The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) and the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce will jointly recognize eight New Jersey organizations next week that have demonstrated exceptional leadership and measurable commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I).
The third annual Trailblazer Impact Honors Reception will take place on Nov. 6, from 5 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Pines Manor in Edison. The event will bring together business leaders, policy makers, and community advocates to celebrate the honorees’ dedication, which is noted to be particularly significant given the national attention surrounding corporate DE&I initiatives.
2025 Trailblazer Impact Honorees
The distinguished organizations being honored this year 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
“Our 2025 honorees embody what it means to lead with purpose,” John Harmon, Sr., founder, president & CEO of the African American Chamber Commerce of New Jersey said. “Their ongoing commitment to equity and inclusion not only strengthens their organizations but also uplifts the broader New Jersey community.”
Panel discussion on DE&I commitment
The evening will commence with a panel discussion titled “The Case for DE&I in Today’s Climate,” moderated by Tom Bergeron, Founder and Editor of BINJE. Representatives from the honoree companies will discuss why their organizations remain committed to DE&I efforts.
Panelists will include: Bill Bradshaw (Withum), Jaclyn Cantler (Pepco Holdings/Atlantic City Electric), Robert Johnson (Gibbons P.C.), Don Meyer (NJCPA), and Dr. Pamela Pruitt (Capital Health Institute for Urban Care).
Tom Bracken, president and CEO of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce, reinforced the event’s mission. “We will honor the companies that continue to walk the walk despite headwinds,” he said. “We’re recognizing and celebrating those working every day to create more diverse and inclusive workplaces.”
