AGENDA

8:30am – 9:00am Registration, Networking, Sponsor Exhibits and Continental Breakfast

9:00am - 9:45am Welcome Remarks & Opening Session

Welcome: Michelle Henry, Region Executive for Community Engagement in Corporate
Responsibility, JPMorganChase

Greetings: Samra Haider, President & CEO, Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation

Performance: Margie “Mia X” Johnson, Poet Laureate, City of Newark

2026 Governance: Mark Valli, CEO, NORWESCAP, HCDNNJ Governance Committee Chair

Longevity Recognition for Network Members Celebrating Milestones

Remarks: The Hon. Maxwell Alejandro Frost, U.S. House of Representatives, Florida District 10 (virtual)
The Hon. Mikie Sherrill (NJ-11) (virtual) & Dr. Dale Caldwell, Democratic Gubernatorial Slate

10am – 11:15am Session I Workshops (Click here for session I descriptions)

11:30am – 12:45pm Session II Workshops (Click here for session II descriptions)

1:00pm – 3:30pm Lunch & Afternoon Session

Greetings: Staci Berger, President & CEO, HCDNNJ

Keynote: Renee M. Willis, President & CEO, National Low Income Housing Coalition

Pleanary: Housing Justice Through Tenant Organizing: Building Power for Strong, Healthy and Affordable Communities

Moderator: Renee M. Willis, President & CEO, National Low Income Housing Coalition
Panelists:
Dean Dafis, Director, Office of Eviction Prevention, NJ Department of Community Affairs
Jaymie Santiago, President & CEO, New Brunswick Tomorrow
Nedia Morsy, New Jersey State Director, Make The Road NJ
Bill Good, Senior Organizer Greater Newark HUD Tenants Coalition

Network Acknowledgements

Awards Presentation:

• Organizing & Advocacy Award: Make the Road NJ
• Hall of Heroes Inductee: NJ Alliance for Immigrant Justice
• Exceptional Community Partner: Pro Bono Partnership
• The Hon. Sheila Y. Oliver Community Development Champion Award:
  

  William Best, Retired, Senior Vice President, Northeast Market Manager, PNC

• Outstanding Municipal Partners:
  • New Development: Affordable Housing Alliance and Habitat for Humanity of South Central NJ
  • Neighborhood Revitalization: Passaic County Habitat for Humanity
  • Innovation: Coming Home Middlesex County and Thriven and Foya Development Group
  • Healthy Homes: Collaborative Support Programs of NJ

Closing Remarks & Raffle

*Please note agenda is subject to change