NJBWC and Rutgers SPAA Mark Launch of Leadership Institute's Newark Cohort

On Saturday, February 28, the New Jersey Black Women’s Collective (NJBWC) and the School of Public Affairs and Administration (SPAA) marked the launch of the Spring 2026 leadership cohort with an event at Newark Symphony Hall, in Newark, NJ. This four-month executive leadership experience is designed to support, prepare, and advance Black women leaders committed to serving New Jersey with vision, integrity, and sustainable impact.

At the event, Tennille McCoy, co-founder of NJBWC and chair of the Leadership Institute, welcomed attendees and shared the mission of NJBWC and the significance of the event and Dr. Kaifeng Yang, dean of Rutgers SPAA, spoke on the importance of the partnership and the mission of SPAA. Hanifa Barnes, Esq. and Kim Brooks, Esq., both co-founders of NJBWC and co-chairs of NJBWC Newark, gave an overview of the cohort's objectives, goals, and the importance of collective leadership.

Guest speaker Talia Young, CEO of Newark Symphony Hall, provided insights on leadership and community engagement, her journey, and advice for the cohort. Melody M. Fogarty and Rita Williams-Bogar introduced themselves as the cohort facilitators and shared their roles in the cohort's development.

Networking and refreshments followed the speakers' presentations, after which participants started their first working session.