African American and NJ Chambers Announce DE&I Trailblazer Award Winners

African American Chamber of NJ and NJ Chamber to honor 8 companies that continue diversity initiatives

The Nov. 6 event will honor champions of diversity who lead by example

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce will recognize eight New Jersey organizations next week that continue to demonstrate leadership, vision, and measurable commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in their workplaces and the communities they serve. The third annual Trailblazer Impact Honors Reception - featuring a cocktail networking reception, a panel discussion and awards presentation - will take place on Thursday, Nov. 6, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Pines Manor in Edison.

This year's distinguished Trailblazer Impact Honorees are:

• Atlantic City Electric
• Capital Health Systems
• Citizens Bank
• Gibbons P.C.
• NJCPA (New Jersey Society of CPAs)
• OceanFirst Bank
• SJI (South Jersey Industries)
• Withum

This year's event takes on additional significance considering the attention corporate DE&I initiatives are receiving across the country.

The evening will begin with a panel discussion, "The Case for DE&I in Today's Climate," moderated by Tom Bergeron, editor and founder of BINJE, where representatives from some of the companies being recognized will discuss why their companies remain committed to DE&I.

Panelists will include:

• Bill Bradshaw, director - inclusion & impact, Withum
• Jaclyn Cantler, senior vice president, government regulatory & external affairs, Pepco Holdings (Atlantic City Electric)
• Robert L. Johnson, director & chief diversity officer, Gibbons P.C.
• Don Meyer, chief growth officer, NJCPA
• Dr. Pamela Pruitt, manager, community connections, Capital Health Institute for Urban Care

"Our 2025 honorees embody what it means to lead with purpose," said John E. Harmon, Sr., founder, president & CEO of the African American Chamber Commerce of New Jersey. "Their ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion not only strengthens their organizations but also uplifts the broader New Jersey community."

The 2025 Trailblazer Impact Honors Reception will bring together business leaders, policy makers and community advocates to celebrate progress and reaffirm the importance of DE&I as a cornerstone of business success.

"We will honor the companies that continue to walk the walk despite headwinds," added Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce. "We're recognizing and celebrating those working every day to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces."

For more information and to register for the event, click here.