NRBP’s Inaugural Leadership Summit Brings Together Leaders for a Day of Insight, Strategy, and Connection

Newark, NJ | January 20, 2026 — The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) welcomed nearly 160 business, nonprofit, and civic leaders from across the Greater Newark region on Friday, January 16, for its inaugural Leadership Summit, a full-day convening focused on leadership, collaboration, and building capacity across sectors that drive the region’s economy.
Held at Seton Hall University School of Law, the Summit was designed to engage members of NRBP’s Nonprofit, Women’s, and Entrepreneur Councils and featured tailored program tracks that addressed the distinct challenges and opportunities facing each group. Through moderated panels, high-impact networking, and a timely keynote address, attendees gained actionable insights, expanded their professional networks, and strengthened connections across industries.

The summit opened with welcoming remarks from Ferlanda Fox Nixon, President & CEO of NRBP, and Calvin Ledford, Jr., President, PSEG Foundation and NRBP Board Member, recognizing the collective leadership in the room and highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration. PSEG, the Summit’s Platinum Sponsor, was acknowledged for its continued investment in community impact across the region.

The program featured robust discussions across the three program tracks.

The Nonprofit Track explored the evolving relationship between the philanthropic and nonprofit communities, as well as the future of cross-sector partnerships. The first session, “Partners in Purpose: Aligning Philanthropy and Nonprofit Strategy,” was moderated by Ledford and featured leaders from the Victoria Foundation, Prudential Foundation, Panasonic Foundation, and Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation.

“Nonprofits are operating in an increasingly complex environment, and alignment with philanthropic partners has never been more critical,” said Ledford. “This conversation reinforced the importance of shared goals, transparency, creativity, and long-term thinking in driving sustainable impact for our communities.”

The second nonprofit session, “Synergy in Action: The Future of Strategic Partnerships,” was moderated by Mary Makfinsky, SVP, Director of Business Banking, Popular Bank and Chair of the NRBP Board of Directors, and brought together voices from the nonprofit, financial, and private sectors to examine how partnerships can drive stronger outcomes.

“What stood out most was the openness and honesty of the dialogue,” said Makfinsky. “True partnership requires trust, flexibility, and a willingness to listen. That kind of transparency is essential to initiating and sustaining impactful relationships."

The Women’s Track focused on leadership development and professional growth, with sessions highlighting the impact and experiences of women in STEM fields and strategies for taking calculated risks. Moderated by leaders from NJIT and NRBP, panels featured executives from Berkeley College, RWJBarnabas Health, Newark Arts, Arup, Busy Bees Learning Center, and HAX/SOSV.

In the Entrepreneur Track, participants explored holistic business practices, time management, preemptive planning, and the use of AI and emerging tools, as well as practical approaches to marketing and relationship-building. Moderated by industry experts from BINJE and Jarkara Strategies, sessions included insights from the New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Rutgers University, ExecutiveBound, Jasfel Analytics, ZAGO Manufacturing, New Jersey Urban News, The Da Silva Team, MIG Real Estate, and Impact Consulting Enterprises.

The Leadership Summit featured a rousing keynote address from Ronald Weich, Dean, Seton Hall Law, titled “The Rule of Law and the Power of Leadership: Upholding Principles in Times of Change.”  Drawing on the legacy of Congressman Peter Rodino, Weich reflected on Rodino’s principled approach to leadership and his commitment to the rule of law as a compass for decision-making. The keynote underscored how adherence to core values can guide leaders through moments of complexity and uncertainty.

“The success of our inaugural Leadership Summit affirms the value of creating space for learning and community building,” added Nixon. “This is just the beginning. We look forward to continuing to host programs that strengthen leadership, foster collaboration, and support our region’s continued growth.”

The 2026 Leadership Summit was sponsored by: PSEG (platinum sponsor); Seton Hall University/ Seton Hall University School of Law (host sponsor); Martin Tuchman School of Management at NJIT (silver sponsor); and Brilliant Smiles Pediatric Dentistry (bronze sponsor).
The Leadership Summit will be an annual event, returning in 2027. NRBP will build on the momentum of the Leadership Summit with more professional development and leadership-focused programming throughout this year.
 
# # #
About Newark Regional Business Partnership
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, visit www.newarkrbp.org.