The Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP) officially launched its inaugural Leadership Summit on Friday, January 16, 2026. Hosted at the Seton Hall University School of Law, the full-day convening brought together over 100 influential leaders from the business, nonprofit, and civic sectors to address the evolving economic landscape of Greater Newark.
Led by NRBP President & CEO Ferlanda Fox Nixon, the summit served as a high-impact platform for members of the organization’s Nonprofit, Women’s, and Entrepreneur Councils. The event was made possible through the support of Platinum Sponsor PSEG and the PSEG Foundation.
Specialized Tracks for Targeted Impact
The summit featured three distinct program tracks designed to provide actionable insights for Newark’s diverse professional community:
• Nonprofit Track: Focused on the “Partners in Purpose” model, exploring how transparency and shared goals between foundations—including the Victoria, Prudential, and Panasonic Foundations—can drive sustainable community impact.
• Women’s Track: Centered on leadership in STEM and the importance of taking calculated risks in high-level executive roles.
• Entrepreneur Track: Explored modern business scaling, from holistic management practices to the integration of AI and emerging digital tools for preemptive planning.
Upholding Principles in Change
A highlight of the day was the keynote address by Dean Ronald Weich. Titled “The Rule of Law and the Power of Leadership,” the speech drew on the legacy of Congressman Peter Rodino to illustrate how core values and legal principles serve as a compass for leaders navigating periods of national and local uncertainty.
Photo credit: NRBP/Tamara Fleming Photography
