46 | Acquisition International, Influential Businesswoman Awards 2024 Rising Business Champion for Vibrant Communities 2024: Roxanne Earley Hoboken Business Alliance The city of Hoboken is home to a close-knit community where businesses and individuals can thrive. As the city’s primary economic development organization and business advocate, the Hoboken Business Alliance (HBA) delivers strategic and thoughtful programs, advocacy and resources to Hoboken businesses, residents and visitors. At the helm of the HBA, Roxanne Earley is a one-of-a-kind executive director making a positive impact on the city’s business community. We caught up with Roxanne following her win in our esteemed Influential Businesswoman Awards 2024. Contact: Roxanne Earley Company: Hoboken Business Alliance Web Address: https://hobokenbusinessalliance.com/ Hoboken, the Mile Square City, is a bustling, lively city in New Jersey just across the Hudson River from New York City. Known for its dense population, walkability and bike-ability, Hoboken is home to a dynamic community that exemplifies urban success. A transit-rich locale one stop away from Manhattan, Hoboken’s distinct offerings make it a resilient, vibrant city that attracts visitors across the region. The HBA is a driving force bringing together business, government, and the community to cultivate a beautiful and flourishing city to attract visitors, support new and existing entrepreneurs, and establish Hoboken as a destination known for its unique charm, diversity, and economic prosperity. Executive Director of the HBA, and our awardwinning business champion, Roxanne Earley tells us, “I guide the organization’s strategic vision to make Hoboken a compelling destination and a desirable place to own and operate a business. I regularly work with diverse stakeholders, ranging from local businesses and property owners to community organizations and government officials, to revitalize and enhance Hoboken’s business environment through innovative and collaborative partnerships.” Before joining the HBA in 2022, Roxanne was Director of the New York City Department of Small Business Services Business Improvement District Program, where she led a team focused on managing and expanding the network of public-private partnerships focused on commercial revitalization throughout the City. She was also Director of Land Use & Planning for the Office of New York City Councilwoman Margaret Chin, where she specialized in community engagement and urban policy. With regards to empowering women in the sphere, Roxanne shared, “Since I began my career, I’ve witnessed notable positive changes for women in economic development and urban planning, as well as in government and nonprofit leadership roles which have brought greater focus to and ability to participate fully in the field as a practitioner. I believe that there is greater access for women in these spaces than ever before, and am proud to currently lead a team of diverse women here at the HBA.” Roxanne’s work doesn’t stop at the HBA. Outside of the organization, she offers mentorships for early career professionals in her familiar fields. She helps a diverse collection of individuals to scale up their entrepreneurship, enabling their creative concepts to become a reality with the QNSCollaborative in Queens, New York. “I am actively supporting the growth of mutual aid and cooperative community systems which recognize, value, and support members of my community who often suffer most from systemic inequities,” she said. “I want to advocate for a world where we don’t have to choose between surviving and thriving, where we can do what we feel called to without delaying or sacrificing that – be it starting a small business, leading a nonprofit, or advocating on behalf of our own communal well-being. I want a world where the gulf between regular people and their government shrinks. I want a world where women in leadership become business as usual, and where we get to define what success looks like on our own terms.” Roxanne told us how proud and grateful she is for the strong and supportive network which envelops everything she does. She is excited to continue pushing the boundaries of what is possible for her, her network, and the city of Hoboken. The future of the HBA looks incredibly bright as she continues to champion business for surrounding communities – empowering others to truly shine. “It is incumbent upon us to use our power and privilege to uplift the voices of others – especially those who have been least recognized in the corporate world or least welcome to share in its success. I am grateful for all of the strong women who taught me to advocate for myself, and feel deeply moved to share this expertise and mentorship with others in their careers.”
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