Newark is for Changemakers: Panasonic Employees Lead with Purpose

The organizations that shape a community are only as strong as the people who dedicate themselves to their missions. For two Panasonic employees serving on the boards of the Urban League of Essex County and the Newark Museum of Art, their involvement reflects their deep commitment to empowering the people and neighborhoods of Newark. The organizations they support have their own distinct mission, from economic empowerment and educational equity to cultural engagement and community well-being. Yet both share a common thread -- the desire to bring communities together and create meaningful change.

 At Panasonic, we are honoring Black History Month by celebrating the fabric of the Newark community and Panasonic’s commitment to it. Inspired by our employees’ contributions and leadership to these community organizations, we are proud to highlight their work in empowering, enriching and uplifting the people and places that make Newark so special. Moreover, their unwavering dedication creates meaningful opportunities for Panasonic employees to give back, fostering a powerful culture of service and collaboration.

David Williams, Panasonic Foodservice’s National Sales Manager, serves on the board of the Urban League of Essex County (ULEC). The ULEC’s mission is to provide programs that help people help themselves on their journey to economic empowerment. 

 A key initiative David is particularly proud of is his involvement in the Pre-School Program, where he and his colleagues from the Panasonic BLAAC Employee Network (BEN) have conducted read-a-longs to promote reading readiness. "It’s been rewarding to engage with young scholars and support their teachers in creating a fun, enriching experience through our work with the Urban League’s Pre-School Program," David says. 

 His efforts reflect the Urban League’s broader mission to bridge gaps and address challenges in the Newark community. Beyond the Pre-School Program, ULEC provides a variety of educational programs designed to help close the digital divide, such as Kids Who Code, as well as financial literacy programs aimed at helping individuals manage and grow their wealth. “The ULEC’s impact on the Newark community is caring and comprehensive,” shares David. Their reach extends into neighborhood revitalization efforts, ensuring that economic empowerment is not just about individual success, but about building strong, thriving communities. 

Afiya Jordan, Panasonic’s Associate General Counsel for Corporate Affairs and Litigation, serves on the board of the Newark Museum of Art (NMOA). "The NMOA is a multi-purpose place to celebrate, learn, discuss, observe, and relax. It’s a place of togetherness, but also a place to be alone and contemplate. It offers so much that everyone can choose how to use it,” shares Afiya. 

 The museum’s commitment to supporting community engagement is a key aspect of its work, and Afiya is deeply inspired by their efforts to support young people, particularly through the Explorers Program. "Panasonic has sponsored the Art Ball for years, where we celebrate graduates of the museum’s Explorers Program -- well-rounded students heading to college with bright futures," she says. “It renews the spirit to see them up there, inspired and hopeful.” 

 Afiya’s role in supporting community engagement at the museum is personally fulfilling. “I’m proud of the NMOA for its community engagement. It’s not just about art hanging on the walls; people can bring their families, their friends, and interact with the space in meaningful ways. The staff thinks outside the box to draw people in, and the community loves that,” she adds. 

 Panasonic employees, too, have benefitted from the Museum’s rich cultural offerings. Last year, Panasonic’s BLAAC Employee Network business impact group visited the museum for Juneteenth. For many, it was their first time there. “People were pleasantly surprised and impressed by the collection," Afiya notes. “I was proud to introduce them to the space.” 

The Ripple Effect

Both David and Afiya spoke to the value of Panasonic’s involvement with the community organizations they serve. Panasonic’s contributions, both financial and through employee volunteerism, provide these organizations with the flexibility to allocate resources where they are most needed. 

David recalls a powerful “full circle moment” when a group of Panasonic employees, who had participated in ULEC’s read-a-longs and were also avid runners, took part in a half marathon that raised over $5,000 for the organization. “The idea sparked when someone suggested the ULEC reach out to Panasonic for a grant to support their work. I wrote the grant request, which was accepted, and ULEC used the funds to purchase a new reading curriculum that will be used for years!" This moment exemplified the direct connection between corporate support and community impact, reinforcing the value of Panasonic’s ongoing partnership with local organizations. 

 For Afiya, Panasonic’s engagement with the NMOA provides a way to connect employees with meaningful cultural experiences, helping to foster a deeper sense of pride and connection to the Newark community.

A Shared Commitment to Representation and Diversity

Both organizations share a deep commitment to representation and ensuring that the diverse communities they serve are reflected in their work. "The Newark Museum of Art is intentional about representation," Afiya explains. “The staff sources work across a broad cultural and ethnic range. Many staff members live in the community, attend events and engage with the people they serve. It's a place where individuals can see themselves and feel valued.” 

David highlights ULEC’s efforts to reach a wide range of people through their services. “The Urban League offers programs like financial counseling and first-time homebuyer programs, helping people not only acquire income but also build wealth and equity,” he says. The organization’s broad focus on the individual, family and community makes their approach to economic empowerment both holistic and effective. 

Through their involvement with the Urban League of Essex County and the Newark Museum of Art, David and Afiya exemplify what it means to be leaders in the community. Their work is not only about the programs and services they support, but also about the opportunity to connect their colleagues at Panasonic to these important initiatives. 

Afiya and David remind us that leadership, service and collaboration are essential to creating lasting change. By supporting organizations that are shaping the future of Newark, they are helping to build a stronger, more empowered community … one that will continue to flourish for generations to come. 

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