Our Team

Allen is a proud Army veteran and graduate of Rutgers University. He recently retired after 35 years of owning Onyx Hair Salon, the first African American owned business in downtown New Brunswick. It was Allen's vision to bring a major jazz festival to the city of New Brunswick more than 20 years ago.

Monica Weeks, Executive Director is credited with being the visionary of the Hub City Jazz Festival in its existing format. Prior to joining HCJF she worked in strategic business development, sales, and marketing at several companies.

Ms Weeks also serves as the Director of Operations and Marketing for Crossroads Theatre Companyand is active in several service organizations including Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. and (CNJ) Chapter, The Links, Incorporated. She has received many leadership and community service awards including honored in the New Brunswick Library virtual exhibit: The Women Who Shaped New Brunswick, marking the 100th Anniversary of the Women’s Suffrage Movement. Monica proudly holds a Master Degree from Rutgers University.

Proud second generation New Yorker. Primary education received in New York City. Bachelor of Arts Degree Brooklyn College,Masters of Science in Health Care Administration Temple University. Acting advisor/ consultant to Creative Talent Group and is a proud member and supporter of Delta Sigma Theta Inc. Sorority. Retired and savoring life through travel, and enjoying the best jazz ever. Married to Keith Thomas,mother of two grown children and proud grandmother.

Marion Wingo is a native of Newark NJ and a graduate of Western Kentucky University where he majored in public relations.

Marion is currently the VP of Sales for Vengroff Williams, Inc. His sales career started at Dun & Bradstreet where he was employed for many years. Marion is a community activist and very supportive of youth oriented programs in the Trenton area. He is the Vice Chairman of the Omega Delta Upsilon Foundation of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc. which serves the Mercer and Bucks County area. He has served on the foundation board for the past 12 months. He's an active member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. and has served on their Foundation Board for many years.

Candace Jones-McDaniel was born in Urbana, IL but grew up in Moorestown, NJ. She received a Bachelors of Arts degree in Psychology from Rutgers University. Candace began her work life as a programmer with AT&T but moved to the Purchasing division at Bellcore during the break-up of the Bell System.

Candace has over 20 years experience in the procurement arena; performing a variety functions such as expediter, buyer, manager and corporate advocate for minority and women-owned business development. Candace is married and the proud aunt of 2 nieces and 2 nephews. In her spare time, Candace enjoys a variety of music including jazz, volunteering at her job and performing charitable acts through her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.