Growing Leaders Building Communities (GLBC) Resident Leadership Workshop
About this Event
The LISC NJ Growing Leaders, Building Communities (GLBC) Conference is an annual one-day convening designed to strengthen and inspire resident leaders across New Jersey. Through interactive workshops, peer learning, and networking, the conference provides practical tools in creative placemaking, resident empowerment, community building, education, wellness, and social services. GLBC equips grassroots leaders with the knowledge and connections needed to drive positive change in their neighborhoods, amplify local voices, and foster inclusive, sustainable communities.
Agenda
🕑: 08:00 AM
Doors Open
🕑: 08:00 AM
Morning Breakfast & Networking
🕑: 08:00 AM
Registration and Check In: Exhibits Open
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Mindful, Movement & Sound Experience by Ray Soul Hoops
Info: RaySoul Wellness Hoops™ offers interactive wellness workshops that incorporate mindful movement, music, and embodied play to encourage self-expression, connection, and overall well-being. Designed to be inclusive of various ages, abilities, and backgrounds, these workshops create space for participants to reconnect with themselves and others through movement and play. This experience will incorporate a guided body scan, gentle stretching , music and elements of live sound to help participants ground themselves, reconnect with their bodies and prepare for the day.
🕑: 09:00 AM - 09:15 AM
Welcome Remarks: Jorge Cruz, Executive Director LISC NJ
🕑: 09:00 AM
Opening Remarks: Amaris Mitchell, Sr. Program Manager, LISC NJ
Info: Hear opening remarks from Amaris Mitchell, Senior Program Manager at LISC New Jersey, as she reflects on LISC’s 40-year legacy and shares her vision for GLBC and the next 40 years of community leadership, collaboration, and thriving neighborhoods.
🕑: 09:15 AM - 10:00 AM
Keynote Remarks: Melissa Miles, Executive Director, NJEJA
🕑: 10:00 AM - 10:45 AM
Community Builder Awards Presentation
Info: Celebrate the individuals and organizations making a meaningful difference in communities across New Jersey! Join LISC New Jersey as we recognize the 2026 Community Builder Award recipients for their leadership, community impact, and commitment to creating positive change and strengthening neighborhoods.
2026 Community Builder Award Recipients:
• Essentially Yours From The Heart
• Keys 2 Success
• Mentor U Connect
• Pesto with a Purpose
• RaySoul Hoops
• ROCC
• Seasonal Smiles Outreach
• SHE Wins!
• Visionaries with a Purpose
• Youth-Led Garden Stewardship Initiative
🕑: 10:45 AM
AM Morning Break: Yoga Stretch & Meditative Activity
🕑: 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Leadership Session: Domestic Violence! The Growing Public Safety Problem
Info: Moderator: Lori Scott-Pickens, Managing Director, LASPCOMMENGAGEMENT, LLC, and Special Advisor to the Director, Newark Public Safety Collaborative, Rutgers University–Newark.
According to the Newark Police Department, domestic violence is increasing even as other violent and property crimes decline. This workshop will explore emerging trends, the populations and neighborhoods most impacted, and resources available to support victims and families. Participants will gain practical tools to engage community partners and develop neighborhood strategies and public safety campaigns to address domestic violence.
Panelists:
Pamela McCauley, Director, Office of Victim Witness Services, Essex County Prosecutor's Office
Sgt. Germaine Poyotte-Smith, Special Victims Unit, Newark Police Department
Munazzah Shabazz, Data Specialist and Community Engagement Coordinator
🕑: 11:00 AM
Leadership Session: From Engagement to Impact: Resident Voice & Economic Dev
Info: Parkside Business & Community in Partnership (PBCIP): Presenters: Nika Corbett and Bridget Phifer
Facilitator: Elijah Dixon, Senior Program Officer, LISC New Jersey
Economic development is most effective when shaped by those who experience its impact every day. This panel will highlight practical approaches to community engagement that move beyond consultation toward shared leadership. Attendees will learn how Parkside Business and Partnership in Community are gathering resident input, strengthening a local business corridor, supporting neighborhood-based enterprises, and translating resident priorities into tangible investments and development outcomes. Speakers will share lessons learned from neighborhood revitalization efforts that prioritize local assets, local voices, and local leadership in Camden.
🕑: 11:00 AM
Leadership Session: (NOFAD) Newarkers Organizing for Accountable Development
Info: Who decides what gets built in Newark?
An interactive presentation by Nii Abladey Otu, Asada Rashidi, and Damon Rich of Newarkers Organized For Accountable Development (NOFAD)
Since 2023, Newarkers Organized For Accountable Development (NOFAD) has created and shared community organizing and popular education resources to increase Newark residents' influence on real estate development and land use in our communities.
NOFAD works with groups of organized residents including block clubs, neighborhood associations, and community groups to break down legal and political structures of public development review through the Planning and Zoning Boards. Our workshops, educational materials
This interactive presentation will introduce NOFAD’s work over the past 4 years, and how organized residents can help build a network of accountable development advocates and organizers across all Newark neighborhoods.
🕑: 12:30 PM
Boxed Lunch
🕑: 01:00 PM - 02:00 PM
Panel: Thriving Neighborhoods Initiative: Building Stronger Communities
Info: This panel will highlight how community-based organizations are strengthening neighborhoods through resident engagement, economic opportunity, and collaboration. Panelists will share strategies for building more equitable, inclusive, and thriving communities while looking ahead to the next 40 years.
🕑: 02:30 PM
Event Concludes
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 100.00
