The New Jersey Pride Chamber of Commerce (NJPCC) appointed Steven Garibell as President. Garibell was chosen by the Board of Directors to the position shortly after Stephen Blazejewski had resigned for personal reasons last month. Garibell’s term starts effective immediately.
Garibell is a New Jersey native and previously served on NJPCC’s Board of Directors from 2019 to 2021 and most recently served as NJPCC’s Advisory Board Chairman. “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 after the appointment.
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.
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 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, and has served as a past board member for the Montclair YMCA and Hudson County Community College Foundation, as well as the NJPCC. 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 his longtime friend Anthony, opening Hounds Town Bergen, a franchise of Hounds Town USA and the network’s 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 believes 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’s Responsible 100, Gay City News Impact Awards, City and State‘s Pride Power 100, the Inaugural Edition of Crain’s Notable LGBTQ New Yorkers, PoliticsNY New York LGBTQ+ Power Players, and PoliticsNY Power Players in Corporate and Social Responsibility.
The current NJPCC board members for 2023 include Jacob Meola, Stephanie Lokker, Victor Peter Rodriguez, and John Traier.
For more information, please visit the NJPCC website https://njpridechamber.org or connect with the NJ Pride Chamber of Commerce on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
