FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce Appoints Steven Garibell as President
Garibell will help to bring true economic empowerment opportunities for the LGBT+ business community and further the Chamber’s statewide mission.

WAYNE, N.J. (February 23, 2023) – The New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce (NJPCC) is proud to announce that its Board of Directors has appointed Steven Garibell as its new board President, his term starts effective immediately.

Garibell, a New Jersey native, previously served on NJPCC’s Board of Directors from 2019 to 2021 and most recently served as NJPCC’s Advisory Board Chairman.

With more than 20-years of fostering economic empowerment for diverse communities through building trusting banking relationships for the intersectionality business community in New Jersey and New York. He currently leads the Community and LGBTQ+ Business Development efforts for TD Bank with responsibilities to educate diverse-owned enterprises.

“I’m excited to help provide further guidance, resources, and economic insight that our community of business owners needs to get them to succeeding and building their dreams,” said Garibell, President of NJPCC.

During his tenure at TD, he has served in leadership roles in retail and commercial banking, served as the Lead for the Metro NY Diversity Council and is a member of the LGBTQ2+ Diversity Leadership team. He works towards fostering a more inclusive workplace for LGBTQ+ professionals within the financial industry, helping to ensure that TD remains a top employer.

Garibell is well-known within the community as a bridge builder, connecting customers, colleagues, and community partners together to help bring opportunities to all. As part of his community outreach, he helps administer financial empowerment seminars, has served as a past board member for The Montclair YMCA, Hudson County Community College Foundation, as well as the NJ Pride Chamber. He is a strong supporter of Diverse Business Certifications and currently sits on the Certification Committee for the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC).

“Steven will add a different level of experience to the role of Board President and his network in the corporate community will enhance the Pride Chamber’s network, stated Gus Penaranda, Executive Director of NJPCC.

In 2018, Garibell decided to embark on his entrepreneurial journey with a longtime friend Anthony, opening Hounds Town Bergen, a franchise of Hounds Town USA and the networks’ first location outside of Long Island. Due to the immense success of his first business, he and his business partner opened a second location, Hounds Town Fairfield in August of 2021. Garibell frequently gives back to the community by helping to support local animal shelters and rescues.

Garibell’s career is the belief that everyone should have a chance to be successful, no matter their background. Based on that view, he works to drive positive change through working collaborations that enrich the lives of the diverse business community and its talented entrepreneurs and small business owners. An example of his community connecting work can be seen through his work with Lambda Vodka. He spends his free time with his furry dogs Cooper, Jack, and Rocky.

Garibell is an honoree of City and State Responsible 100, Gay City News Impact Awards, City and States Pride Power 100, Inaugural Edition of Crain’s Notable LGBTQ New Yorkers Politics NY New York LGBTQ+ Power Players and Politics NY Power Players in Corporate and Social Responsibility.

The current NJPCC board members include: Jacob Meola, Stephanie Lokker, Victor Peter Rodriguez, and John Traier.

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About the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce:
Since 2013, the New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce has been the premier LGBTQ+ and allied business organization committed to facilitating successful business collaborations and increasing the economic staying power of its diverse membership. As an inclusive platform for business visionaries, the Chamber is the first stop for LGBTQ+ and allied entrepreneurs seeking to grow and access opportunities. Its primary mission is to promote the economic growth and development of the local community and help to better serve its members’ businesses by providing resources and opportunities for education, networking, and community engagement.
For more information, please visit https://njpridechamber.org/ or connect with the NJ Pride Chamber of Commerce on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The NJ Pride Chamber of Commerce is an official affiliate of the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC). It offers LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) Certification ® as a benefit of membership with the organization. Certified LGBTBEs are routinely sought after by over 300 NGLCC Corporate Partners who are looking to increase their spend with the LGBTQ+ business community. Certified LGBTBEs are also eligible for scholarship programs, mentorship and leadership training, and other business development tools.

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