Leadership Ledger Fall 2015

Leadership Ledger Fall 2015

In This Issue: A Message from the CEO……………………………2

Alumni Spotlight………..…..….6

Non-Profit Board Service Training……………….………11

Congratulations to the Class of 2015……………………..……..3

Alumni Corner……………….8-9

The Year Ahead.………..…...11

Annual Giving Campaign……10

LN Trustees and Acknowledgments……………12

Welcome, Class of 2017………4 Newark Policy News ……...….5

Can you believe we are bringing the year 2015 to a close with our Fall issue of The Look Who’s Talking About LN:

Leadership Ledger? Thank you for the feedback with our new and improved newsletter in digital format. I am glad you all have enjoyed the updates and tidbits about t hose in t he LN family making new strides.

The end of the year aptly provides an opportunity for reflection and new beginnings. It is in that spirit I graciously ask you to consider a year-­‐end donation for our 2015 campaign. I also want to share with you some milestones of Leadership Newark, and a bit about where we are headed. A s we approach our 18th year, there is much for which we must be grateful and at the same time consider growth opportunities to ensure our relevance and position in the community.

LN added a new leadership position, the deputy director of programs. This addition is the first step towards augmenting all programs under the Leadership Newark umbrella. Alumna Laureen DeLance, ‘12 has hit the ground running spending significant time researching public policy issues to be presented in A our fellowship program. Also, Alison Fernandez became a full time staffer managing administrative tasks and other day-­‐to-­‐day matters to keep the office running smoothly.

In addition to staff enhancements, we have brought back the non-­‐profit board training initiative. This training will be held twice a year for those interested in refreshing their skills as board members and for those new to serving on either non-­‐profit boards or charter school boards. On the alumni front, we introduced the anniversary celebrations honoring and bringing together alumni from classes celebrating 5, 10, and 15-­‐year anniversaries. This is a tradition t hat will continue.

2016 promises to be a pivotal year for Leadership Newark. The organization will undergo an assessment to ascertain our current needs and the best approach to augment the public policy programs, enhance our marketing capabilities and social media presence, build a new website and increase our alumni programming and outreach. If you have gifts or ideas in any of these areas, please reach out and do share your thoughts. Know that we will likely reach out to the alumni network to arrange focus group discussions to help pave the way for our next steps. We will keep y ou apprised and in the loop each step of the way!

In the meantime, have a wonderful Holiday Season and a Happy, Healthy, and Prosperous 2016. Please don’t forget to consider making a year-­‐end donation (see page 10).

Take good care,

“Not only did I learn an amazing amount about Newark as a municipality…but I also was able to improve my own professional skills. I met some extraordinary people and have been able to tap into a remarkable network of people who live, work, and care about Newark. I am proud to be a Leadership Newark Fellow.”

Holly Kaplansky, LN ‘10 Owner, Minuteman Press

“When I think of Leadership Newark, I think of a network of community and civic leaders who commit two years to learning and refining their leadership skills in public policy, and the rest of their lives devoted to making the greater Newark community stronger.”

Fernando Acevedo Jr., LN ‘08 Visual Protection Security

“The LN [CLI] project turned out to be “the gift that kept on giving.” Using it as a template, our school now has a foundation that gives children scholarships to go to high school, and we have had multiple classes who have graduated into college. We have used the LN template for multiple other projects, such as to set up the interview process, the application process, and the screening process for Celia students and alumni.”

Dr. Karen Thomas, LN ‘08 CEO, Marion P. Thomas Charter School

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Congratulations to the Class of 2015!

Ready to hit the ground running, the “Independents” went out with a bang during their graduation on September 30th

The LN Class of 2015 graduated after completing their public policy fellowship program the evening we welcomed in a new class of eager, enthusiastic, and motivated community leaders as well. Many of Leadership Newark’s alumni, board members, and community partners were in attendance. After a few words from Celia King and Leadership Newark’s Board of Trustees member Robert Steinbaum, the evening continued with the annual tradition. During the ceremony, the graduating class selected a class spokesperson to speak on their behalf and share sage advice to the incoming group. The “Independents” selected Sandeep “Sunny” Kancherla, whose words of motivation allowed the new class a sneak peek into what the next two years may hold. He discussed the experience of connecting with smart, focused, and motivated people from all walks of life and how that continues to guide him in personal and professional growth. After concluding remarks, the Class of 2017 was inducted, followed by music and celebration. Pinned by their very own Leadership Newark peers, the Class of 2017 is officially ready to embark on a powerful journey!

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Motivated and curious were two recurring emotions amongst the new class on a bright and sunny October morning.

Fellows from the Class of 2017 arrived to begin what would be a 12-­‐hour day at the Wyndham Gardens Hotel in Newark, NJ. After a warm welcome from or CEO, Celia King, the facilitators from Project U.S.E. laid out the framework for the first day of their retreat. The fellows spent the whole day with their respective groups, working on understanding the challenges communities face and what solutions could be put into place to govern a society. Quite the simulation, it was!

After hours of grappling with challenging issues like economic inequality, justice, diversity, trust, and power dynamics, they ended the day with a dinner reception, attended by many Leadership Newark alumni. At the end of the evening, keynote speaker, Reverend Bill Howard of Bethany Baptist Church, shared wisdom on leadership in the 21st century.

"Surround yourself with people that have high aspirations,” he said. Finally, Rev. Howard concluded the evening with a takeaway that left the audience in awe and in a pensive state: “[f]ollowers with low expectations usually get the leaders that they deserve."

On the second day of the class’ retreat, fellows filled up their Leadership Newark bags and hopped on the bus to Wildcat Mountain where Project U.S.E. would continue to encourage team development, leadership skills, and group dynamics through physical obstacles spread across the outdoor terrain. By the end of the day, many fellows attested to overcoming fears, stepping out of their comfort zone, self-­‐discovery, and building new friendships.

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In Business…

In an upcoming project, t he City of Newark will work to preserve a landmark while welcoming a new image. According to the November 19th Nj.com article, on Tuesday, November 10, 2015, the Municipal C ouncil voted 7-­‐0 to approve transferring the revenue collected by way of Newark’s car rental tax to real estate development company, Boraie Development, a former honoree of Leadership Newark. Officials indicated this move would help the New Brunswick based development company begin work on the 22-­‐story building in December.

In addition to the former Leadership Newark honoree, famed basketball player Shaquille O’Neal also invested into this project. The construction of a new residential high rise will take place at the former Science High School site on R ector Street. The construction will preserve the 120 year-­‐old building which was originally a malt factory t urned high school, and a 26-­‐story glass and steel tower rising will go up behind it.

Deputy Mayor of Housing and Economic Development and Leadership Newark fellow Baye A dofo-­‐Wilson, LN ‘00 shared t hat the construction was a task long overdue but t he timing was necessary. “We’ve been t hrough a lengthy negotiation on this to ensure t hat he would be shovel ready, and he has met conditions put before him,” Adofo-­‐Wilson said regarding the development company (Source: Nj.com). The development company received $35 million in loans, $24 million in Urban Transit Hub tax grants and the rest came form the company and other private outlets. The project will also benefit from a 30-­‐year tax abatement granted by city officials in April 2013.

In Health…

Recently, Saint Michael’s Medical C enter in the C entral Ward of Newark filed bankruptcy. According to the Wall Street Journal November 10th article, the medical center owed roughly $222 million in bond debt, on top of $173 million in other debts. The non-­‐profit medical center suffered t his financial challenge primarily on account of reductions of reimbursements from government health care programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. A s a result of this financial hurdle, the medical centers in the process of being purchased by Prime Healthcare Services, one of the largest and most rapidly expanding private for-­‐profit hospital system. Although Prime Healthcare Services functions in the capacity as a private corporation the medical center may like be tax-­‐exempt.

Local officials, such as Central Ward Councilwoman Gayle Chaneyfield-­‐Jenkins, is challenging some of the city’s non-­‐ profit hospitals to re-­‐evaluate this status by looking at a similar circumstance. In accordance to a recent Newark, Inc. November 15th article, Morristown Medical Center reached a settlement agreement with Atlantic Health System, a private hospital operator where the medical center would pay property taxes on 24% of its property that is currently untaxed. Chaneyfield-­‐Jenkins is beginning this conversation by looking into another privately operated non-­‐profit hospital, Newark Beth Israel Medical Center. “While every hospital is a case-­‐by-­‐case basis, the Atlantic Health tax case provides us with a roadmap for collecting property taxes at non-­‐profit hospitals like Beth Israel,” she said in the November 13th edition of NJbiz.com. Although the conversation is in preliminary stages and has yet to reach a consensus with the Mayor’s office, both the Mayor and Councilwoman agree that exploring revenue generation from medical centers remains a key priority in moving the city forward.

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Leaders In The Spotlight: Outstanding Individuals Doing Outstanding Things more about the city. After much thought and encouragement from others, she joined Leadership Newark.

“I learned how much the city is so interwoven with global matters; I built real, authentic, and organic connections, and I learned that if the city has a challenge or problem, I have the solution within me.”

Fleming recognized a challenge in the way cities underrepresented different cultural and ethnic groups. This challenge has a rippling impact in community perception and is voiced through their motto of transforming the perception of the city and local economies. Fleming has exercised her creative muscles through her personal photography business that captures this audience in the best lighting, both figuratively and literally. Examples of her work can be seen in notable media platforms such as ESSENCE magazine, Yoga Journal and ForwardEver NJ.

“Working in public relations, I saw the need for people of color to be photographed a certain way. Photography is not a one size fits all. I’m also in the process of building a stock agency that delivers good quality diverse photographs.

Image creation is important especially for effective communication. Research presented in The Insights confirmed Fleming’s testament. “The successful development of an effective communication campaign should begin with an in-­‐depth understanding of cross-­‐ cultural differences in socio-­‐cultural values and behaviors.”

Fleming’s passion for effective image creation has expanded globally through her program Expoz(her). The program empowers girls and young women to use the camera to combat self-­‐esteem issues. “As a young girl, I was extremely shy, had low-­‐self esteem and I never came out of my shell,” said Fleming. Ironically, she now pulls people out of their shells. “Photography chose me to get out of my own way because in photography, you must be expressive and communicate.”

Fleming has facilitated her program at Montclair High School and in Haiti. After the earthquake she went to Haiti for 10 days to teach photography. “I encouraged the girls to use the camera as a weapon to change the image. And build their self-­‐esteem. The media has done a great job showcasing all that is wrong, but what Haiti showed me was a land of beautiful faces, optimism, hope, purity, and gorgeous mountains.” To view more of Tamara’s work, check her out on http://www.tamaraflemingphotography.com.

Leading Behind Multi-­‐Cultural Lenses By: Laureen D elance

For centuries, the United States has proudly coined itself as the “melting pot,” a metaphor used to describe the assimilation of immigrants to the United States into the mainstream culture. However, with increased diversity, the country is more so a “salad bowl”, which, according to an Insights Marketing Group report, acknowledges the distinctive cultures within the nation. And so, to ensure businesses, and organizations maintain their 21st century presence, multi-­‐cultural marketing becomes a critical tool in successful leadership. Leadership Newark’s very own Tamara Fleming acknowledges this importance and incorporates it into her field of work as a photographer and creative director.

“I was working for a major Public Relations company when I started creating my business,” said Fleming, who serves as the co-­‐founder and Chief Operating Officer of FEMWORKS, a local multi-­‐cultural communications agency. After seven years, the public relations firm downsized and Fleming opted to take the severance package, which allowed to her to work full-­‐time on the agency.

Fleming and her co-­‐founder Kimberlee S. Williams, the Chief Executive Officer of FEMWORKS, could have chosen the Big Apple as their home, but instead, they selected the big city next door: Newark. “Newark is such an adoptable city. It also has a great ‘futuristic’ forecast with lots opportunity for growth.” And so, both Williams and Fleming made Newark their home to build what is now and impactful communications firm.

As the firm began to grow, so did Fleming’s yearn to learn

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Leaders In The Spotlight: Outstanding Individuals Doing Outstanding Things St. Louis, Missouri.

For six years, Schultz worked as an attorney. He began in private practice then later transitioned to public interest with the Essex-­‐Newark Legal Services in Newark.

Eventually, Schultz transitioned into education.

Transferable skills became extremely important during his time of transition. A critical tool that guarantees success in transitioning careers are skill sets that can be used in multiple professional settings. There are challenges, however, that may seem intimidating, but standing strong on skill sets that transfer easily, will help an individual overcome t hose areas of growth.

“As a lawyer, you have to carefully review tons of documents as part of the discovery process and be meticulous in your writing. However, it pales in comparison to the world of education, where everything you do needs to be broken down to its small component so you can create best practices,” said Schultz. Schultz went on to share that while law does have its ups and downs, the processes required to successfully operate an educational institution can be very humbling.

Indeed, education in Newark can be humbling and with his opportunity to be a fellow with Leadership Newark, he shared how much it equipped him to deliver his fullest leadership potential. “I feel that [Leadership Newark] is a wonderful way to bring the leaders in Newark together and really facilitate collaboration among those doing great work addressing the many social issues of today.”

Leadership Newark undoubtedly brings attention to the challenges we face in our community. It allows fellows to tap into their core to see how they can contribute to the solution. While unemployment or under-­‐employment continues to be one reason for career change, social impact and change remains the number one reason. Therefore, building transferable skills along with channeling passion into one’s work continues to be the driving force for successful career t ransition.

And with a final thought on career transition by Schultz, “You have to feel that bond or this job becomes just that—a job. If that happens, the likelihood of success is not great.

Indeed, if it is no longer about the scholars and their families, t hen it is time for a change.”

Creating Impact from the Courtroom to the Classroom By: Laureen D elance

Research from Bureau of Labor Statistics shared that people between the ages of 18 and 44 have changed jobs and/or careers on average, 11 times. Furthermore, in the age bracket of 25-­‐39, this population had an average length of 5 years in one employment. A ffectionately referred to as the “millennial group,” the length of time correlates not solely for financial growth but for growth in social impact. In a June 2015 edition of The Atlantic, when asked what their top priority was for working, the millennials interviewed said they wanted to do something enjoyable or make a difference. After six years of working as an attorney and working with local schools in Uganda, Leadership Newark alumnus Kenneth Schulz, LN ’06 knew that taking a leap into education was the best next step.

“Growing up, I’m not sure that I fully embraced the opportunities afforded me,” said Schultz, the current Executive Director of Newark Legacy Charter School.

Schultz’s mindset changed while in college when he studied abroad in Kenya. “There, I not only met people in the program and from Kenya, who would influence my life for years to come, I also got the chance to return a year later to do research in Uganda. It was a transformative experience, for sure.”

During his time in Uganda, Schultz took advantage of being exposed to the educational system in the east African country. With his experience and interest, Schultz was eventually accepted in Teach for America, but he continued his work in Uganda. From there, he said, he received a joint degree in law and social work from Washington University in

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Alumni Corner Leadership Newark Notable Mentions – Congratulations!

v Myra Burks Davis, LN ’06: Marketing Manager, Renal Transplant at North Shore-­‐LIJ Health System

v Modia “Mo” Butler, LN ’02: Named on the 2015 Power List by Politicker NJ

v Khalil Chaneyfield-­‐Nassiruddin: Named by PolitickerNJ's 50 Powerful Young Black Democrats

v Tyrone Daye, LN '13: Named by PolitickerNJ's 50 Powerful Young Black Democrats

v Kysheif DeGraffenreid, LN ’16: Recently accepted to Rising Tide Academy’s Entrepreneurship Program and recently started new position with Newark EMA

v Michele Delisfort-­‐Alexander, LN ’01: Elected to the Union Township Committee

v Laurel Dumont, LN ’08 & Kyle Rosenkrans, LN ’11: This LN couple recently moved back to NJ

v Shanee Frasier, LN ’17: Appointed to the Board of Girls Live, Love, and Laugh, Inc.

v Angela Garretson, LN '02: Named by PolitickerNJ's 50 Powerful Young Black Democrats

v Jason Grove, LN '15: Named by PolitickerNJ's 50 Powerful Young Black Democrats

v Rashon K. Hasan, LN '17: Named by PolitickerNJ's 50 Powerful Young Black Democrats

v Leshell A.D. Hatley, LN ’04: Founder & Executive Director of Uplift, Inc. Uplift recently launched Youth AppLab in Washington, D.C., an app that teaches software and mobile application design

v Rolando Herts, LN ’07: Selected for Delta State University’s Leadership Institute Executive Academy

v Steve G. Hockaday, LN '11: Named by PolitickerNJ's 50 Powerful Young Black Democrats

v Leah Jackson, LN ’11: Recently appointed at Board Member for Art House Production in Jersey City, NJ

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Alumni Corner Leadership Newark Notable Mentions – Congratulations!

v Sandeep “Sunny” Kancherla, LN ’15: Recently appointed to Board of Advisors to NJIT School of Management and recently named by NJ Biz as one of the Top 40 Under 40

v Darnell Moore, LN ’11: Recently named Ebony Magazine’s Power 100

v Trino Morgado, LN ’15: Relocated to California & recently named Special Projects Development Coordinator for South Bay Workforce Investment Board

v Naima Nguvu-­‐McDermott, LN ’01: Recently graduated from Nursing school and earned her RN licensing

v Kabu Okai-­‐Davies, LN ’01: Awarded Alumnus Excellence Award in Art and Design from the University of Canberra, also launched his newest book, Evidence of Nostalgia and Other Stories

v Christopher Phillips, LN ’15: Assistant Director for Clinical Administration, Rutgers University School of Law

v Felix Rouse, LN ’01: Newlywed to his lovely bride Brittney

v Safancya Searcy, LN ’08: Recently appointed to Board of Directors for Essex County College. She will be joining current board members Elvin Esteves, LN ’02 and Wesley Jenkins, LN ’00

v Roslyn Smith, LN '15: Named by PolitickerNJ's 50 Powerful Young Black Democrats

v Melinda “Mindy” Weidman, LN ’15: Newlywed to husband Remo Duchi

v Sharronda Wheeler, LN ’15: Board Chair of Newark Pride

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Last Year, Leadership Newark Participated in the Geraldine R. Dodge Jersey Give Back Guide a year-­‐end giving campaign designed to emphasize the number of donor gifts. The challenge? Have at least 50 donors by December 31st – and we surpassed our goal!

2014 Annual Contributions by Donors

This year, Leadership Newark has set a new goal of having at least 75% of our entire network participate and contribute to our campaign.

We are asking that you donate a minimum of $20.15 in the year 2015.

It is our hope this modest request will entice everyone in our network to contribute. We would like to surpass our goal by increasing the number of donors from our Fellows. As you can see from the charter to the right, Friends of LN make up the largest contributing group.

We would like to reverse that trend and have our Alumni and Board be the larger portions of our individual donor groups!

8%

Classes 2000-2004

9%

Classes 2005-2009 Classes 2010-2014

17%

53%

Classes 2015-2016 Board of Trustees

11%

2%

Friends of LN

Donors

100%

600

90% 80% 70%

450

60% 50% 40% 30% 20%

300

Thus far, we have received donations from 30.8% of the network. We have some work t o do to reach 75% before the end of the year. For those unable to contribute before December 31st, the thermometer will keep rising until FEBRUARY 1st. However, we urge you t o help boost our year-­‐end totals by contributing by DECEMBER 31st.

Donating couldn’t be any easier: visit our website and click on the button to make an online donation through Network for Good, mail a check or money order to the office address below, or give us a call to process a credit or debit card payment.

Wishing our LN Family a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!

Sincerely, The Leadership Newark Staff

494 Broad Street, Suite LL10 | Newark, NJ 07102 | Office: (973) 350-­‐9200 | email: leadnewark@leadershipnewark.org |

10% 0%

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Leadership Newark Board Service Training

November 14, 2015 Leadership Newark recently hosted a second convening of one of its newest programs, the Non-­‐Profit and Charter School Board Service Training. The purpose of the training is to provide prospective board members the tools and resources to serve more effectively as trustees or members of a Board of Directors.

In addition, the training serves as a refresher for current board members on either charter school or non-­‐ profit boards. Facilitated by the Leadership Newark staff and Dr. Robin Eubanks, LN ’06, participants engaged in interactive discussions and presentations that tapped into their true reason behind pursuing a prestigious yet challenging role of articulating an organization’s mission and public standing, ensuring legal and ethical integrity, protecting assets, and providing support in effective organizational planning.

As part of our commitment to building effective and engaged civic leaders, LN will serve as the liaison between prospective board members and organizations and charter schools that are looking for individuals.

Interested in participating in a Board Service Training seminar yourself? Stay tuned for our next session, coming soon!

The Year Ahead: 2016 • March: Board Service Training • April: Class Reunion for the Classes of 2001, 2006, & 2011 • May: LN 18th Anniversary Gala • June: Applications for the Class of 2018 Due • September: Class of 2016 Graduation • October: Board Service Training • November: LN Public Policy Summit 11

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 Campus

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.

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