According to Verus LLC Chief Resource Officer Lori Todaro, diversity is more than a PR plan. It makes good business sense.

Studies have shown that pandemic-related restrictions had more profound effects on establishments owned by Hispanics and African Americans, and many shut their doors at a higher rate than those with white owners. In addition, federal relief loans were slower or more difficult to get into the hands of minority business owners.

In 2014 there was no localized repository for New Jersey-based Black businesses, so Natasha Bray founder of New Jersey Black Businesses, made her own. “I thought, if not me, then who? ... I knew that I was always intentional when I was supporting Black-owned businesses. I knew it was important for our community in terms of bridging the wealth gap and creating jobs for people and contributing to the local economy."

The program is geared toward Schreyer Honors College students from underrepresented communities with the goal of providing unique, hands-on experience working in a law firm.

Angela Kariotis joins from Seton Hall, where she was co-director of the Diversity Coalition of Center for Faculty Development.

“AtlantiCare has long been committed to preventing and addressing social inequities and disparities in health care,” says President and Chief Executive Officer Lori Herndon. “In 2020, we embraced the fact that we needed to do more. Spurred by nationwide social unrest, we recognized a powerful opportunity to re-evaluate our organizational culture and commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I).”

Five doctoral candidates were chosen for the program, which supports candidates from underrepresented backgrounds.

Thirty Black entrepreneurs and small businesses nationwide, and three from the Garden State, were chosen to receive the awards, which are part of L’Oréal USA’s Inclusive Beauty Fund.

Angel Gonzalez was selected after an extensive national search that included input from faculty, staff, students and board members. According to the school, he will be a critical addition to New Jersey City University's senior leadership team and will provide transformative leadership to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion as part of its core mission.

Effective July 1, Yeurys Pujols will assume his new role at the institution where he currently serves as executive director of the HCCC North Hudson Campus. He began his career at the college in 2006 as a counselor and history instructor and was appointed director of enrollment and student services in 2010.

Patricia Teffenhart, who served as executive director of the New Jersey Coalition Against Sexual Assault for the past seven years, will primarily be responsible for ensuring that the objectives of the organization's diversity and inclusion strategic initiative are met.

Top of mind for most business leaders today is creating a diverse and inclusive workspace that is more than simply policies, but the creation of a safe place for employees that shows they – as well as their needs and perspectives – are respected. That’s not an easy task especially in light of recent current events coupled with a global pandemic.