2019 NJPN Charity Gala

Welcome to the 2019 NJPN Charity Gala: An Evening of Philanthropy and Excellence presented to you by the New Jersey Professional Network.

NJPN's mission is to promote professional development, encourage information sharing, and facilitate opportunities to connect with like-minded individuals at engaging and charitable social functions.

The purpose of the gala is to raise funds and awareness for NJPN's annual Mission Trip to Nigeria, created to generate equal educational opportunities for aspiring young professionals in the rural areas of Nigeria. Our focus is on providing school supplies to the primary schools of Nsukka, Nigeria as we lead our young professionals of the future onto the path of success!

We welcome you all to celebrate this evening of philanthropy and young professional excellence as we applaud leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries from all over New Jersey!

Sincerely,

New Jersey Professional Network

Click here to view more pictures from the 2019 NJPN Charity Gala

ITINERARY

Networking Hour

Welcome Address

Dinner

President’s Address

Entertainment

Keynote Speaker

Closing

Opening of the Dance Floor

NJPN MISSION TRIP

New Jersey Professional Network is on a mission to provide students in Nsukka, Nigeria with school supplies for the 2020 semester!

Last year, through our 2017 Young Professionals Gala and with the help of our sponsors, NJPN raised funds for both school supplies and its transportation to Nigeria. In January 2018, NJPN’s mission trip to Nsukka supplied 800 students from The Model 1 Primary School and Isiakpu Primary School with resources such as pens, pencils, paper, binders, and zip-binders.

With the 2020 semester swiftly approaching, we are in the process of collecting school supplies and we need your help! By ordering supplies on our Amazon Wishlist or making monetary donations, you can contribute to an initiative that positively impacts the next generation of young professionals!

SPECIAL GUESTS

Dr. Nnaemeka Nweke, Keynote Speaker

Dr. Nnaemeka Nweke grew up in Enugu, Nigeria before moving to the United States in 1998. His goal is to utilize his platform to illuminate African culture and bridge the gap between local and African communities. In 2013, he won The Face of Africa USA pageant, presenting a vision for young professionals to reinvest in the villages of Africa and create a better quality of life for communities in need. While pursuing his career in medicine, Dr. Nnaemeka followed his passion in motivational speaking, using his platform, @DoctorsMessages, to empower, motivate, and connect people who are on their way to "becoming." DoctorsMessages is a "focused medication" to heal the struggle, operate through the system, and discharge you with equipment towards success. Dr. Nnaemeka fulfills his mission by providing resources to aspiring medical students, supplying them with MCAT study guides and outreach programs found on his website, . Dr. Nnaemeka is currently writing a book, "From Pain to Promise: From Becoming to Became", a 30-day guide to success and shaping your mindset.

Ayana Iman, Host

Ayana Iman is a native of Trenton, NJ and proud New Jersey resident. In 2015, she launched her career as an Inspirational Speaker and Self-Help Blogger, using her website, , to teach others how to live in the “light” and cultivate an attitude of gratitude. Her focus on community collaborations has led her to a number of volunteer opportunities and community leadership roles. Ayana has an eBook, “A Guide to Gratitude” available for a free download on her website. Ayana is also the founder of #AuthenticConvos, which is an event that promotes self-love, healing, and face-to-face communication. She understands the importance of interpersonal communication, and the need for healthy dialogue that extends beyond the digital realm. As a world traveler, she has made connections all around the globe, and shares her story to inspire others to believe in themselves. She credits affirmations for her major life transformation, following her motto: Take action, the plan will come, and always have faith.

Dajon Alfod, Host

Born in New Brunswick, NJ, Dajon Alford took flight on his comedy career exactly one year ago. Since then, he’s performed in comedy clubs across the country, most notable locations being Caroline’s in Manhattan, Stress Factory in New Brunswick, The Improv in Houston and LA, Laugh Factory and HaHa Club in LA, as well as, the Uptown Comedy Club in Atlanta. Dajon took his talents and turned them into a business, becoming the CEO of KeepItFunny LLC and lead host of the @DayOffShow, a brunch-style radio podcast, currently available on iHeart Radio, which is focused on interviewing celebrities and shining light on independent and up-and-coming artists. A culture of laughter, fun, and great energy is what Dajon wants to project out on to the world. At the end of the day, happiness is always key to him.

DJ Wallah