College Student At Montclair State Earns Award From Business Group

MONTCLAIR, NJ — The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) recently honored five standout college students, including one from Montclair State University.

This year’s “Rising Star Awards” gave some well-deserved kudos to Ana Richards, a Fair Lawn resident who attends Montclair State University. Other winners included Vineyard Ekwe of Newark, Michael Nash II of Mount Laurel, Chekwube Okunowo of Abuja, Nigeria and Kareena Salvi of Edison.

Here’s why Richards earned an award, the NJBIA said:

“Ana Richards is a junior Philosophy major at Montclair State University who aspires to attend law school and become a civil rights attorney. Richards is a winner of the Congressional Award Bronze Certificate, the nation’s highest achievement for youth, which recognizes initiative, service, and accomplishment. At the New Jersey Youth Forum, organized by the Governor’s Office, Richards participated in programs on social justice and diversity, equity, and inclusion. She has a keen interest in government and was an attendee at NJBIA’s Meet the Decision Makers program in June to hear the state attorney general speak on civil rights, public safety and other issues. Richards is very involved with the Fair Lawn chapter of the New Jersey League of Women Voters, where she focuses on efforts to engage renters in the voting process.”

This year’s award winners were recognized during the NJBIA’s annual forum in Atlantic City in September.

“NJBIA’s Rising Star Awards honor students who have demonstrated a passion for their career path, academic success and a commitment to volunteering in their communities during their undergraduate careers,” NJBIA President and CEO Michele Siekerka said.

“This year, we are proud to recognize the accomplishments of five students who have distinguished themselves at New Jersey institutions of higher education and are destined for great professional success,” Siekerka said.

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