An enterprise built to do good endures in Newark

Rutgers Business School’s impact on small business and entrepreneurship in Newark isn’t always obvious.

At GlassRoots, which stands on a quiet side street near the city’s downtown, that impact is woven into the story of an organization that has used art to influence and inspire young people in Newark.

Earlier this month, GlassRoots marked its 25th anniversary with a gala attended by dozens of guests, including Sen. Cory Booker, Rutgers University-Newark Vice Chancellor LaToya Battle Brown and Rutgers Business School Dean Lei Lei.

“GlassRoots represents the very best of Newark – creativity, entrepreneurship and community impact,” Lei said in her remarks during the gala. “It has empowered young people through artistic expression while developing entrepreneurial thinking, business skills and real-world problem-solving abilities.”

Thousands of children (and plenty of adults, too) have learned glass blowing and glass making at the studio, which was designed specifically as a space where the art would be taught to young people.

The non-profit was started in 2000 by Patricia Kettenring, a Rutgers Business School faculty member, to introduce arts and business skills to area youth.

Kettenring, who passed away in 2023, developed and taught Business and the Arts as part of the Rutgers MBA program. MBA students played a part in creating the non-profit’s first business plan and marketing strategy. They also sat as some of the first members of the organization’s board.

In 2008, when Sen. Booker helped to celebrate the official opening of the Bleeker Street “hot shop” designed specifically for the Glass Roots program, Kettenring described the studio’s activities as a “viable alternative to the harmful and negative recreation of the city streets.” They inspired participants “to set goals, overcome challenges, and ultimately succeed in their endeavors,” she said.

Lei said Kettenring’s vision that creativity and strong business strategy could work together to transform lives and strengthen communities continues to inspire both GlassRoots and Rutgers Business School.

“Our MBA students, faculty and administrators helped support the organization’s earliest business planning and strategic development, reflecting our longstanding commitment to experiential learning and community-engaged leadership,” Lei said.