NJ Young Professionals Networks Build Leadership Momentum Statewide

BySophia Johannson

Young business leaders across New Jersey are gaining unprecedented opportunities to shape the state’s economic future through expanding professional networks. In March, two significant developments highlighted the growing influence of young professionals in the Garden State’s business community: the establishment of an inaugural board for the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce’s Young Professionals Network and a successful leadership summit hosted by the Monmouth Regional Chamber’s Young Professionals Group.

The New Jersey Chamber of Commerce announced on March 13 that its Young Professionals Network has appointed seven rising business leaders to serve on its first-ever board of directors. This milestone marks a significant evolution for the group, which was established in 2019 to serve business professionals between the ages of 21 and 39.

Photo Source: Tom Zapcic Photography/tapinto.net

Building the Next Generation of Business Leadership

The newly formed board includes diverse talent from across New Jersey’s business landscape. Inaugural members include Kayleen Arguello from Control Point Associates, Chris DeCotiis of CGI, Scottie Germain from Fiserv, Chris Lowicki of NJ Sharing Network, Fatema Raza from Withum, Christian Vila of HNTB, and Rob Vota from the Jersey Shore BlueClaws.

The board held its first meeting on March 5 in Trenton, focusing on strategies to expand the network’s reach and elevate its profile within the business community. The Young Professionals Network operates under the guidance of the New Jersey Chamber of Commerce and aims to bring together emerging business leaders to network, develop professional skills, and create positive impacts on both business and local communities.

“Our new board members are quickly rising in their organizations — and they understand the importance of making connections,” said Caitlin Lopez, the NJ Chamber’s events and communications coordinator, who co-leads the group alongside Amirah Hussain, the Chamber’s director of government relations.

Hussain emphasized the broader mission of the initiative, stating, “The Young Professional Board’s mission is to help young people advance their careers, create their own community, and learn from each other. I am confident that our appointed board of directors will help guide us to success.”

“The Golden Future” Showcases Young Professional Leadership

Meanwhile, in Monmouth County, another group of young professionals demonstrated their leadership capabilities through a successful annual summit. The Young Professionals Group of the Monmouth Regional Chamber of Commerce hosted their Leadership Summit on March 22 at Brookdale Community College, centered around the theme “The Golden Future.”

The event, reported by TAPinto, featured three prominent speakers addressing topics that extended beyond traditional business discussions: Dawn Doherty, Executive Director for the Society for the Prevention of Teen Suicide; Howard Stein, Owner of Home Helpers Monmouth County; and Carissa Cardinale, Co-founder of Spot on Therapy Services LLC.

Participants engaged with topics including health and lifestyle choices, community involvement, volunteering, and healthcare journeys. This holistic approach to professional development reflects a growing recognition that today’s young business leaders seek to integrate broader societal impact into their professional identities.

“We are grateful to be surrounded by many successful and beloved community leaders who demonstrate the mission and the importance of true leadership,” said MRCC Young Professionals Group Co-Chairs Kathrine Dwyer and Kerri Michaels. “‘The Golden Future’ was exemplified by our three speakers sharing their knowledge, lessons of experience, and the pathways of their young professional journeys.”

Photo Source: https://njchamber.com/yp

A Statewide Movement Gaining Momentum

These parallel developments in different regions of New Jersey suggest a growing momentum among young professionals seeking to establish stronger networks and leadership roles across the state. Both organizations emphasize collaboration, with the NJ Chamber’s Young Professionals Network actively partnering with other young professional organizations throughout the state on events and volunteer activities.

By creating formalized leadership structures and educational opportunities, these networks are positioning the next generation of New Jersey business leaders to tackle the evolving challenges of the state’s economy while maintaining a focus on community impact and holistic professional development.

For young professionals looking to get involved, more information on the NJ Chamber’s Young Professionals Network can be found on their website, while Monmouth County young professionals can connect with their regional chamber for local opportunities.

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