Laureates
JA Student Ambassadors will lead the evening’s program to celebrate our Laureate Legacies and this year’s Class of Laureates.
Click their pictures to read their bios.
John E. Harmon, Sr., IOM
Founder, President & CEO
African American Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey (AACCNJ)
Valerie Montecalvo
CEO & President
Bayshore Recycling
Steve Rusckowski
Chairman, CEO & President
Quest Diagnostics
Journal
Special Keynote Speaker
Eric LeGrand
Eric LeGrand is a motivational speaker, entrepreneur, sports analyst, philanthropist, and author. He is known for his captivating optimistic attitude, entrepreneurship, and community involvement. Having launched his own clothing brand, Shop Fifty-Two in 2019, he continues to shine as a successful entrepreneur, with the creation of his own coffee brand, LeGrand Coffee House, supported by an online-shop and a brick-and-mortar location opening later this year in his hometown of Woodbridge, New Jersey. As a Rutgers University alumnus, LeGrand’s words of wisdom will be sure to ignite inspiration and hope in attendees of all ages, but particularly in youth across the Garden State.
Proudly sponsored by
Platinum Investors
Gold Investors
Silver Investors
Bronze Investors
Student Investors
Media Partners
Event proceeds help bring JA to tens of thousands of young people in NJ through the JA High School Heroes youth development & service-learning initiative, inspiring tomorrows and ensuring their bright futures.
This empowering student leadership initiative gives high school students the opportunity to serve as role models at an elementary or middle school in their district – in person or virtually. High School Heroes gain valuable 21st Century skills training and volunteer experiences, while the elementary and middle school students receive JA’s standards-based career readiness, life skills, and financial literacy curriculum at no cost.