ECONversations Episode 8: Hester Agudosi

02/26/20 • 25 min

New Jersey’s Office of Diversity and Inclusion was established to lead New Jersey’s efforts to promote diverse leadership in government that is reflective of the state’s population and to ensure diversity in appointments, recruitment, and the execution of diversity and inclusion strategies targeted toward greater utilization of minority, women, veteran, and LGBT owned businesses. In this episode of ECONversations, Hester Agudosi, New Jersey’s first Chief Diversity Officer, joins NJEDA CEO Tim Sullivan to discuss the importance of diversity and inclusion in economic development, strategies to ensure equitable and sustainable economic growth, and specific programs that promote fairness in industries from tech to cinema.

Previous Episode

ECONversations Episode 7: Brian Sabina and Kathleen Coviello

The New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) is committed to nurturing the development of new technologies and ensuring that the State continues to be a leader in innovation. The NJEDA Technology & Life Sciences Division plays an active role in New Jersey’s vibrant innovation economy, providing low-interest financing through matching loan programs and tax incentives, as well as offering lab and incubator space and networking opportunities for the investment and entrepreneurial community. In this episode of ECONversations, Brian Sabina, Senior Vice President – Economic Transformation, and Kathleen Coviello, Executive Vice President – Technology, Life Sciences, and Entrepreneurship, discuss the wide variety of programs and resources the NJEDA makes available for innovation economy companies, including the recently-expanded Angel Investor Tax Credit. Learn more at https://www.njeda.com/TLSFeatures.

Next Episode

ECONversations Episode 9: New Jersey’s COVID-19 Response

New Jersey has led the nation in the State’s economic response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with a suite of programs that provide direct financial support for businesses and workers as well as training and technical assistance to help impacted business owners address their immediate needs and make the necessary changes to operate safely during the pandemic. COVID-19 has had a disproportionate impact on minority-owned businesses and businesses in historically disadvantaged communities. The state’s response includes a particular focus on supporting the recovery of these businesses. On this episode of ECONversations, host Tai Cooper is joined by Lieutenant Governor Sheila Oliver, NJEDA Chief Executive Officer Tim Sullivan, NJRA President and CEO Leslie A. Anderson, and NJHMFA Executive Director Charles A. Richman for an in-depth discussion of New Jersey’s response to the economic impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and efforts to prepare for a stronger, fairer recovery.