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NRBP to Host Fall 'Eye Opener'

9/30/2026

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PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2026
Media Contact:
Newark Regional Business Partnership
[email protected]
NRBP to Host Fall 'Eye Opener' 
Program on
Scaling Newark's Talent Pipeline at Essex County College
NEWARK, NJ — September 8, 2026 -- The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) will host its fall Eye Opener program, titled "Scaling Newark's Talent Pipeline," on Thursday, October 8, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Essex County College in Newark, New Jersey.

The Eye Opener Program brings together employers, anchor institutions, higher education, and workforce development leaders for a timely conversation on how Greater Newark can hire, grow, and retain its workforce. With the cost of living continuing to rise, employers are under growing pressure to think strategically about attracting and keeping talent, making practical, cross-sector partnerships more critical than ever. The morning will also provide attendees with an excellent opportunity to network and build new relationships. This is proudly supported by host sponsor Essex County College and event sponsor Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of NJ.

Event Highlights Include:
  • Fireside Chat – "Powering Newark's Workforce: Economic Realities & Regional Growth": Led by Anibal Ramos, Jr., Director of the Essex County Department of Citizen Services and head of the Department of Economic Development, Training & Employment, this discussion features Aisha Glover (Global Head of Urban Innovation, Audible) and Sara Peña (Director of External Affairs, PSEG). The conversation will explore how these two major anchor institutions approach job creation differently to drive the city's economic growth.
  • Employer Panel – "The Talent Gap: What Are You Really Looking For?": Moderated by Dr. Elvy M. Vieira, Dean of Community, Continuing Education and Workforce Development at Essex County College, this panel investigates employer expectations, skills gaps, and alignment strategies between workforce providers and industry needs. Confirmed panelists include Mitch Cahn (President, Unionwear), Karen Gaylord (Executive Director, Newark Workforce Development Board), and Vineet Wadhwa (Sr. Director of Talent Acquisition, Reworld), alongside Reywon McCarthy (VP of Human Resources) and Chiquita Monal (Director of Human Resources, RWJBarnabasHealth Newark Beth Israel Medical Center and Children’s Hospital of NJ).
Registration Information:
Business leaders, human resources professionals, workforce developers, and community stakeholders are encouraged to attend. Admission is free for all NRBP members, but registration is required. To secure your spot and learn more about other ticket options, visit NRBP’s website at https://web.newarkrbp.org/events/NRBP-Eye-Opener-Scaling-Newarks-Talent-Pipeline-5882/details. 

About the Newark Regional Business Partnership
As the premier chamber of commerce serving the Greater Newark region, the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) creates opportunities for businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, and community leaders to connect, expand their networks, strengthen their organizations, and contribute to a vibrant and competitive Greater Newark economic ecosystem. Through convenings, programs, and strategic partnerships, NRBP works to support business growth and advance Newark’s economic vitality. For more information about NRBP, visit www.newarkrbp.org. 
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PRESS RELEASE | Kim Lewis-Collins Appointed

9/8/2026

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Newark Regional Business Partnership Appoints Kim Lewis-Collins Vice President, Marketing and Business Development

Award-winning strategist and former NYU Stern and Fortune 500 executive joins to lead marketing, communications, and corporate partnership growth across NRBP and the Renaissance Newark Foundation

NEWARK, NJ — September 8, 2026 — Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) and its 501(c)(3) affiliate, the Renaissance Newark Foundation (RNF), proudly announce the appointment of Kim Lewis-Collins as Vice President, Marketing and Business Development. In this newly created executive leadership role, Lewis-Collins will serve as the senior brand strategist, corporate partnership architect, and growth driver for both organizations, overseeing corporate sponsorships, integrated marketing and communications, digital campaigns, and signature event promotion.

Lewis-Collins is an award-winning marketer and business leader who brings more than 20 years of experience building iconic brands and driving revenue growth. Her career includes a traditional consumer packaged goods foundation developed at Kraft, progressing to senior marketing leadership roles at prominent Fortune 500 companies including Avis Budget Group, Mondelez, and Verizon.

Widely recognized for pioneering multicultural marketing initiatives, Lewis-Collins has a proven track record of helping major brands connect with broad-based populations in authentic and culturally relevant ways. This specialized expertise aligns closely with the mission of NRBP and RNF to advance economic vitality, inclusive growth, and opportunity across Greater Newark’s diverse business community.

Most recently, Lewis-Collins served as Executive Director of the Full-time MBA Careers Team at the NYU Stern School of Business, where she guided and supported the development of the next generation of business leaders. She earned her Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Advertising Design from Syracuse University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Kim Lewis-Collins to our executive team in this vital new role. Kim brings an extraordinary depth of strategic marketing experience, a history of driving measurable revenue and brand growth for world-class organizations, and a profound commitment to multicultural engagement,” said Ferlanda Fox Nixon, NRBP’s President and Chief Executive Officer. “As NRBP and RNF continue to expand our impact across Greater Newark, Kim's leadership will be instrumental in elevating our brand visibility, deepening our corporate partnerships, and championing our business community.”

Lewis-Collins will report directly to Nixon.


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About the Newark Regional Business PartnershipAs the premier chamber of commerce serving the Greater Newark region, the Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) creates opportunities for businesses of all sizes, nonprofits, and community leaders to connect, expand their networks, strengthen their organizations, and contribute to a vibrant and competitive Greater Newark economic ecosystem. Through convenings, programs, and strategic partnerships, NRBP works to support business growth and advance Newark’s economic vitality. For more information about NRBP, visit www.newarkrbp.org. 

About Renaissance Newark Foundation
The Renaissance Newark Foundation (RNF) is the 501(c)(3) affiliate organization of NRBP. Committed to Newark’s bright future, RNF harnesses the power of education, research, and civic participation to fuel economic development, attract businesses, and create pathways to success for Newark’s diverse communities. For more information about RNF, visit www.renaissancenewarkfoundation.org.
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