"This intentional focus on representation and rooted investment extended beyond sponsorship, it was woven into the fabric of every conversation, connection, and introduction throughout the night." - Staff Writer / Essence Holman
Where meaningful connections can be hard to come by, The Nexus: Speed Networking Experience stood as a beacon of opportunity and community empowerment. Hosted by The Opulence Group and co-founded by Michael D. Nash and Brock Thomas, the event focused not only on career advancement but also on strengthening bonds within the Gloucester Township community. By bringing together college students, local businesses, and community leaders, The Nexus offered attendees a chance to connect with those shaping the future of their neighborhoods and industries.
“We’re not just trying to build résumés—we’re trying to build relationships. This is about creating a pipeline of excellence and support, where young men of color see themselves reflected in success and feel like they belong at the table,” said Michael D. Nash Sr., CEO of Zigglebee, father of Micheal D. Nash junior, and one of the event’s lead organizers.
With a mission to uplift and support people of color, particularly in business and professional spaces, the Men of Color Alliance (MOCA) intentionally spotlighted sponsors and community leaders rooted in the Gloucester Township area. This wasn’t just about making professional connections, it was about cultivating a community-driven ecosystem where meaningful relationships could thrive.
“Having these companies in the room on Friday emphasized the importance of community and brought together attendees from diverse backgrounds. These leaders shared the obstacles they faced and how they overcame them, offering inspiration and real-world insight,” said Thomas.
This intentional focus on representation and rooted investment extended beyond sponsorship, it was woven into the fabric of every conversation, connection, and introduction throughout the night. By placing local leaders of color at the forefront, The Nexus highlighted the power of lived experience as both inspiration and guidance for the students in attendance. The evening became not just a networking event, but a storytelling platform where resilience, mentorship, and community pride took center stage.
“As a community, we need events like this to connect the next generation with the leaders who are already shaping our area. Events like The Nexus ensure that we’re not just providing a space for students to grow professionally, but for them to build roots within this community—an essential step for long-term success,” said David R. Mayer, Gloucester Township mayor of 16 years, whose office served as one of the main sponsors.
The commitment to community impact was further reflected in the diverse group of sponsors present, all of whom maintain deep ties to the Gloucester Township area. From Nexus Community Sponsor Zigglebee to platinum sponsor Samaritan Life-Enhancing Care, and gold sponsor Embrace, a Black-owned restaurant, each sponsor had an intentional role in creating an event that mirrored the community it aimed to serve.
“It’s crucial to be visible in events like this. Students can see what’s possible when they’re exposed to people who’ve walked the path they want to take. Sometimes, just being in the room makes a huge difference,” said Philip Heath, president and CEO of Samaritan Healthcare & Hospice.
Heath made it clear that The Nexus was about more than just building professional connections, it was about fostering a culture of support and representation that carries beyond the event.
With the mission being to create a pipeline of minority men who are equipped with the skills necessary for lifelong character development and professional achievement, with the ultimate goal of building a sustainable support system within higher education and beyond, MOCA focused on creating a space that was both welcoming and intentional.
Tyrus Ballard, president of the Southern Burlington County NAACP and a key advocate for equity and empowerment, highlighted the importance of networking events like The Nexus for Black and Brown communities, emphasizing their role in bridging the gap between sectors that too often operate in isolation.
“We often work in silos, social justice here, professionals over there, but when we bring those worlds together, we build a stronger community. The Men of Color Alliance understands this, and they’ve created a space where we can collaborate, support each other, and grow together,” said Ballard.
That spirit of unity and collective progress is exactly what drives MOCA. Even if that involves the commitment to empowering men of color through mentorship, leadership development, and access to opportunity. The Nexus event is one of their many efforts to break down barriers and spark collaboration between students, professionals, and community leaders.
“The end goal is to spread the message of the work that MOCA and the community leaders have been doing while creating conversations about what needs to be done and how we can all come together to support the initiative,” said Thomas.
Alex and Aykine Hicks, co-owners of Embrace Restaurant and sponsors, viewed their involvement as a way to pay it forward. For them, supporting young people, especially young Black men, wasn’t just important, it was personal. Their values focus on creating spaces where mentorship, access, and representation are not only present but prioritized. As business owners and community leaders, the Hicks understood the power of being visible and intentional, using their platform to affirm the potential they see in the next generation.
“It’s all about giving back. We’ve been helped, and now we want to do the same for others. It’s about showing up and letting people know we see them, we support them, and we believe in their potential,” said Hicks.
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