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Joseph Renga, President
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“New Jersey is the most densely populated state in America. We are one of the most ethnically, racially, religiously and culturally diverse states in the union. The New Jersey LGBT Chamber of Commerce is the premier organization representing the LGBTQ+ business community. In my six years as a member of the board of directors this organization has afforded me access to innumerable inventive and dynamic business professionals, activists and politicians. Being a member can open a person's world on both a business and personal level." — Joseph
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Joseph has been in the telecommunications industry for three decades. He is an independent consultant, sales agent, and project manager through .
During the last 15+ years Joseph has created hundreds of LGBTQ+ business networking events in the New York Metro area, benefitting our influential community by connecting our entrepreneurs, executives and allies, with each other and the corporate 1000 companies all over the region. It’s a labor of love and a passion.
Contact Joe at
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Laurie Seliger, Immediate Past President
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“I joined the Board of the NJ LGBT Chamber of Commerce because I wanted to be part of a dynamic organization that promotes the business interests and opportunities of LGBT entrepreneurs within our community and within our state. I’m excited to be part of this chamber." — Laurie
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Laurie worked for over 25 years in scientific research in both academia and pharmaceutical settings. In addition to performing complex experiments, Laurie has extensive experience in laboratory set-up and management.Laurie, with her business partner, Sherry Braun, owned Keylingo Translations of Princeton from , which was a certified LGBT-BE and woman-owned business enterprise. Leveraging these certification was a critical focus for their business that earned the trust of several large corporations as regular clients.
Contact Laurie at -
John Traier, CPA, VP of Finance
John Traier is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), licensed in the State of New Jersey and is owner of his accounting firm, ohn M. Traier & Associates LLC.
John graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree from Rutgers College (major in Economics) and a Master of Business Administration (major in Professional Accounting) from the Rutgers Graduate School of Management. He is a Deloitte alumni and served as Acting Commission of the NJ Department of Banking and then Director of the Division of Banking.
John was appointed to the Board of Directors in 2014.
Contact John at
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Stephen Blazejewski, CFP®, VP of Fundraising and Corporate Relations
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“I’m ecstatic to be on the Board of such a dynamic organization that makes an incredible impact on the LGBTQ professional community in New Jersey. Having the ability to meet so many fellow business owners, entrepreneurs, and professionals motivates me to continue to grow my business and expand my network to better serve this community. Sometimes, it all comes down to who you know!” — Stephen________________________________________________________________
After graduating Summa Cum Laude from Montclair State University in May 2017, Stephen joined (formerly AXA Advisors), becoming the only “out” Financial Advisor in an office of 200 employees in Woodbridge, New Jersey. Shortly thereafter, he joined the Chamber as a Volunteer on the Events Committee and in July of 2018, he was voted onto the Board as the Vice President of Membership. After more than tripling the membership base of the Chamber, Stephen shifted into the role of VP of Fundraising and Corporate Relations in January of 2021.
In February of 2020, Stephen was and in May of the same year, was appointed to represent the Chamber on Governor Murphy's Restart and Recovery Advisory Council in the wake of COVID-19. In September of 2020, Stephen became a , one of the youngest individuals in his company to do so.
Contact Stephen at
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Ryan Blake, MBA, Board Secretary
Ryan is Vice President, Controller, and Corporate Secretary of BCB Bank, headquartered in Bayonne, New Jersey. He is a graduate of Kean University, where he earned bachelor's degrees in Finance and Economics. He is also a graduate of Rutgers University's business school, where he earned his MBA designation in 2018. Ryan has been involved with the NJ LGBT Chamber of Commerce since 2015 and was appointed to the Chamber's Board of Directors in 2019. Ryan is actively involved in his community and currently serves as a Director-Trustee of the Bayonne Public Library and as Vice President of the Bayonne Rotary Club. Contact Ryan at
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Steven Garibell, VP of Supplier Diversity and Certification
Steven Garibell is a TD Bank vice president who heads up the Business development efforts for its LGBTQ initiatives in the US, with responsibilities not only for bringing the bank’s services to enterprises owned by members of the community but also working to ensure that TD is the top employer of LGBTQ professionals in the industry.
He has spent over 15 years fostering banking relationships with the LGBTQ community in New Jersey and New York. At TD he is the Co-Chair for the Metro NY Regional Diversity Council and a member of the LGBTQ2+ Diversity Leadership team for the US.
As part of his community outreach, he works in delivering business and community development into LGBTQ markets and neighborhoods, and leverages his skills and experience in professional networking through the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce. At NGLCC, he is a member of the Certification Committee that verifies that participating enterprises are LGBTQ-owned and operated.
He has been an honoree of , , , and .
Contact Steven at
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Jacob Meola, VP of Membership
"The LGBTQ community has always been a second home to me. When I discovered the NJ LGBT Chamber, I fell in love! Finally, a business networking group that was more than just an exchange of business cards; and much more than sitting in a dimly-lit room at 7 a.m. chowing down on a stale bagel, waiting in hopes of a single referral. This was the family feel I have always looked for, and the connections I have made even during quarantine are long-lasting. I'm thrilled to use my position as VP of Membership to help grow the reach of the Chamber and have a real impact on the LGBTQ business community." — JacobJacob Meola, a New Jersey native, has been known to do a little bit of everything throughout his 31 years on Earth. A Jake-of-all trades, if you will. He is known to many as . An entrepreneur since birth, Jacob also recently launched an , and intends to turn it into a full-time operation. He also has an affinity for the fine arts and .
Contact Jacob at
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