Trenton ties run deep at Project REAP’s Inaugural ‘REAP on the Vineyard’ celebration
Trenton’s influence was felt at the inaugural REAP on the Vineyard awards celebration, where more than 150 commercial real estate professionals, investors, developers, public officials and alumni of Project REAP gathered August 5 to celebrate nearly three decades of creating pathways into an industry that has historically lacked diversity.
Among the honorees was Troy Vincent Sr., a Trenton native and longtime supporter of the city, who was recognized with Project REAP’s Bridge Builder Award for his commitment to building connections and creating opportunities.
Vincent, who serves as the NFL’s Executive Vice President of Football Operations, has maintained strong ties to Trenton and remains a dedicated supporter of the community. His recognition at the event underscored the influence of Trenton-born leaders whose work extends well beyond the city while maintaining a connection to the communities that helped shape them.
The celebration was held at My Angel’s Smile, a space with a historic legacy in Oak Bluffs that is currently the summer home of Dr. Leslie Hayling, DDS, a Trenton, New Jersey resident. The setting added another Trenton connection to an event centered on Black achievement, entrepreneurship, access and wealth creation.
Project REAP (Real Estate Associate Program), the nation’s oldest and largest commercial real estate career accelerator, presented the event in partnership with Cushman & Wakefield.
The event also honored REAP alumna London Kemp Boykin, Amazon Director of Global Realty Sustainable Development and North America Real Estate, with the Excellence in Leadership Award, and Amazon as Corporate Partner of the Year.
“Oak Bluffs has been a place where Black families have built wealth and community for more than a century,” said Taneshia Nash Laird, executive director of Project REAP and the first REAP alumna to lead the organization. “Putting a commercial real estate convening here was a statement that this industry belongs to everyone.”
The gathering came as Project REAP approaches its 30th anniversary. Since its founding, the organization has worked to expand opportunities for professionals of color in commercial real estate through education, professional development and industry connections.
More than a quarter of those attending the Vineyard celebration were REAP Academy alumni, bringing together professionals from across the commercial real estate industry.
For Trenton, the event offered a reminder of the reach of the city’s professional and entrepreneurial community. Vincent’s recognition, combined with Dr. Hayling’s connection to the historic Oak Bluffs gathering place, placed Trenton at the intersection of a broader national conversation about Black leadership, economic opportunity and wealth creation.
Erica-Nicole Harris, chair of the Project REAP Board of Directors, said the event demonstrated the impact of nearly three decades of investing in people.
“REAP on the Vineyard is an example of what’s possible when access and excellence meet,” Harris said. “Seeing this level of industry leadership come together in Oak Bluffs is the return on nearly 30 years of investing in people. Our alumni aren’t waiting to be invited into this industry anymore. They’re the ones convening it.”
As Project REAP approaches its 30th year, the organization says its mission remains focused on opening doors to commercial real estate careers and leadership while creating opportunities for a more diverse generation of industry professionals.
For Trenton, the celebration provided a powerful example of how its people continue to build bridges — from the capital city of New Jersey to some of the most influential sectors of the national economy.
