The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) announced the establishment of the Diversity Finance Advisory Board (DFAB) which will work to increase access to institutional capital for women- and minority-owned startups. The board will provide knowledge, guidance, and insights on ways to best increase capital, access, and investments in New Jersey’s diverse entrepreneurs.

DFAB, in collaboration with NJEDA staff, will work to develop and implement a holistic product set that will help make New Jersey a national leader in diversity finance. Board members will also work to develop a private-sector engagement framework to identify and engage the state’s private capital sources. Additionally, Board members will help establish partnerships to support the NJEDA’s mission to grow high-quality jobs, catalyze investment, and foster inclusive community development.

To serve on the Board, members must have a strong New Jersey nexus and demonstrate institutional development, investment, or policy experiences. Additionally, members must show a commitment to, and have experience in, the development of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DE&I) policies. The NJEDA will continue to add and supplement the initial advisory board members.

The inaugural 2023-2024 Diversity Finance Advisory Board members include:

• Stephen Cammock, GCM Grosvenor - Managing Director
• Annie Seelaus, R. Seelaus & Co., Inc. - Chief Executive Officer
• David Stengle, Board ++ -Founder & Chief Executive Officer
• Vaughn Crowe, Newark Venture Partners- Managing Partner
• Desiree Castillejos, Hunter Industries- Independent Director
• Dr. Jeffrey Robinson, Rutgers University – Newark - Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor
• Yolanda Plaza-Charres, Argonautic Ventures - Managing Director
• Obie L. McKenzie LLC, BlackRock (Retired) - Board Advisor
• Gary Mann, Jasfel Analytics -Founder & Chief Executive Officer
• Robert Johnson, Gibbons Law- Corporate Director; DE&I Director

To read more about the DFAB, click here.