The Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) New Jersey held its 17th annual New Jersey Neighborhood Achievement Awards ceremony on March 5, 2026, at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford. This event recognized individuals and organizations dedicated to revitalizing under-resourced neighborhoods throughout the state. “This is our way to celebrate the individuals and organizations who are on the ground doing the work,” said Jorge Cruz, Executive Director of LISC New Jersey. “Tonight is a way to take a step back and appreciate their contributions.”
Celebrating Community Contributions
The doors opened at 17:00, allowing attendees to participate in complimentary stadium tours before the ceremony commenced at 18:30. Host Lisa Marie Falbo welcomed guests and introduced key speakers, including Cruz and Jessica Guilfoy, Vice President of LISC Programs. The event featured special remarks from Lieutenant Governor Dr. Dale G. Caldwell, highlighting the evening’s theme of community empowerment.
The first award presented was the Exceptional Leadership Distinction Award, which honors individuals whose leadership has significantly advanced LISC’s mission. This year’s recipient was Ken Meyers, AVP and Community Development Market Manager at Synchrony Bank. A native of Jersey City, Meyers expressed his passion for community service: “It is an amazing feeling. I’m making a difference, and I can see it. It is an amazing feeling, and you put your whole heart into it.”
The next accolade, the Exemplary Public Partner Award, recognized Senator Andy Kim for his collaborative efforts to revitalize communities. Members of his team were present to accept the award, and Kim sent in a video message, underlining his commitment to public service.
Acknowledging Private Sector Impact
The Exemplary Private Partner Award was awarded to the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation for its transformative contributions to New Jersey communities. Samra Haider, who accepted the award on behalf of the foundation, remarked, “It feels great because we are really proud of our partnership with LISC. The fact that someone we respect very much is honoring us is amazing.”
Next, the Lifetime Achievement Award recognized Vivian Cox Fraser, President and CEO of the Urban League of Essex County, for her extensive contributions to community development. “Helping members of the community is like helping members of your family,” she noted, emphasizing her personal connection to the mission.
The ceremony concluded with the presentation of the Rhonda A. Lewis Inspirational Community Advocate Award, awarded to Tenisha Malcolm-Witt, Vice President of External Affairs for the Girl Scouts Heart of NJ and Founder of Outdoors On Purpose. This award honors individuals whose leadership has made a lasting impact on community revitalization.
With a focus on community empowerment, the New Jersey Neighborhood Achievement Awards ceremony highlighted the invaluable contributions of local leaders. As LISC continues to support initiatives aimed at enhancing the quality of life in under-resourced neighborhoods, events like this serve as an important reminder of the profound impact individuals and organizations can have on their communities.
