Networking Events
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Recap: Newark In Action Week
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2015 Community Leadership Initiative Class of 2016 Recap
Alumni Spotlight: Larry Crump
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LN Trustees & Acknowledgments
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Leadership Newark, Inc. 494 Broad Street, Suite LL10 Newark, NJ 07102 Phone: (973) 350-9200 Fax: (973) 350-9208 leadnewark@leadershipnewark.org @LeadershipNwk
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A Message From The Chief Executive Officer: Welcome to our third issue of The Leadership Ledger. This edition introduces you to our new digital format. Please let us know how you like it. I can’t believe the summer is almost over. I hope it has been an enjoyable one for you. The summer is a typically the time of year when most of us take time to wind down, catch up on things and spend time with family and friends. Whether you were able to have your rest and relaxation time on a vacation or stay-cation, my hope is you thoroughly enjoyed. In this issue you have the opportunity to get a glimpse into how exciting LN’s big event week themed “Newark In Action: Educate v Engage vEmpower turned out. During that week, we hosted our 17th anniversary Gala, a private reception honoring our Summit keynote speaker, Ryan Haygood, President & CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, and of course our second Public Policy Summit.
LN FACTOID Earn Credits for Graduate School!
Leadership Newark has teamed up with the Rutgers University - Newark School of Public Affairs and Administration to offer individuals completing a graduate degree program three credits for successfully completing the Leadership Newark Public Policy Fellowship. For more information, please contact Dr. Peter Hoontis, Associate Dean, at the School of Public Affairs and Administration.
There were so many involved in making the week a success, and I would be remiss if I did not send a heartfelt “thank you” to everyone who participated at any level. In particular, I would like to give a special shout out to the summit steering committee: Janel Artis, LN’15; Monique Baptiste Good, LN’15; Dana Bochna, LN’15; Craig Drinkard, Victoria Fdn; Natasha Dyer, LN’11; Andre Gibson, LN’12; Dan McNeal, LN’13; Yvette Ortiz-Beaumont, LN’13 and Kimaada Sills, LN’15. I would also like to share news about the re-launch of a training initiative, the Non-profit Board Service Training program. This training is being offered twice a year with the hopes of readying prospective board members and finetuning the knowledge of current board members to serve effectively on charter school and nonprofit boards who serve the Newark community. The training is quite popular, so much so that we had to develop a waiting list for the May 2015 training. We will be hosting our next session in November. If interested, I encourage you to sign up as soon as the notice is circulated. In addition to this digital communiqué, LN will be moving in the direction of setting up a virtual community for our alum to share thoughts on current national, state and local issues. Yes, there will soon be an interactive platform to engage you as an online community to blog and chat about critical issues impacting Newark and beyond. We are very excited and hope you will participate. This was born out of one of the Community Leadership Initiative projects this year. Do stay tuned! Lastly, always keep in mind, it is important to be apart of the solution and never the problem. Take good care, Celia Celia M. King, MPS
Networking to the LNth Degree
Besides
being
the
premier
leadership
organization to cultivate community leaders, the Leadership Newark network has been home to countless partnerships. When Whole Foods expanded its presence into Morristown, NJ, its newest Marketing Team Leader, Milena Caraballo, LN ’15 knew building relationships with the local community would be important. With the support of Leadership Newark’s CEO, she was introduced to Dan McGuire, LN’ 01, who serves as the Director of Headquarters Development of Homeless Solutions, a Morristown based organization committed to servicing low-income individuals and families with support and shelter services. After the virtual introduction, both Caraballo and McGuire went to work in hosting a fundraiser for Homeless Solutions. At last, Whole Foods of Morristown hosted a fundraiser “Good Will from the Grill” for the community based organization and successfully raised $200. “In addition to the "Good Will from the Grill" we have brainstormed a variety of ways our organizations could work together and it will be great to work with her again going forward,” said McGuire. Partnerships and initiatives like this is the kind of spirit that Leadership Newark embodies and encourages each and every moment. Well done Milena and Dan!
Upcoming Events – Don’t Miss Out! Class of 2015 Graduation: September 30, 2015 Class of 2017 Retreat Dinner: October 8, 2015 Leadership Newark Alumni Picnic: October 11, 2015 For more details, visit our home on the web at www.leadershipnewark.org
Do You Have Any Good News? We Want To Hear About It!
We would love hearing from our alumni! Please share your good news for “Leaders in the Spotlight” or to give updates for the “Alumni Corner” section. It’s up to you! We also want to ensure the network stays connected, so do share updates, such as bios and new personal/business contact information. Please call the office or send info to our Alumni Relations staff at alumni@leadershipnewark.org.
Newark In Action: Educate, Engage, Empower 2015 Gala, June 2 Hundreds of Newark’s philanthropic and community based organizations filled the elegant room at the Newark Club to help celebrate Leadership Newark’s 17th anniversary of cultivating emerging and established leaders in the Greater Newark community. In conjunction with the theme of the evening, honorees instrumental in educating, empowering and engaging the community were honored for their stellar contributions. Additional highlights of the event included a lively and vibrant dance routine by fellows, alumni, and staff of Leadership Newark.
Newark In Action: Educate, Engage, Empower Summit Reception, June 5th The Skylab at Hotel Indigo served as the venue for a fun-filled cocktail reception with a backdrop that provided a view of Newark’s skyline. The honored guest, Mr. Ryan Haygood, President and CEO of the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice, not only graced us with his presence but shared his incredible background and a bit about his work in social justice advocacy on a national level and in civil rights. The guests had plenty of opportunity to mingle one on one with Ryan and of course in good ole LN fashion network with one another. Serving as the prequel to the Summit, the reception was truly a wonderful affair.
Public Policy Summit, June 6th Those who missed the 2015 Public Policy Summit missed an excellent day all around. The panelist had an incredible command of the policy discussion about education and public safety. Organizing an event with both the former superintendent and Mayor Baraka coupled with students and parents sharing their real experiences was eye opening for all present. The public safety presentation by Dr. Clear provided some data that made us all think differently and more importantly commit to acting differently. He highlighted some specifics about each neighborhood and expanded on the role Rutgers University Newark is playing in the collaboration with the City of Newark to not only measure and monitor data, but also to reduce crime. The workshops were very interactive sessions. The facilitators pushed the attendees to move towards solutions. The conversations were quite lively; the passion was evident during each of these solution-based workshops. I am happy to say, the feedback demonstrates we met our goal to educate, engage and empower the audience. A major highlight was our keynoter, Ryan Haygood, CEO, NJISJ. His remarks resonated and brought a few of us to tears. Yes, tears as he inspired us to “Be Hopeful”. In advance of his speech, he shared: "This critical moment requires us to be sober-minded about the times in which we live, and the need for courageous leadership…” "The work of bending our neighborhoods toward community and away from chaos is not self-executing; indeed, it requires our eternal vigilance and commitment to leadership.'' While during his speech he challenged us to be “proximate”, meaning we can do our part by taking positive steps towards helping those right next to us, those who could use the help, assistance or support. If we all took that challenge to heart, the nation would be in a better place. Plans for the next 2016 Public Policy Summit begins soon. Let us know if you would like to help plan as it promises to be even better, be sure to stay tuned.
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Leaders In The Spotlight: Outstanding Individuals Doing Outstanding Things of leadership throughout your career. Acquiring knowledge while transferring the skills and competencies you have will support the continuous growth in your career, as seen in Crump’s professional journey.
Leadership Newark Alumnus Larry Crump, LN ‘00
Pathways
to leadership can take on many
twists and turns. If one is lucky enough, she/he will learn that early in life. Fortunate for Leadership Newark alum and now Legislative Director of Newark’s Department of Economic and Housing Development, Lawrence “Larry” Crump, LN ’00, he learned it and accepted the complexity of leadership. Leadership involves doing the right things and in order to successfully do this whether it’s in a professional setting or civic setting, Crump has proven that the following four key steps deliver exceptional leadership.
“I graduated from Morehouse College with a BA in Banking and Finance and first worked at AT&T, where I travelled around the country preparing process and cost analysis for their different centers,” said Crump. Soon after, he graduated from law school, worked for several firms and eventually transitioned into owning his own law firm. Owning and managing the law firm surely came from the developed skills he acquired in law school, but the operations also came from his past experience at AT&T as well as his background in finance. Crump went on to cultivate his leadership skills as Chief of Staff for the City of Newark’s Council President Mildred C. Crump, Business Administrator, First Assistant Corporation Counsel and finally as Legislative Director.
The second and third steps go hand in hand. Personal reflection and putting leadership into practice is key. Asking yourself questions about how your leadership style, attitude, behaviors and thinking needs to evolve is a critical step. “I am very goal-oriented and try to look for, and understand, the ‘big picture’… but prefer to be behind the scenes and getting The first step, according to the Ivey Business things done,” says the self-declared shy Journal of Management is becoming a student leader.
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Leaders In the Spotlight: Outstanding Individuals Doing Outstanding Things
Though behind the scenes and shy, Crump understands the importance of assertiveness, decisiveness, and courage when making critical decisions and he adjusts accordingly. “Currently, I work to get legislation approved that will have a positive impact on the residents of the City. It may be a development project that will provide a certain number of construction jobs, apprenticeships and permanent jobs to residents. It may also be legislation that will provide resources to many of the not-for-profits in the City that help our residents,” said Crump. In addition to providing support for residents in his professional life, Crump has transferred those skills into his civic and community activities, such as his fraternity, Alpha Phi Alpha, Bethany Baptist Church, and the New Jersey State Bar Association.
Nevertheless, no matter the task of the day, he always keeps in mind the positive impact it has on the residents of Newark, a motto imbedded in him through personal upbringing and reaffirmed during his experience in Leadership Newark.
The fourth key is observing and learning from other successful leaders. As alumnus of Leadership Newark, Crump shared that Leadership Newark’s network provided support to help him fulfill his professional purpose. “What Leadership Newark provides is an incredible and diverse network of people, businesses and not-forprofits that you can either partner, or just work, with to help better the City of Newark. It opens doors that you may not have known about. If you are an alum of Leadership Newark, you will never have to say that you cannot find support.”
The pathway to progressively responsible leadership as seen through Crump’s story entail recurring themes modifying personal skills, adapting to new responsibilities, all the while maintaining your leadership and personality spectrum. Here’s to Crump’s story of growth!
LN Alums: Would you like to be on the Spotlight? Contact the Leadership Newark office at programs@leadershipnewark.org to share your story!
Alumni Corner Leadership Newark Notable Mentions – Congratulations! Ø Danielle Armstrong, LN ’12: Director, Children’s Family Services
Ø Monique Baptiste Good, LN ‘15: It’s a boy! Ellison, August 2015 Ø Shelly Bell Ellis, LN ’06: Executive Administrator, Babyland Family Services Ø Dana Bochna, LN ’15: Campus Recruiting Coordinator, Prudential Ø Myra Burks-Davis, LN ’06: Marketing Manager for the Renal Transplant Division, North Shore LIJ Health System
Ø Hope Cooper, LN ’01: It’s a girl! Sloane, July 2015 Ø Michele Delisfort-Alexander, LN ’01: Vice Chairperson, Union Township Planning Board Ø Dan DeNose, LN ’14: Principle, Leaders of the 21st Century Ø Anna Marie Gewirtz, LN ’08: It’s a girl! Julianna, August 2015 Ø Michael Gewirtz, LN ’09: It’s a girl! Julianna, August 2015 Ø Gregory Good, LN ’15: It’s a boy! Ellison, August 2015 Ø Lois Greene, LN ’07: Earned doctoral degree from Rutgers University Ø Stephanie Greenwood, LN ’10: Just married, June 2015 Ø Sylvia Johnston-Clarke, LN ’10: Project Manager, State of NJ Department of Community Affairs, Sandy Recovery Division
Ø Al-Nisa Newsome, LN’12: Crowned Ms. Full-Figured USA Plus, 2015
Alumni Corner Leadership Newark Notable Mentions – Congratulations! Ø Willie Parker, LN ’03: Corporation Counsel, City of Newark Ø Sara Peña, LN ’09: Senior Outreach Coordinator, University Hospital Ø Christopher Phillips, LN ’15: Earned Master’s degree in Public Administration from Rutgers University
Ø Anthony Mack, LN ’02: Executive Director, City of Newark Parking Authority Ø Khalil Nassinruddin, LN’14: Chief of Staff, City of Newark Councilwoman Gayle ChaneyfieldJenkins
Ø Armisey Smith, LN ’12: Muralist for the Paul Robeson Galleries, 2015-2016 Ø Sharon Roman de Negron, LN ’05: Earned Master’s in Public Administration Ø Juan Silva, LN ’12: Engaged Ø Nikkia Simmons, LN ’04: Married! Now Mrs. Michael Gowdy Ø L. Grace Spencer, LN ’00: It’s a girl! Willow, March 2015 Ø Michael Strom, LN ’15: Engaged Ø Kimone Williams, LN ’13: Engaged Ø Leonard Anton Wheeler, LN ’02: Dean of Students, Vailsburg Middle School Ø Fred Venerin, LN’10: It’s a boy! C.J., July 2015 Ø Christina Wallace, LN ’09: It’s a boy! Kaleb, August 2013
Class of 2015 Community Leadership Initiative
Class of 2015 Fellowship nears completion! After many months of meetings, planning, consulting, and researching, fellows completed their projects and presented solutions to their clients. #teamUVSO: Milenna Caraballo, Aleia Moore, , Kevin Moulton, Eric NeSmith, Kimaada Sills and Iesha Suber presented to their client, the Unified Vailsburg Services Organization their well researched strategy towards initiating a city-themed 5k run. From researching county and city permit regulation, to historical landmarks and mapping, the team resolved a challenge that will potentially move forward and be incorporated in Newark’s 350th anniversary celebration.
#teamCityofNewark : Mahima Giri Dominique Lee, Dana Murray, Christopher Phillips, Jonathan Seabra, Khaatim Sherrer El, highlighted critical strategies for the successful implementation of a community development corporation for their client, the City of Newark. These strategies will serve as a boiler-plate model for future CDC’s developed by the City.
#teamUrbanLeague: Team members Elizabeth Abitanto Anthony Alvarez, Gregory Good, Tish Johnson, and Tenisha Malcolm delivered a marketing plan to their client, the Urban League of Essex County. Their plan inspired hope in the Fairmount Neighborhood of Newark, a neighborhood that spent many years combatting challenging and negative images. The solution left the Urban League team excited and ready to share the plan with additional stakeholders to ensure further community and economic progress.
#teamLeadershipNewark: Janel Artis-Wright, Monique BaptisteGood, Dana Bochna, Sunny Kancherla, and Michael Strom presented a platform on enhancing their client, Leadership Newark’s digital presence. The research included conducting surveys of alums, researching best platforms, and analyzing the outcomes of the survey to create a targeted approach to developing a virtual community that engage our over 500 alumni in the network.
Class of 2016 Seminar Recap
Ms. Gwen Moten of the City of Newark’s Department of Arts, Culture & Tourism capped off the day for the April 2015 Arts & Culture Policy Seminar. Moten provided an extensive overview of the current arts initiatives underway around the city of Newark. The day also included a panel discussion about funding and the arts. The closing speaker presentation consisted of resident artist Gladys Grauer, whose art pieces on activism was displayed throughout the space at NJ Historical Society. Ms. Grauer shared her experience growing up in Newark as a resident and artist. She stressed the importance of keeping arts alive in schools. Finally, to connect the discussion with practice, Little Kids Rock, a music-education organization, turned our Fellows into Rock Stars! Facilitator Gary Heimbauer brought instruments to provide musical training, stressing that teamwork and communication are important pieces to effective group work. A fascinating leadership seminar, once again!
May 2015 – The City of Newark’s Director of Communications Felipe Luciano provided an overview on leadership and the sacrifices and challenges it takes to be successful. “To be a leader, what you say and what you do must be in sync.” Said Luciano. Fellows reflected on key remarks shared by Luciano and also had the opportunity to discover their leadership and personality spectrum. Upon the conclusion of Luciano’s remark Nelson Baez, a leadership development consultant facilitated the famed “True Colors” Activity. The session focused on the Fellows ability to self-reflect, become self-aware and understand how their actions impact their leadership styles. Finally, a critical discussion on the emergence of the Fellows as leaders allowed further questioning, validation, and expansion of their understanding of their own personality and its impact on their work professionally.
In June, the Class of 2016 canoed down the Passaic River after
a thorough discussion and debate of the environmental impact on Newark’s principle body of water. Environmental Justice Organizer Kim Gaddy, Program Director of the Newark Riverfront Revival Marcy DePina, Victoria Foundation Program Officer and Former Sustainability Advisor for the City of Newark Stephanie Greenwood, LN ’10, and Legal Director of Eastern Environmental Justice Center Aaron Kleinbaum provided an overview and insight on sustainability from the legal advocacy perspective, as well as the revitalization of the Riverfront. Kevin Moore, LN ’03, Co-Founder of City Food Resources, followed with a hands-on discussion of current urban farming techniques, as well as the development of an urban growing center by AeroFarms, coming soon to Newark. A great day, indeed!
Board of Trustees Mark A. Chaplin American International Group Hon. Claude A. Coleman, J.S.C Superior Court of NJ, Retired Steven J. Diner, Ph.D. Rutgers-Newark Stephen Genzer, Esq. Saul Ewing, LLP
Barbara E. Kauffman Newark Regional Business Partnership M. Cristina Martinez Thornton Tomasetti, Inc. Kimberly McLain Foundation for Newark’s Future Tanya Y. Mitchell, CPA Newark Alliance
Karen Oliver Moore Prudential Foundation Irene M. O’Brien Rutgers University-Newark Raymond Ocasio La Casa de Don Pedro, Inc. Robert S. Steinbaum, Esq. New Jersey Law Journal
W. Stan Holland Berkeley College, Newark
Funders & Supporters We would like to extend a heartfelt “thank you” to the foundations, corporations, private donors, and sponsors who believe in our mission and vision. We have been fortunate to have friends such as these committed to Leadership Newark.