Kimberly has worked at Newark Downtown District for 17 years. She manages Anthony McMillan’s calendar, handles office administration, onboards new employees, handles benefits and HR, and does some accounting on the side.

Darryl originally moved to Newark to further his career as a performing artist. With his background in performing, dance and choreography, his goal was to work in TV and film.

Robert has worked for NDD for a little over two years. He tracks the real estate operation fundamentals of the various commercial real estate property types in Newark and the operating performance of the commercial properties.

When Talia Young stands under the magnificent concert hall chandelier in Newark Symphony Hall, its grandeur evokes both the sweep of NSH’s storied, artistic past, and the glorious responsibility she has to ensure that it remains a place for artists to thrive and the community to enjoy.

Medina came to Newark with his own design and strategies agency, Design Haus, and ended up generously sharing his commercial space with other creatives who needed a space to work.

Tiger has worked for Newark Downtown District for 12 years. As Supervisor of Operations, he oversees the quality of the cleaning and landscaping in the district, and he also runs the horticulture department.

Dawn has been a Quality of Life Ambassador for almost six years. She observes and reports on things like homelessness or broken city assets. She checks in with store owners to hear their needs or concerns, and she assists pedestrians with directions and provides other guidance.

Originally from Jacksonville, Florida, Gary had moved to Newark and was working at McDonald’s when he was invited to apply at Newark Downtown District. “Mr. McMillan offered me a job,” Gary remembers. (That would be CEO Anthony McMillan.) Gary has been an ambassador for 17 years.

Back in 2020, restaurants were desperately trying to survive the effects of the pandemic lockdown. NDD received a record number of applications for their parklets, but at the time, the program was young, and there were only four parklets in all. Mbacke, who leads the parklet program, was energized by the challenge.

As a budding journalist, Tehsuan saw a lot of positive change going on in Newark, yet realized with frustration that the traditional media was only covering violent crime or negative stories about the city. In order to better represent the vibrant, historical, and wildly creative city he knew Newark to be, he and his partners started The Newark Times, a digital publication.