ROI Influencers: People of Color 2022 — Wes Mathews
Wes Mathews
CEO
Choose New Jersey
He holds one of the most significant economic development roles in the state — one to which the former State Department official brings the ideal resume. As New Jersey (and Gov....
ROI Influencers: People of Color 2022 — John Harmon
John Harmon
Founder, CEO and president
African American Chamber of Commerce of N.J.
He was the No. 1 selection on this last the past two years — and deservedly so. When so many in the state suddenly realized...
ROI Influencers: People of Color 2022 — Ras Baraka
Ras Baraka
Mayor
Newark
Newark’s favorite son is proving to be the city’s favorite (and most effective) mayor. Reducing crime, improving schools and helping to spur development (including affordable housing) are all important — and would be...
ROI Influencers: People of Color 2022 — Ali Houshmand
Ali Houshmand
President
Rowan University
Houshmand, No. 1 on the recent ROI Influencers: Higher Education list, has lifted Rowan to extraordinary heights — and brought along so much of South Jersey on the journey. He’s not just...
ROI Influencers: People of Color 2022 — Adenah Bayoh
Adenah Bayoh
Founder and CEO
Adenah Bayoh & Cos.
There’s no better symbol or representative for entrepreneurial spirit and equitable hope in the state. A self-made millionaire, Bayoh is an immigrant who used her education and business...
ROI Influencers: People of Color 2022 — Mo Butler
Mo Butler
Partner
Mercury
He’s a partner at one of the most influential public affairs firms in the state, represents and advises some of the state’s biggest politicians (including Booker and Baraka), biggest companies and biggest developers...
ROI Influencers: People of Color 2022 — Eliana Pintor Marin; Teresa Ruiz
Eliana Pintor Marin; Teresa Ruiz
D-Newark; D-Newark
N.J. Assembly; N.J. Senate
It’s easy to pair them together, as they are colleagues and friends. But it’s far more than that. They are role models — and two of...
ROI Influencers: People of Color 2022 — Shané Harris
Shané Harris
Vice president of social responsibility and partnerships; President
Prudential Financial; Prudential Foundation
Her responsibilities include leading the company’s philanthropic strategy, overseeing the distribution of over $62 million in grants and charitable contributions, as well as...
ROI Influencers: People of Color 2022 — George Helmy
George Helmy
Chief of staff
Governor’s Office
Some feel he will soon leave the governor for a still-to-be-determined position. If he does, he should have his pick of posts. It’s hard to overstate Helmy’s influence on all...
ROI Influencers: People of Color 2022 — Dennis Pullin
Dennis Pullin
CEO and president
Virtua
Among his many big wins of late is this: The recent announcement of the Virtua Health College of Medicine & Health Sciences of Rowan University, which will encompass the state’s only...