Verizon is committed to supporting organizations that are working tirelessly to enrich the communities they serve. Community Food Bank of New Jersey provides food, help, and hope to New Jersey’s neighbors in need through a comprehensive set of services aimed to both educate and enrich the community. To learn more about this incredible organization, and why Verizon is so proud to get involved, watch the video!
New Jersey
Verizon Stories: Mario Acosta-Velez & The Latino Student Fund
Feeling isolated in the midst of the pandemic, graduating senior Stephanie Duque turned to the Latino Student Fund (LSF) for out of school enrichment, professional opportunities, and assistance through the college application process.
LSF is a Washington, DC based organization that is committed to providing year-round, out-of-school-time programs for low-income, at-risk students and their families with the goal of increasing levels of educational attainment in the community.
Stephanie remarked “Living through a very isolating pandemic, this program was able to help me feel connected to my peers and provided opportunities we don’t always have as students of color. As a graduating senior I’m grateful to have had the LSF guide me with the next steps for my education with the support of Verizon.”
Verizon is proud to partner with LSF in pursuit of more robust educational opportunities for students. As LSF President and CEO Maria Fernanda Borja remarked, “the LSF has always known that moving a community forward shouldn’t just be on the shoulders of our future generation of leaders, but should be accomplished when children and adults can come together to improve their environment.”
5G Connecting Communities Series: Women Leading the Way in Tech
On Tuesday, May 17, 2022, the women of Verizon’s SGA East Region as kicked off the 5G Connecting Communities Series through conversations with women who are leading the way in tech. Leaders from New York, Washington D.C., and Virginia discussed economic development, STEM education, and digital divide investments happening up and down the coast. The event spotlighted how 5G drives local communities, including the nonprofit partners, businesses, and government leaders from across the region who are leveraging technology to advance their work.
Speakers included:
Candice Austin, Director, State Government & Local Affairs, Verizon; Jessica Chait, Manager, State & Local Government Affairs, Verizon; Danielle Craddock, Founder/Director, Girls Inspired and Ready to Lead, Inc.; Kathleen Grillo, SVP, Public Policy & Government Affairs, Verizon; Kassandra Perez-Desir, Regional Director, Government Affairs & Public Policy, Verizon; Kelly Schulz, Former Secretary of the Maryland Department of Commerce & Department of Labor; and Michelle Watson, Tech Program Supervisor, Queens Chamber of Commerce.
Community Partner Chat: New Jersey Institute for Social Justice
One of the most rewarding aspects of our community engagement work is the opportunity to partner with many non-profit organizations and support innovative programs that help advance the diverse communities we serve. In May 2020, we launched our Verizon Community Partnerships Initiative to celebrate community organizations supported by Verizon and highlight their important work.
Today, we feature Ryan Haygood, President and CEO, New Jersey Institute for Social Justice.
Below we share an important conversation on the New Jersey Institute for Social Justice’s work in fighting racial inequality and opening up opportunities for people of color across the state of New Jersey.
