CEO Hazel Applewhite Appointed to City of Newark’s Equitable Growth Advisory Commission (EGAC)

Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) proudly announces that CEO Hazel Applewhite has been appointed to the City of Newark’s Equitable Growth Advisory Commission by Mayor Ras J. Baraka. Applewhite officially joined the fifteen-member Commission on Thursday, July 3, 2025.

Founded in 2018, the Equitable Growth Advisory Commission plays a critical role in shaping inclusive and just policy recommendations that guide Newark’s future. Since its inception, the Commission has submitted nine comprehensive sets of recommendations aimed at ensuring that economic and community development efforts reflect the needs and aspirations of all Newark residents, especially those historically left out of the city’s progress.

“I am honored by your confidence and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to this important initiative,” said Applewhite. “This appointment aligns with ICC’s mission to promote justice and equity for our communities, and I am eager to help advance policies that uplift every neighborhood in Newark.”

Applewhite brings a wealth of community leadership experience and a deep commitment to equitable development. Under her leadership, ICC has expanded its impact across housing justice, environmental equity, early childhood education, and immigrant rights.

Hazel Applewhite’s extensive experience in economic empowerment and stability has been a cornerstone of her leadership at the Ironbound Community Corporation (ICC) and her broader community activism. Under her guidance, ICC has launched numerous initiatives aimed at economic empowerment, including workforce development programs, small business support, and financial literacy workshops. Applewhite has worked tirelessly to connect residents with job training opportunities, helping many secure stable employment in local industries and beyond. Her focus on economic stability also emphasizes the importance of affordable housing, access to quality education, and community-based economic planning that prioritizes long-term growth and inclusivity.

Additionally, Applewhite has been a vocal advocate for policies that address income inequality and promote economic justice. She has partnered with local businesses, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations to develop sustainable strategies that uplift marginalized communities, ensuring that economic benefits are broadly shared across all neighborhoods.

Her leadership reflects a deep understanding that economic empowerment is essential for creating equitable communities, and her efforts continue to inspire initiatives that build economic resilience and stability for Newark residents.

For more information about the Equitable Growth Advisory Commission, please visit newarkequitablegrowth.org, or if you would like to connect with Hazel, please contact the offices of ICC at info@ironboundcc.org.