The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey Announces the Keynote Speaker & Honorees for the

"Women Who Empower" 2026 Awards Luncheon

For Information Contact :

African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey

Media@aaccnj.com

www.aaccnj.com

609-571-1620

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – March 9, 2026

TRENTON, NJ — March 2, 2026. The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ) announces the Keynote speaker & Honorees for the "Women Who Empower" 2026 Awards Luncheon, which will be held on May 14th from 11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m., at the Princeton Marriot at Forrestal, Princeton, NJ.

The 2026 Honorees are:

Regina Appolon
Government Affairs Advisor
McCarter & English

Jeannine Frisby LaRue
Partner, Moxie Strategies

Ferlanda Fox Nixon, Esq., IOM, CAE
President & CEO, Newark Regional Business Partnership (NRBP)

Funke Olayinka, MD, Chief Executive Officer
GHIT Consulting, Inc.

Glenda Thomas
President & CEO, Electra Grid Solutions

Abbey True Harris

Partner, Connell Foley

Marilyn D. Davis

Founder & CEO, MDD Connections LLC
(will also serve as the keynote speaker)

Senior Leadership of the AACCNJ

Jacqueline E. Baptiste - 15 Year Anniversary

Executive Advisor to President & CEO & Brand Ambassador

Nicole Baptiste, IOM
Vice President, Membership Acquisition & Financial Administration

Mary Griffin, IOM, PMP
Vice President, Membership Retention & Programs

Carmen Gates
Vice President, Community Development & External Affairs Officer

Vivian Harmon, M.Ed., MSW, LSW

Executive Director, Training & Development Institute

Special Recognition to AACCNJ Staff & Adjunct Staff Members

"At our May 14th, Women Who Empower Awards luncheon, we will recognize our 2026 honorees, talented and successful women, each in their own right, that contribute to the greatness of New Jersey and the nation, every day", said John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM, Founder, President & CEO, AACCNJ. The keynote presentation by Marilyn Davis is sure to be impactful. Marilyn has a proven track record in public affairs, and we are excited to have her share her insights with our audience", said Harmon.

Sponsors for the 2026 Awards Luncheon include Capital Health, Elizabethtown Gas, and SJI. Please visit the website for more information on the event: https://www.aaccnj.com/womenwhoempower

The program timeline includes:
11: 30 a.m.
Registration & Champagne Bar
Noon
Opening Remarks and Sponsorship Recognition

12:15 p.m. - 1:15 p.m.
Lunch with Musical Entertainment
1:15 p.m.
Awards Ceremony
2:30 p.m.
Luncheon Concludes

About the African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey

The African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey serves as the state’s leading voice for economic empowerment, business development, and public policy advocacy for Black-owned and minority-owned businesses. The Chamber provides access, resources, and partnerships that drive business success and generational wealth.


WWW.AACCNJ.COM