LISC Honors Community Leaders at 2026 Neighborhood Achievement Awards

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 prestigious event recognizes the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations committed to revitalizing under-resourced neighborhoods across the state.

“This is our way to take an opportunity 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 celebrate the work that they do.”

Celebrating Community Impact

The ceremony commenced at 18:30, hosted by New Jersey’s own Lisa Marie Falbo. Doors opened at 17:00, allowing guests to enjoy complimentary stadium tours before the formal proceedings began. Attendees included notable figures from various sectors, showcasing a strong commitment to community enhancement.

The first award presented was the Exceptional Leadership Distinction Award, which honors an individual whose leadership and long-standing service have significantly advanced LISC’s mission. This year’s recipient, Ken Meyers, AVP and Community Development Market Manager at Synchrony Bank, expressed his passion for community involvement. “It is an amazing feeling,” Meyers stated. “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 individuals or public agencies that have collaborated effectively to foster community revitalization. Senator Andy Kim received this honor, with members of his team present to accept the award, along with a video message from the senator himself.

Honoring Private and Lifetime Contributions

The Exemplary Private Partner Award acknowledged a private sector partner whose collaboration has driven transformative change in New Jersey. This award was presented to the Geraldine R. Dodge Foundation, with Samra Haider accepting on behalf of the organization. “It feels great because we are really proud of our partnership with LISC,” Haider remarked, emphasizing the significance of mutual respect in their collaborative efforts.

The Lifetime Achievement Award was awarded to Vivian Cox Fraser, President and CEO of the Urban League of Essex County. Fraser shared her emotional connection to the award, stating, “Helping members of the community is like helping members of your family, and to be able to give back in a way that people in my community gave back to me when I was young means a lot.”

Finally, the Rhonda A. Lewis Inspirational Community Advocate Award was given to Tenisha Malcolm-Witt, Vice President of External Affairs for the Girl Scouts Heart of NJ and Founder of Outdoors On Purpose. This award recognizes her visionary leadership and advocacy efforts that have made a lasting impact on community revitalization.

The 2026 New Jersey Neighborhood Achievement Awards celebrated the dedication of those who tirelessly work to improve their communities. The event not only highlighted individual achievements but also reinforced the importance of collaboration among various sectors to foster long-lasting change.