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Home2024A to ZROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — A to Z
Home2024A to ZROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — A to Z
2024A to ZROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — A to Z

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — A to Z

The 2024 ROI-NJ Influencers: People of Color list celebrates the diversity of our state and our world-class workforce.

More than anything, it demonstrably shows that we are better when we come together — an ideal that’s never been more important to promote and highlight.

We proudly present this year’s honorees. View our Top 30 list and our Number 1 spot.

ROI Influencers

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Shawn Abner-Purnell

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Shawn Abner-Purnell Vice president, diversity, inclusion & engagement South Jersey Industries Abner-Purnell creates a culture of inclusion for all — one in which every employee can feel comfortable bringing their best selves to work each day — through career...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Mahalaxmi Aburi

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Mahalaxmi Aburi Vice president of research Atlantic Health She leads strategy and implementation of innovative initiatives across several segments of research and health care at Atlantic Health.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Rosalie Acevedo

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Rosalie Acevedo Chief operating officer & chief financial officer Genova Burns Key player with top firm in Newark.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Dr. Noelle Aikman

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Dr. Noelle Aikman Residency program director for obstetrics & gynecology Jersey Shore University Medical Center At a time when women’s health care is under scrutiny (thankfully, not in New Jersey), she is a leader in OB/GYN care.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Ram Akella

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Ram Akella Executive vice president for innovation impact N.J. Economic Development Authority Innovation is the calling card of Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration — and a laser focus of the EDA. Akella, a veteran investor, brings his vast experience to...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Tony Anaya

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Tony Anaya Global head of government relations DoorDash One of the top leaders in a globally growing company makes his home in South Jersey.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Regina Appolon

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Regina Appolon Strategic adviser Princeton Public Affairs Group She was recently honored with a 40 under 40 award. Those who know, know that she be a star at any age.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Mishael Azam

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Mishael Azam Vice president of external affairs UnitedHealth Group Few are as knowledgeable about all things involving health care — or as skilled in advocating for impactful policies and regulations.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Matthew Baker

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Matthew Baker Partner Genova Burns Rising star who was just promoted to partner, he specializes in complex commercial litigation, criminal defense, investigations and compliance, and class action defense.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Jacqueline Baptiste

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Jacqueline Baptiste Executive assistant to founder, CEO & president African American Chamber of Commerce of N.J. Heart and soul of organization whose influence is growing by the day.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Neha Bhalani

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Neha Bhalani Member Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi Practices with the firm’s Intellectual Property Group, providing domestic and international intellectual property strategy planning. Co-chair of the firm’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Committee.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Karteek Bhavsar

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Karteek Bhavsar Chief operating officer Valley Health System A 25-year employee, he was recently promoted to chief operating officer as part of the management restructuring following the retirement of longtime CEO Audrey Meyers.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Michelle Bodden

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Michelle Bodden Chief diversity & inclusion officer N.J. Economic Development Authority Bodden leads efforts to promote DEI at EDA, both internally and within the dozens of programs it oversees.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Brian Bridges

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Brian Bridges Secretary N.J. Office of the Secretary of Higher Education Longstanding secretary of higher education now has more tenure than many of college presidents — adding to his stature.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Dale Caldwell

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Dale Caldwell President Centenary University A dynamic leader in so many ways on so many issues: impactful and influential.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Joe Cardona

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Joe Cardona Vice president, university relations Rowan University He’s seen the rise of the school firsthand (starting when he was an undergrad there) — and has been a big part of it, every step of the way.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Jennifer Carrillo-Perez

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Jennifer Carrillo-Perez Partner Connell Foley She is an expert in land use and zoning, redevelopment, municipal law and regulatory and government affairs — a sought-after adviser on key development projects and legislative issues.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Dr. Will Carroll

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Dr. Will Carroll Chief pharmacy officer Hackensack Meridian Health He provides strategic and operational oversight for the pharmacy division that supports 18 hospitals and over 500 patient care locations.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Tai Cooper

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Tai Cooper Chief community development officer N.J. Economic Development Authority Long a key leader at EDA, she works to advance strategies, research and data that will help drive equitable and inclusive economic development policies and programs.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Claribel Cortes

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Claribel Cortes Surrogate Middlesex County A key Ieader at the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of N.J., she always is searching for ways to help small business owners in her community.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Francisco Cortes

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Francisco Cortes Co-founder Setroc Group He is a key player in the N.J. State Veterans Chamber of Commerce — an organization more folks need to become familiar with.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Gary Crosby

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Gary Crosby President Saint Elizabeth University The first African American and first male president in the university’s history, he recently had his contract extended through 2031.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Sunil Dadlani

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Sunil Dadlani Chief information officer Atlantic Health An accomplished global business technology leader, his oversight of system’s integration with others (first CentraState, soon Saint Peter’s) are a model for industry.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Michellene Davis

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Michellene Davis CEO National Medical Fellowships The fact that she was selected to lead the anniversary event for the late Lt. Gov. Sheila Oliver shows she still is a highly regarded and powerful presence in state.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Sonia Delgado

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Sonia Delgado Strategic adviser Princeton Public Affairs Group She has more than 20 years of experience in the analysis and management of legislative and regulatory issues in public sector, corporate and health care settings.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Alfa Demmellash

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Alfa Demmellash Co-founder & CEO Rising Tide Capital A model for others. She heads a nonprofit that assists those from underserved communities, giving them the tools to become successful entrepreneurs and community leaders.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Rina Desai

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Rina Desai Vice president of strategy and planning Panasonic North America Recently named to the Newark board of Braven, a perfect match for an organization committed to unlocking professional potential in the next generation.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Uli Diaz

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Uli Diaz Senior vice president of government and community affairs Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of N.J. One of the best in the business, in and out of the halls of Trenton.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Tara Dowdell

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Tara Dowdell Founder & president Tara Dowdell Group; TDG Speakers Her socially conscious Jersey City-based public relations and marketing agency just launched a podcast — yet another forum for Dowdell to impact change.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Marcus Dyer

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Marcus Dyer Principal Withum CPA is co-leader of Tax Controversy for the firm while remaining active in the community, including taking a leadership role at African American Chamber.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Paul Fenstermaker

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Paul Fenstermaker Deputy general counsel Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment A career sports industry professional with both business and legal experience, Fenstermaker began his career at the NBA league office and also served as deputy GC of the Golden...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Donald Ferrell

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Donald Ferrell Vice president, facilities, capital construction & campus development Hackensack University Medical Center An unheralded and unsung hero, he was instrumental in helping HUMC transform its hospital during the pandemic and expand its footprint with the nine-story, 530,000-square-foot...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Althea D. Ford

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Althea D. Ford Vice president, government affairs N.J. Business & Industry Association Hitting her stride since taking key government affairs role at NJBIA — with particular interest and effort in advancing health care and child care policies.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Jeannine Frisby LaRue

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Jeannine Frisby LaRue Veteran lobbyist, strategist Various groups Experienced lobbyist, social media consultant, public affairs executive and policy strategist is connecting to many organizations, including the Zita Group and Moxie Strategies.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Rudy Garcia

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Rudy Garcia President MBI-GluckShaw Veteran political consultant, strategist and lobbyist is a go-to source for many in Trenton.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Parimal Garg

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Parimal Garg Chief counsel Governor’s Office One of the sharpest young legal minds in the state, he has been with Gov. Phil Murphy from the time he was candidate Murphy. Bright future.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Angela Garretson

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Angela Garretson Chief external affairs officer New Jersey Institute of Technology She’s a huge plus for NJIT as it continues to grow in stature in the state and around the country, thanks to her decades of political, civic and...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Damien Ghee

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Damien Ghee Senior vice president & regional vice president for the Greater Philadelphia area TD Bank Spot on board of directors of Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey is one of many community roles he fills.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Don Ghermezian

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Don Ghermezian Developer Triple Five During Copa America, American Dream showed how it can be — and will be — a fanfest area for soccer fans during the 2026 World Cup.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Gerry Gibbs

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Gerry Gibbs Partner Capital Impact Group Highly respected figure in public service with more than a decade of legislative, policy and political experience at the local, state and federal levels.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Sen. Vin Gopal

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Sen. Vin Gopal D-Ocean Twp. N.J. Senate The future is bright for strong, sharp and outspoken politician — but you already knew that.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Junie Hahn

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Junie Hahn Member Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi Recently named chair of firm’s Corporate & Securities, Banking & Finance and Corporate Internal Investigations & Monitoring groups.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Bernel Hall

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Bernel Hall CEO New Jersey Community Capital Working hard to make sure capital gets to those who need it most in underserved communities – he is someone whose impact is exponentially bigger than the bucks he’s able to distribute.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Shané Harris; Lata Reddy

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Shané Harris; Lata Reddy President; Senior vice president Prudential Foundation; Prudential Financial Harris and Reddy have a variety of roles (Harris also is VP of social responsibility) and they all go back to a vision that Pru has had...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Ryan Haygood

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Ryan Haygood CEO New Jersey Institute for Social Justice Few leaders in the state — or the country — so eloquently make the case for social initiatives.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Jason Holt

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Jason Holt Member Chiesa Shahinian & Giantomasi A seasoned attorney with more than two decades of experience in local government, municipal corporations, turnaround strategy, litigation and fiscal management, he also is co-chair of the firm’s DEI committee.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Pavita Howe

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Pavita Howe Vice president, innovation & entrepreneurship BioNJ An expert at helping startups commercialize new technologies, launch new products, formulate business plans, pitch to investors and drive business development.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Srikanth Jaikumar

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Srikanth Jaikumar Vice president, operations JFK University Medical Center He recently helped lead the inaugural South Asian Community Health Initiative Health Fair — a new program focused on improving the health and well-being (and address health care inequities) of...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Shivani Jain

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Shivani Jain Partner & tax leader Sax LLP She’s a specialist in tax planning and compliance for multistate businesses and high net worth individuals (up to $1 billion).

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Christopher James

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Christopher James Vice president, government affairs RWJBarnabas Health Top government affairs professional handles all aspects of relationships with state and local officials. He also sits on the board of Newark Alliance.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Dan Jennings

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Dan Jennings Executive vice president, real estate development and programs N.J. Economic Development Authority Has a keen understanding of the role real estate plays in the implementation of so many economic and social programs.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Ed Jimenez

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Ed Jimenez CEO University Hospital Strong leader at hospital, which has long at the forefront of serving Newark (despite being annually underfunded). It recently opened its first Health and Wellness Center.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Aiysha “A.J.” Johnson

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Aiysha “A.J.” Johnson CEO N.J. Society of CPAs Continues to be a face-of-the-franchise leader on all things accounting in the state.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — David Johnson

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 David Johnson Chief customer officer Public Service Enterprise Group He is responsible for leading, planning and managing how the company interacts with customers, as well as creating a mindset of continuous improvement to ensure the company is on par...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Natalya Johnson

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Natalya Johnson Senior counsel Johnson & Johnson Highly touted and well-known, she is active in various groups that impact social equity while maintaining a top job at J&J.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Robert Johnson

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Robert Johnson Partner & chief diversity officer Gibbons P.C. He’s a corporate attorney focusing on mergers & acquisitions while also helping Gibbons become a role model for DEI in the legal world and serving in leadership role at African...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — LeRoy Jones

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 LeRoy Jones Principal founder 1868 Public Affairs His role as the chair of New Jersey Democratic Party will only grow in impact and importance in next 18 months.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Sai Kand

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Sai Kand Chief information officer Holy Name Highly successful business technology executive specializing in entrepreneurial environments, he is passionate about aligning business and technology goals.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Brian Kantar

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Brian Kantar Member Chiesa, Shahinian & Giantomasi Recently named practice group leader of Fidelity & Surety Group — and to the leadership ranks at the firm.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Rippi Karda

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Rippi Karda Associate general counsel Verizon She’s a star in the corporate world, with efforts outside of it to match: She is chair of the state’s AAPI Commission and the immediate past president of the South Asian Bar Association...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Armond Kinsey

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Armond Kinsey Vice president & chief diversity officer Atlantic Health In a sector that is acknowledging longstanding disparities of care, Kinsey is leading efforts to diversify recruitment and retention efforts to ensure the staff represents the patients it cares...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Dr. Vasantha Kondamudi

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Dr. Vasantha Kondamudi Chief medical officer Holy Name She keys clinical research, directs the development of clinical information systems, leads physician engagement and oversees the new Graduate Medical Education Program.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — David Kountz

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 David Kountz Chief academic officer Hackensack Meridian Health He oversees non-nursing academic affairs and many faculty diversity initiatives in 17-hospital network.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Allison Ladd

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Allison Ladd Deputy mayor & director of economic and housing development City of Newark She has long established herself as a go-to person and thought leader on one of the biggest issues facing Newark (and all urban communities): affordable...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Rey Lambert

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Rey Lambert Partner Lowenstein Sandler A past president of Hispanic Bar Association, his practice focuses on complex commercial disputes, class actions and domestic and international arbitrations.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Cecilia Lassiter

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Cecilia Lassiter Member & chair, State and Local Incentives Practice Sills Cummis & Gross One of top real estate lawyers in state. Focuses on state and local public incentives and real estate matters, with a particular emphasis on redevelopment,...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Calvin Ledford

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Calvin Ledford President PSEG Foundation Also the director of the company's corporate social responsibility initiatives, he has oversight of the philanthropic areas of corporate citizenship: volunteerism, corporate giving and the foundation’s programs operations.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Alan Lee

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Alan Lee President Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital A skill executive who has been honored nationally for his talents, Lee is proving to be the right person during challenging times at the hospital.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Robert Lee

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Robert Lee Director of community outreach Jingoli Few companies are as integrated into the communities in which they work as Jingoli. Lee is go-to person on all local initiatives — and serves on board of directors of Chamber of...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Indu Lew

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Indu Lew Chief of staff RWJBarnabas Health She is highly regarded in all aspects of health care and health care management.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — James Lewis V

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 James Lewis V Chief diversity, equity & inclusion officer; President Cole Schotz; Garden State Bar Association Current president of Garden State Bar Association, he also is highly regarded employment lawyer.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Teik Lim

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Teik Lim President New Jersey Institute of Technology Heads an institution that produced more engineers of colors than any school in state.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Aixa Lopez

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Aixa Lopez Vice president of operations Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of N.J. In addition to her work at the chamber, she is one of the top engineering consultants in public and private sectors.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Gary Mann

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Gary Mann CEO Jasfel Analytics He’s the new chairman of the African American Chamber of Commerce of N.J.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Rick Martinez

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Rick Martinez Founder & president Senor Sangria Hard work and persistence — combined with a superior product — have been the secret to his success. That, and the steady hand of wife and partner, Maria Camelo.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Sabeen Masih

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Sabeen Masih Senior vice president Capital Impact Group She was recently appointed to AAPI Commission by the governor and continues to serve as mentor to college students across the state.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Tammy Mata

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Tammy Mata Chief diversity officer Valley Bank Valley continues to be one of the best places to work — and best places to bank. Mata and her team have a lot to do with that.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Suja Mathew

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Suja Mathew Chief clinical officer Atlantic Health A veteran of years of experience in clinical research, she oversees the quality, research, education and health equity missions of the Atlantic Health organization.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Laura Matos

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Laura Matos Partner MAD Global Strategy Matos is one of the top government affairs leaders in the state (and country), serving on numerous boards and commissions. A key player at the fast-growing firm.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Vaughn McKoy

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Vaughn McKoy Partner Connell Foley Well known throughout N.J. and N.Y. for his leadership of corporations, communities and people, he has earned a reputation as a business-savvy lawyer who is equally at home in the boardroom and in the...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Magda Moncrief

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Magda Moncrief Vice president, human resources Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment In her role supporting people within HBSE, she does just that. Moncrief focuses on how best to advocate and deliver benefits, programming and a strategic vision for those...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Natasha Moody

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Natasha Moody Senior vice president, diversity & impact Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment Executive who handles diversity & inclusion standards, programs and initiatives — most significantly, the Buy Black program — at HBSE.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Sen. Raj Mukherji

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Sen. Raj Mukherji D-Jersey City N.J. Senate He’s been a force in politics and economic development for so long that it’s hard to believe he’s just 40 — and fun to imagine how much he’ll accomplish in the decade...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Megan Myungwon Lee

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Megan Myungwon Lee Chair & CEO Panasonic North America Leads North American headquarters (still based in Newark) for global giant.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Nichelle Pace

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Nichelle Pace Principal; Vice president Brand Enchanting Media; Camden Business Association She actively advocates at the city, county and state levels for opportunities and resources for small and minority-owned businesses, as well as large corporations.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Chaya Pamula

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Chaya Pamula Co-founder and CEO; Founder and director PamTen; SheTek Entrepreneur, philanthropist, mentor and innovative thinker: Pamula has more than 25 years of experience leading information technology initiatives for businesses, but it is her willingness to help the next...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Nish Parikh

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Nish Parikh CEO SourceAbled His firm helps place neurodiverse individuals in the workplace — a noble and important effort in a state where everyone is connected to someone on the spectrum.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Rajiv Parikh

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Rajiv Parikh Partner PEM Law LLC Highly acclaimed litigator, crisis manager and counselor, he is one of the top lawyers in the nation when it comes to handling complex election-related litigation and advising candidates on strategic matters.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Grace Park

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Grace Park Deputy general counsel & chief litigation counsel Public Service Enterprise Group She is responsible for the oversight, representation and counsel of PSEG and all of its subsidiary companies in connection with all litigation and government inquiries.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Liz Paskas

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Liz Paskas Chief experience officer Hackensack Meridian Health She performed in several roles at Hackensack University Medical Center, including frontline cardiac surgery, critical care RN and nursing leadership — always excelling in what matters most: connecting with patients.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Sara Peña

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Sara Peña Director of external affairs Public Service Enterprise Group In addition to her role at PSEG, where she will coordinate outreach, Peña is known for founding the Boys to Leaders Foundation in 2013 with a mission is to...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Amber Perry

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Amber Perry Vice president, regulatory strategy & services Atlantic City Electric/Pepco Holdings Experienced finance/audit/risk management professional with proven leadership success over diverse financial management, internal audit and operational areas within energy, financial services, information technology and consumer products sectors.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Marjorie Perry

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Marjorie Perry CEO & president MZM Construction & Management With her no-nonsense, tell-it-like-it-is style, she excels on the job site, at the negotiating table and behind the podium. She is a sought-after speaker.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Blenda Pinto

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Blenda Pinto Director, corporate & government affairs United Airlines Plays key role for carrier that has a huge presence in the state — and a huge interest in doing right by its customers, employees and the environment.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Cristina Pinzon

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Cristina Pinzon Founder & president Stateside Public Affairs Firm, which just celebrated its 10th anniversary, continues to grow in size — and influence — in Trenton and around the state.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Braxton Plummer

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Braxton Plummer Director of N.J. government affairs Verizon One of the best in the GA field. He’s passionate about creating positive social impact and fostering collaborative relationships across different sectors and levels of government.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Satish Poondi

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Satish Poondi Partner Trenk Isabel Siddiqi & Shahdanian P.C. As a politico, he is working to help build the next generation of South Asian officials. As a registered pharmacist, he brings a unique perspective to his role as co-chair...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Tomas Porturas

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Tomas Porturas Vice president, social impact and sustainability Wells Fargo A dedicated civic leader, he is responsible for regionwide corporate social responsibility initiatives, community reinvestment act compliance management, team member volunteerism and external stakeholder engagement.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Nellie Pou

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Nellie Pou President National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators Instrumental in getting July named “Diverse Business Month” in the state, the state senator (D-Paterson) also has impact on national stage.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Crystal Pruitt

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Crystal Pruitt External affairs lead Atlantic Shores Offshore Wind A key player in the most impactful offshore wind energy company in the state.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Suuchi Ramesh

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Suuchi Ramesh CEO Suuchi Inc. An entrepreneurial success, she serves as a model — and inspiration — for so many.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Marcus Randolph

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Marcus Randolph CEO Invest Newark Leads an economic development organization helping to build Newark one person, one business, one community at a time.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Vivyen Ray

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Vivyen Ray Vice president of human resources and labor relations County College of Morris Ray has spent more than three decades in Corporate America and higher education in senior roles in human resources, labor relations, training and development, organizational...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Avonia Richardson Miller

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Avonia Richardson Miller Chief diversity officer Hackensack Meridian Health Many hold a similar title — few do the role as well. HMH’s commitment to diversity & inclusion has created a better working environment and better patient experience.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Lyneir Richardson

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Lyneir Richardson Executive director Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development His latest academic effort: “Helping community leaders Buy Back the Block: Commercial real estate ownership and investing for inclusive economic development,” shows the depth of his leadership on...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Lilia Rios

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Lilia Rios Entrepreneur La Providencia; Nuuku An entrepreneurial model for others to follow: She heads a company that makes authentic Mexican products for restaurants — and a boutique hotel located in the heart of the jungle of the Mexican...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Suzette Robinson

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Suzette Robinson Vice president, diversity & inclusion RWJBarnabas Health Dedicated and visionary health care leader with more than 20 years’ experience in strategic planning, new service initiatives, fiscal management and operations. Champion of targeted initiatives that aim to infuse...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Brenda Ross-Dulan

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Brenda Ross-Dulan Founder and managing principal The Ross Dulan Group Highly thought of business executive, thought leader and board director, her diverse woman-owned strategy consulting is designed to help CEOs and executives become better leaders.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Indy Samra

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Indy Samra Co-chair; Adviser Punjabi Chamber of Commerce; Samra Wealth Management A leader at nonprofit group that aims to unite the global Indian Punjabi diaspora through commerce and cooperation. It is the world’s first organization dedicated to serving the...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Ishan S. Shah

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Ishan S. Shah Director, local government & stakeholder engagement; President N.J. Natural Gas; N.J. Leadership Program The New Jersey Leadership Program aims to increase South Asian youth participation in N.J. government and politics by having high school and college...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Rana Shanawani

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Rana Shanawani Executive director Women’s Center for Entrepreneurship Shanawani’s efforts to elevate female entrepreneurs — with emphasis on women of color — helps state create a more equitable business ecosystem.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Amol Sinha

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Amol Sinha Executive director ACLU of New Jersey He is a nationally recognized civil rights leader who has dedicated his career to advancing racial justice, holding institutions accountable and promoting and defending rights and liberties.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Monica Slater Stokes

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Monica Slater Stokes Managing director, corporate & government affairs United Airlines A Newark native, she sits on several boards, including the Regional Plan Association and Choose New Jersey.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Tammeisha Smith

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Tammeisha Smith CEO Dunbar Center Heads organization focused on serving the needs of a medically underserved population in Newark and the Northeast. Recently elected vice chair of African American Chamber of Commerce of N.J.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Dennis Sparks

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Dennis Sparks Vice president, human resources Holy Name Newcomer is a seasoned human resources executive with three decades of experience driving comprehensive culture and talent transformations for multiple organizations, starting in insurance and state government.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Eric Strauss

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Eric Strauss Senior managing editor ROI-NJ Behind-the-scenes superstar at ROI-NJ. Strauss is as good an editor as there is in the business (and wickedly funny). If you think ROI-NJ reads well, it’s because of him.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Jacquelyn Suárez

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Jacquelyn Suárez Commissioner Department of Community Affairs The first Hispanic commissioner to lead the DCA, she is committed to its mission to provide public and private organizations with financial support, guidance and technical assistance to help improve the quality...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Nikki Sumpter

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Nikki Sumpter Chief administrative officer Atlantic Health She oversees human resources, diversity & inclusion, organizational effectiveness, philanthropy, environmental health and safety, sustainability and marketing and communications.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Dr. Lisa Tank

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Dr. Lisa Tank Acting president Hackensack University Medical Center Highly regarded as doctor of geriatrics, internal medicine and hospice and palliative care, as a chief medical officer and now as acting president of one of state’s premier hospitals.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Faith Taylor

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Faith Taylor President Women@NJPAC Women@NJPAC has been the driving force behind the N.J. Performing Arts Center’s success since before the building even opened. Taylor is its highly effective leader.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Anna Maria Tejada

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Anna Maria Tejada Assistant general counsel S&P Global Past president of Executive Women of New Jersey and Hispanic Bar Association of New Jersey, she is a leader in fighting for equity for women and the underserved — not to...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Darrell Terry

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Darrell Terry CEO Newark Beth Israel Medical Center; Children’s Hospital of N.J. Longtime leader of anchor institution in Newark.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Rick Thigpen

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Rick Thigpen Senior vice president, corporate citizenship Public Service Enterprise Group Highly regarded government affairs specialist deftly handles challenging role for top company in highly regulated industry.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Catherine Tung

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Catherine Tung Government affairs adviser McCarter & English The former senior adviser to the Assembly speaker brings in-depth knowledge on key issues and relationships with key stakeholders.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Peter Unanue

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Peter Unanue Executive vice president Goya Foods Helps head iconic N.J. company with strong philanthropic values. Goya recently marked 50 years in state with its annual #GoyaGives day, in which it donated 100,000 pounds of food.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Felice Vazquez

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Felice Vazquez Senior vice president of planning & special counsel to president Kean University Key member of leadership team that is elevating all facets of university that is elevating its stature while elevating the lives of its students.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Jen Velez

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Jen Velez Executive vice president, health and network solutions Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of N.J. Velez’s long history of jobs and service in the public and private sector makes her one of the most respected health care executives...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Anton Vincent

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Anton Vincent President Mars Wrigley North America He’s a global enterprise executive who has ushered multiple organizations to new stages of growth, value creation and corporate reputation for more than two decades.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Matt Walker

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Matt Walker Auditor IUOE Local 825 Serves on executive board of one of the most influential and impactful locals in the state.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Robin Walton

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Robin Walton Senior vice president of external affairs and chief philanthropy officer Inspira Health One of the top government affairs professionals in the state is on track to become chair of the influential Chamber of Commerce Southern New Jersey.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Elnardo Webster

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Elnardo Webster Partner Connell Foley One of the top real estate attorneys in state is influential player at the firm and in the sector.

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Anthony Welch

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Anthony Welch Vice president & chief government relations officer Cooper University Health Care He provides strategic guidance on public policy issues affecting health care and Cooper, and helps oversee Cooper’s advocacy efforts in connection with legislative, policy and regulatory...

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 — Chao Yan

ROI Influencers: People of Color 2024 Chao Yan CEO Princeton NuEnergy His company stays under the radar during discussions about state’s clean energy future. It shouldn’t. Princeton NuEnergy can be a force in sector.

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