College Student From Newark Earns Award From NJ Business Group

NEWARK, NJ — The New Jersey Business & Industry Association (NJBIA) recently honored five standout college students, including one from Newark.

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

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

"Vineyard Ekwe is a senior Criminal Justice major at Stockton University with a concentration in forensic investigation and a double minor in Computer Information Systems and Victim Services. A Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and Dean’s List student, Ekwe volunteers for several nonprofits, is a Stockton peer mentor, and a member of the Stockton Student Senate. Ekwe has interned for the Homicide Taskforce Division of the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office and is currently a legislative intern for the nonprofit New Jersey Black Legislative Caucus Foundation, where she works to resolve constituent issues. Ekwe’s goal is a career that will enable her to pursue her passion for advocating for victims’ rights."

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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