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Exploring the future of DEI at annual Summit
Last week, NJBankers held our annual DEI Summit, an engaging and informative day focused on what's on the horizon for diversity, equity and inclusion both locally and on the federal level. A special thank you to Northfield Bank for hosting the event and to our DEI Underwriters - Crowe, Federal Home Loan Bank of New York, First Bank, First Commerce Bank, Peapack Private Bank & Trust, Valley Bank, and Wolf & Company - for making the event possible.
Led by Silvia Merino-Topley of Kearny Bank, the summit featured Jayné Johnson, Awn Rizvi and Mel Walker (pictured above) from Governor Murphy's Office who spoke about business best practices, ways to foster and improve opportunities, and how the state is working to identify and close opportunity gaps. They addressed the role of banks and how they can support ways to "help the underserved become served," which can include providing mortgages or business loans.
Attendees also heard from Paul Mazer of Genova Burns LLC who spoke about federal vs. state level DEI laws and how they relate to AI. Stacey Bryant of Cornerstone Advisors explored ways to engage with diverse segments of our communities to build business opportunities.
Finishing out the program were Joshua Alloy and Robert Azarow of Arnold & Porter, who spoke about recent developments in the DEI landscape that affect the way banks and businesses conduct hiring practices, mentorship and training, working with the government, and more.
Congratulations to Excellence in Diversity Award Recipient Erica Connor of Manasquan Bank!
During our DEI Summit, the 2025 NJBankers Excellence in Diversity Award was presented to Erica Connor, Assistant Vice President, Human Resources Manager at Manasquan Bank. The award recognizes a banker who has demonstrated a commitment to creating a more inclusive banking community.
Erica's nomination read: “She is a true trailblazer in promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and her outstanding leadership qualities, dedication, and passion make her a deserving candidate for the Excellence in
Diversity Award. Her unwavering commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable world has made a tangible impact, both at her bank and in her community. Her exceptional leadership skills have helped to create a more welcoming work environment, inspiring her colleagues to be more mindful, inclusive and empathetic towards one another.”
Thank you for attending our Mid-Career Conference
On April 24, NJBankers hosted our Mid-Career Conference, which was aimed at supporting mid-level professionals as they take on leadership positions within their institution.
This was an interactive event led by Patrick O'Brien of Valley Bank, featuring Dr. Linda Eagle of Global Bankers Institute, Lydia Barron of Lydia Barron Consulting Group, Robert Musso of FinPro, Inc., and a fantastic panel of bankers, including O'Brien, Michael Pratico of Columbia Bank and Jennifer Yager of Valley Bank.
Thank you to all of the speakers, attendees and event sponsors: Valley Bank, Columbia Bank and Peapack-Private Bank & Trust.
New Banking with Brittany out now!
The latest episode of our video series featuring our VP/Director of Government Affairs Brittany Wheeler is out now. Get the latest on happenings in Trenton and DC here.
NJBankers Seen on Social
April 26: We're finishing out our #NationalVolunteerWeek highlights with one of our own. With the help of our members, we have raised over 910,000 meals and donated over 9,000 volunteer hours to support The Community FoodBank of New Jersey and the work they do to fight hunger in our state.
On Valentine's Day, we hosted our first-ever Day of Love and Compassion, bringing together more than 100 volunteers from the association and our member banks to support local food banks and combat food insecurity.
Volunteers joined us from Blue Foundry Bank, Columbia Bank, Flagstar Bank, First Bank, Kearny Bank, Manasquan Bank, OceanFirst Bank, Spencer Savings Bank, and Valley Bank.
“To see the New Jersey banking community unite in support of a cause that impacts so many families in our state is both inspiring and an honor,” said Mike Affuso, NJBankers President & CEO.
We're almost to our goal of raising one million meals! Help us cross the finish line. Learn more here.
Follow NJBankers for the latest industry news, events, celebrations, and more!
Endorsed Provider Happenings An Endorsed Service Provider has an exclusive relationship with NJBankers for their products and services.
Read Compliance Alliance's latest newsletter with the featured article, "Flood Insurance and 'No Value' Buildings" here.
Read the Abrigo Blog "7 strategies for successful software deployment (and 1 mistake to avoid)" here.
Get the latest IRA info with PMC's IRA Digital Reference Manual - now available as part of a new subscription service. Learn more here.
View the KeyState Webinar: 2025 Market Opportunities, in which they are joined by Stifel Financial to discuss how tariffs, immigration policy, and Federal Reserve actions may shape the economy through 2026. Watch here.
Read the ICBA Securities Investment Column "Vigilante Justice? Financial markets react quickly to policy changes" here.
View the complimentary Fintel Connect webinar "Keys to a Successful Acquisition Marketing Strategy in Banking" here.
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New Jersey Bankers Association, 411 North Avenue East, Cranford, NJ 07016, (908) 272-8500
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