Theresa Harris has more than 40 years of progressively responsible experience in management and information technology. Theresa is known for generating a return on investment for her company, strategic business partners, and customers. She prides herself on bringing clarity to technology offerings and ensuring that technology supports the business. Building relations and excellent customer satisfaction are necessary to implement mission-critical projects successfully. Theresa has managed activities between system integrators and third-party integration partners and ensured technical specifications were complete and accurate. She identified and tracked project risks and issues to ensure timely resolution, identified project deliverables, created deliverable specification documents, and managed the overall daily activities of staff. Theresa has saved millions of dollars for her customers and modernized business processes to enhance business operations. Theresa is best known for her “Warrior” attitude, as she is an entrepreneur, business counselor, and community leader. She is passionate about helping organizations thrive and creating personal development opportunities for her employees, consultants, and business partners.

Theresa was the President and CEO of the award-winning TMH Solutions. TMH Solutions, founded in 2010 and sold in late 2023, was a minority-owned, woman-owned, and managed company headquartered in Ohio. The company collaborated with customers, strategic business partners, and consultants to deliver business value for clients and stakeholders. Through her extensive experience in information technology, consulting, and enterprise software, Theresa hired the right consultants and teams to support organizations in achieving their vision, mission, and strategic goals. She uses practical communication skills, negotiation techniques, and proven experience to ensure customer success.

Theresa has a wide breadth of corporate governance experience and expertise. She has chaired and/or served on all required NYSE standing committees, including audit, nominations, governance, and compensation. Theresa served two terms as Board Chair for the Mid-Ohio Food Collective, where she chaired the finance and audit committees and participated on the governance and board engagement committees. She is a board trustee at Otterbein University, where she also serves as Vice Chair, sits on the Executive Committee, and serves on the audit and governance committees. Theresa is also a board member of the Coalition for the Common Good and past President of the National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO) Columbus.

Theresa has received numerous accolades for her leadership in the business community.

Theresa graduated from the University of Detroit Mercy with a degree in Business Administration. She completed the Dartmouth Tuck School of Business Executive Program.

Joanna Smith, a 35-year-old New Yorker of Jamaican descent, is a world traveler and visionary STEM educator based between New York and Maryland. With over 15 years of engineering experience, she has become a trailblazer in merging the arts with STEM education to help students and professionals unlock their full potential.

Known for her energizing mantra, “STEM Time is Play Time,” Joanna empowers learners to see science, technology, engineering, and mathematics through creative and unconventional approaches such as music, roller skating, and literacy. Her unique framework helps people use music as a gateway to mastering math, boosting confidence, academic performance, and innovation.

Drawing from over 30 years of piano experience and a decorated engineering career, Joanna founded Daley Smith STEM and Daley Genius, two pioneering STEM tech companies that host annual STEM Summer Camps, Conferences, and Year-Round Curricula in Music and Math, Rollerskating and Math, Coding, and Financial Literacy. Her programs have impacted over 3,000 students and adults globally, equipping them with skills to build character, increase income, and lead in STEM careers.

Joanna’s influence has been recognized by several prestigious organizations. She has been featured on Bronxnet’s very own OPEN,  Project Management Institute, named a “New Face in Civil Engineering” by the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), and is an educational partner with Steinway & Sons. She is also the author of the Math and Music Sticker Book, How to Practice Anything and Become Great at It, How to become a civil engineer- A Fun Guide for kids and parents, co-author of No more Unclaimed promises and a co-author of the children’s anthology STEM Possible, featuring young authors ages 8–12.

Her teaching and outreach span Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Trinidad and Tobago, and beyond collaborating with organizations such as BronxWorks, the Urban League Design League, Branch Brook Skating Rink, Bronxville Public Library, The Westport Museum, Yonkers for the Arts, The KB Foundation, and Boys & Girls Village.

After almost a decade working in law enforcement, Jamine Moton is now pioneering a new era of physical security throughout the U.S. Southeast and beyond. Jamine understands that protecting people from harm is one thing—fostering emotional safety is another. That’s the mission behind Skylar Security: to set a new industry standard where security is viewed holistically for both the service providers and the communities they protect.

After leaving her position as Police Sergeant in the metro Atlanta area, Jamine spent three years researching the physical security industry at length. What she found were troubling patterns of opaque business practices, below-average wages, a lack of quality control, and an overall poor image. She knew the industry needed a change and decided to be the catalyst by prioritizing people above profits.

With Skylar Security, she combines empathy with action, leading with both compassion and courage. Today, Skylar Security is a boutique household name with a network of 300+ security guards, servicing hundreds of clients. 

Safety Manager - Meta

Cathy Morgan holds the position of East Coast Regional Director at Apprenti, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to delivering Registered Apprenticeship (RA) programs nationwide to bridge critical talent and workforce gaps. Ms. Morgan joined Apprenti shortly after the pandemic, bringing over two decades of workforce experience in assisting businesses to leverage "earn-and-learn" models that enhance employee retention, increase productivity, and secure predictable sources of skilled talent. Companies and institutions such as Wayfair, Cengage, Liberty Mutual, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Cvent, American Tower, and the Massachusetts Executive Office of Technology and Security, among others, are transforming talent challenges into opportunities and benefiting from her expertise. Ms. Morgan resides in Maryland.

Fatim Conde is the Senior Director of Talent Solutions at Per Scholas, Newark, where she builds meaningful connections between employers and learners while creating career pathways in IT support, cybersecurity, software engineering, and cloud roles. A large part of her work is getting to know each learner — understanding their goals, strengths, and challenges — to ensure their time at Per Scholas is truly worthwhile by graduation. Fatim leads employer engagement strategies that secure pipelines of opportunities, partnering with companies ranging from global leaders like Barclays and Amazon to local innovators such as eMazzanti and NCR Voiyx.

Before joining Per Scholas, Fatim was Director of Operations at a real estate investment company, where she honed her skills in business development and sales, growing markets and building lasting client relationships. She earned her B.S. in Business Administration from Eastern Oregon University in just two years and is currently pursuing her MBA at Texas A&M. A passionate advocate for talent equity, Fatim believes that opportunities should be accessible to all. Outside of work, she’s a self-proclaimed “unpaid food critic,” always seeking new restaurants to explore and share with friends and colleagues.

Tobi is a CPA that specializes in tax planning, business entity optimization, and financial advisory for small and medium scale businesses . Having been trained by Robert Kiyosaki’s (Author of the Rich Dad, Poor Dad) CPA, she has been helping businesses make strategic planning to optimize their business structures and legally reduce their tax liabilities using a holistic approach that consider s the short- and long-term goals for the diverse businesses. She Holds multiple certifications, including CPA, ACA, and Certified Acceptance Agent for the IRS. Tobi serves as a Preferred Accounting Firm for Invest Newark (New Jersey) and as a Financial Consultant and Advisory Board Member for the Rutgers Newark Small Business Development Center. She also partners with the City of Newark Workforce Development and Newark Works to train local residents as Professional Tax Preparers and Professional Bookkeepers.

Additionally, she is an accomplished author of three books: Tax Mastery: A Simple Guide to Navigating Individual Taxation (2024), Tax Mastery: A Simple Guide.

Dr. Juail Goode began her career in education with the Newark Public Schools (NPS), motivated by a commitment to serving her hometown community. She excelled as an elementary and middle school teacher and later collaborated with administrators as an instructional coach.

In 2015, Dr. Goode founded Goode Education Group, LLC (GEG) to provide resources to school districts focused on compliance monitoring and teacher professional development. Under her leadership, GEG has expanded to support local and federal government agencies and private and non-profit sectors in recruitment and workforce development. She has also completed clean energy training, reinforcing her commitment to sustainable practices in education.

To stay connected to her roots, Dr. Goode is a part-time lecturer at Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Education. She founded the Goode Education Foundation, a non-profit dedicated to education, job training, personal development, and mentoring for underserved populations.

Dr. Goode holds a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Rutgers University-New Brunswick, a Master's in Educational Administration and Supervision, and a Master's in Public Administration from Rutgers University-Newark. Her academic journey began with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology from Virginia Union University. Through her experiences, Dr. Goode believes that education transforms lives. 

Sierra Etes is an entrepreneur, author, mental health advocate, and award-winning content creator from Newark, NJ who is dedicated to creating safe spaces for black healing, creativity, liberation and joy. 

Impassioned by her own experiences struggling with mental health due to racism, and witnessing the devastating disparities in her community, she advocated throughout her high-school career for racism and its impacts on the student body to be taken seriously. She carried this passion with her into college and the rest of her career.

Recognizing her efforts, she was awarded thousands in scholarships by the Newark Unit of the NAACP; The Chad School Foundation; The North Jersey Deltas NJAC; Haitians Unified for Development and Education and others; for both her scholastic achievement and to empower her to continue fighting for her communities — and she did.

In college, she got the opportunity to conduct research in tandem with Yale University’s Sherwin B. Nuland Summer Institute in Bioethics, and her findings were staggering, as she was able to conclude that structural racism contributes heavily to black people’s, and especially black women’s, mental health. 

With what she had always known finally being confirmed, she decided to dedicate her life’s work to finding a solution. 

After partnering with Azé Williams, she went on to launch multiple businesses and projects that centers black mental healing. Just For Black Girls and the It’s in the Stars project, two online spaces that allow black women and black queer people to access free mental health resources and get their financial and medical needs met, respectively. In 2021, they were awarded by Rihanna via her SavageXFenty Game Changers award for their work in the black mental health wellness and creator space.

In 2022, they launched a mental health brand based on Etes’ debut poetry book, Sunkissed Child: Poetry in Black Life, dedicated to empowering black women to prioritize their creativity, joy and wellness based on her research findings; and in 2023, she and Williams launched their natural hair care brand that helps black people take care of themselves with ease and affordability at the center.

Now, Etes is a full-time content creator living and traveling abroad in Playa del Carmen, who uses her social media, books, and business ventures to not only empower black women to prioritize their mental wellness and faith on a global scale, but to also assist them in their journeys to creating lives and careers that help bring hope and positive change to their communities.  

Recent work includes developing her book into a play and TV series, and teaching aspiring entrepreneurs how to create their own online businesses.

Azé Williams is an entrepreneur, community activist, author and philanthropist, from Newark, NJ who is driven by her passion for black healing and wellness. 

Though homeless throughout her adolescence, she leaned on her community to propel her forward and gained the confidence to follow her own voice and vision as a Rutgers Future Scholar; a fellow of the Aspen Institute; a leader in the Newark Students’ Union; and a graduate of the School for Ethics and Global Leadership, with each opportunity teaching her to be fearless in carving a new path for herself, and her community, to follow. 

In 2020 she partnered with Sierra Etes to create Just For Black Girls, a safe online space for black women to congregate and access free mental health resources. In 2021 they launched the It’s in the Stars Project, a direct mutual aid fund that allows black queer people struggling with their mental health get their financial needs met. For these efforts they received Rihanna’s SavageXFenty Game Changers Award late that same year. 

In 2022, they launched their mental health wellness brand, Sunkissed Child, named after the poetry book they published about a black woman’s journey to healing after trauma. And in 2023, they started their natural hair care brand that allows black people worldwide to center their care and wellness easily and affordably. 

Now, Williams is a content creator that travels and lives abroad full-time, using social media to promote her businesses, and using her creativity, leadership and voice in service of her vision of black wellness, healing and joy as often as she can. 

Recent work includes launching a production company and writing original scripts for the stage and screen alongside Etes.

Donna Hendricks is a personable and passionate therapist who has cultivated a unique approach to meeting each client and their family exactly where they are. With an empathetic presence and a commitment to genuine connection, she walks alongside those she serves throughout their transformative journey in the therapeutic process. Donna takes pride in her ever-evolving worldview and her deep cultural awareness qualities that are nurtured with intentionality and reflected in every aspect of her work.

Professionally, Donna is a certified New Jersey K-12 educator, an accomplished life coach, and a Licensed Associate Marriage & Family Therapist (LAMFT) with extensive experience in providing both individual and family therapy services. Her strong academic background includes a Master’s Degree in Marriage & Family Therapy from Capella University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Kean University, which together underpin her comprehensive and informed approach to mental health and wellness.

In her role as a Marriage and Family Therapist, Donna employs a Systems Therapy approach, recognizing that meaningful change within one member of the family resonates throughout the entire family unit. She places a particular emphasis on Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) and Narrative Therapy techniques, empowering her clients to reframe their experiences and create actionable steps toward positive change. Her background as a middle-school teacher uniquely positions her to effectively engage adolescent clients, enabling her to bridge generational gaps and connect with young people in an accessible and supportive manner.

Beyond her professional qualifications, Donna is deeply committed to lifelong learning. She believes that both the world and the clients she serves contribute equally to her ongoing growth, both personally and professionally. Her many interests fuel her curiosity and enhance her ability to connect with a diverse range of individuals, further enriching her therapeutic practice.

Donna Hendricks is widely recognized for maintaining a safe, compassionate, and client-centered space. She consistently reaffirms her dedication to her clients' goals, ensuring that their journey toward healing and personal growth is met with unwavering support and understanding.

Newark People's Assembly

Iman Clark is an experienced construction professional with 6 years of post-graduate experience delivering projects across the commercial, municipal, healthcare, and residential sectors. In her current role as Construction Manager for the City of Newark, she helps lead high-impact, transformational developments — including park revitalizations, affordable housing, and major public infrastructure — that are shaping the future of the city. With a B.S. in Construction Science and Management from Tuskegee University, she brings a collaborative, detail-oriented approach to project delivery with a strong focus on equity, access, and long-term community benefit.

IG@yogabyelle

At 14 years old, Roselyn Rodriguez is the founder and owner of Rossert. She is currently a freshman at Arts High School. From a young age, Roselyn aspired to become an artist and express her love for art through her creations. However, as she grew older, she was often told that pursuing a career in art might not provide a sustainable income. As a result, Rossert was created, not only to serve delicious treats, but also to help support her college education and bring her closer to fulfilling her dream of becoming a full-time artist.

IG@Rossertsdesserts

Melissa Leuthner is the founder of Plant It and a passionate plant educator dedicated to harnessing the power of plants to inspire and transform communities. With a mission to cultivate green minds, hearts, and thumbs, Melissa is committed to making plant education accessible, impactful, and fun.

Born in Brooklyn and raised in Saint Lucia by her grandparents, she developed a deep-rooted love for nature and plants early in life. She now resides in the Vailsburg section of Newark, New Jersey, where she raises two teenagers, Alyssa and Aiden, who actively support her mission. Together, they cultivate gardens, teach plant-based education, and spread green joy throughout their community.

Melissa holds a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Cornell University and a Master’s in Education and Educational Leadership from Fordham University. She spent 14 years as a public middle school teacher in the South Bronx, gaining deep insight into the educational needs of underserved communities and the lack of plant education. 

Certified in permaculture, Melissa also raises chickens in Newark as part of her commitment to sustainable living. She helps maintain two community gardens through grassroots and community-led efforts as part of Newark’s Adopt-a-Lot program. Beyond her work with Plant It, she is passionate about upcycling, believing that discarded materials can always be repurposed into something new and creative.

Whether through her gardens, educational initiatives, or her focus on environmental sustainability, Melissa’s work continues to inspire positive change in her community. 

Adenah Bayoh’s journey is not just a success story — it is a love letter to resilience, legacy, and the limitless possibilities that bloom when one woman dares to dream beyond survival.

She was just 13 when she fled Liberia’s brutal civil war, leaving behind the only home she knew. With heartbreak in her past but hope in her future, Adenah arrived in the U.S. carrying no luggage, no money — only the unshakable belief that her life could be more. That belief was planted by her grandmother, a woman who ran a small restaurant in Liberia, feeding her neighbors with love and intention. That memory became Adenah’s compass.

Today, that seed has grown into an empire rooted in purpose. Adenah is the proud owner of nine restaurants across New Jersey and New York, including three IHOP franchises. At just 27, she became one of the youngest IHOP franchisees in the country — shattering ceilings in spaces not built for her and creating seats at the table for others along the way.

In 2017, she co-founded Cornbread, a fast-casual, farm-to-table soul food concept created to honor the traditions that shaped her. In 2021, she launched Brick City Vegan, a plant-based concept built for communities that are often excluded from the health and wellness conversation. Collectively they are a celebration of Black culture, family, and food that heals, proving that access and nourishment can — and must — go hand in hand.

In 2023, she made history as the first Black woman in New Jersey to secure a 9% NJHMFA affordable housing credit — bringing deeply affordable housing to Newark’s South Ward, a community that raised her and one she continues to pour into. As a real estate developer, she is transforming abandoned spaces into vibrant community hubs. Her redevelopment of the former Irvington General Hospital is a bold step toward healing both buildings and neighborhoods, proving Adenah’s mission extends beyond the plate.

But Adenah’s greatest legacy is not in buildings or businesses — it’s in people.

What drives her isn’t profit. It’s purpose. It’s the young girls who look like her and wonder if they can dream big. It’s the single mothers, the immigrants, the underdogs — those told they were too poor, too Black, too different, too “other” to make it. To them, Adenah says: “Look at me. You can.”

Every meal served, every apartment built, every job created is an act of devotion. A commitment to building a future where everyone — no matter where they come from — has the chance to rise.

Adenah Bayoh didn’t just chase the American dream. She redefined it. And now, she’s creating it for others — one life, one business, one community at a time.

Michelle Boone stands as a pioneer and trailblazer in the construction industry, carving her path as the first and only minority female of Local Union 475 steamfitters, a testament to her resilience and determination in breaking barriers.

Her journey into the world of construction began with learning the skilled trade of pipefitting, where she discovered her love for the intricacies of building and renovation. As she honed her skills, Michelle became a beacon of inspiration, proving that dedication and passion know no boundaries.

Driven by her enthusiasm, Michelle initially began working on small projects, dedicating her time to fixing homes for close friends and family. Her commitment to excellence and her innate ability to transform spaces led to the genesis of TMA General Contracting in 2014.

Starting with a modest crew, Michelle seized the opportunity to hire and train enthusiastic young men in construction skills. Her leadership and mentorship not only contributed to the growth of TMA General Contracting but also provided a platform for aspiring individuals to excel in the construction field.

Under Michelle's guidance, TMA General Contracting has expanded its portfolio and reputation, earning acclaim for its commitment to quality workmanship, attention to detail, and dedication to fostering diversity and inclusivity within the construction sector. Michelle Boone's indomitable spirit and dedication to her craft serve as an inspiration to aspiring professionals. Her journey from being a trailblazing minority female in the steamfitter’s union to founding TMA General Contracting exemplifies her relentless pursuit of excellence and her unwavering commitment to empowering others in the construction industry.

We are proud to be certified as a M/WBE company. Michelle's commitment to promoting diversity led her to pursue and attain MWBE certification, further solidifying TMA General Contracting's commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunity in a traditionally male-dominated industry.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Michelle remains an advocate for community engagement, actively supporting initiatives aimed at empowering individuals from diverse backgrounds and encouraging their involvement in the construction sector.

Michelle Boone's journey from a remodeling enthusiast to a co-founder of TMA General Contracting stands as a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit, expertise in construction, and unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and excellence in the industry.

With close to 32 years of experience in construction management, William S. Parrish, President & CEO of NobleStrategy, LLC, has consistently coordinated and delivered large-scale, multi-stage construction projects, where success depends on the balance of community stakeholders, civic representation, agency resources, and technical staff.    

William started NobleStrategy as a one-man consultancy in 2002, while working full time. In 2005 he quit his day job. Within a year he had forged strategic partnerships and won several state agency contracts for construction management, based on his knowledge and relationships. His new motivational book Making Bold Moves: Creating Multimillion-Dollar Success in 500 Days or Less! details his remarkable success and is geared toward aspiring entrepreneurs, business owners, industry executives and anyone hoping to foster major success in his or her life.

William’s vision and expertise at planning, coordinating and delivering large-scale, multi-stage projects has driven the expansion of NobleStrategy to its position as a top construction resource focused on delivering program and project management services, sustainable design and construction practices and emerging contractor development and training programs to public and private entities in the education, civic and corporate sectors.

Being a LEED accredited professional since 2004, Mr., Parrish is leading the effort in sustainable construction practices assisting project owners and teams on winning approaches to managing energy-efficient green construction projects and attaining LEED project certification where required. Mr. Parrish has also worked at the advocacy level for sustainability on local projects and most recently presented (2) educational credit sessions at the United States Green Building Council’s International Conference – Greenbuild Nation 2013 in Philadelphia, PA.

A Hampton University graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Building Construction Technology, William completed his master of science in Management of Technology at Polytechnic Institute of New York University. He is a NYC Building Department Licensed Site Safety Manager and since 2007 has served as an Adjunct Professor for the New York University Schack Institute of Real Estate, School of Continuing and Professional Studies, and in 2011 he won its coveted Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Faculty Award.

William is an active board member of the Capital Region Minority Chamber of Commerce (Trenton), City of Newark Workforce Investment Board, and ACE (Architecture, Construction, and Engineering) Mentor Program of America, Inc. (New Jersey), as well a contributing member of the Construction Management Association of America and the New York and New Jersey Chapters of the United States Green Building Council. He is a Life Member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc.—having been initiated at the Gamma Epsilon Chapter, (Hampton University) in 1987 and past president of the Eta Pi Graduate Chapter from 2008-2010.

My experience at UPS is one of excitement and adventure. I started my UPS career as an intern in the BaSE (formerly Plant Engineering) Department at the Philadelphia Airport and Oregon Avenue Facilities, while attending Pennsylvania State University. During this time, I was exposed to many functions with in the BaSE, which included Maintenance, Housekeeping, Projects, and Environmental Compliance. As an intern, I was also given the opportunity to work with the Automotive, Human Resources, and Legal departments. Learning all of the different business facets of UPS was amazing, but what really intrigued me was the impact UPS had in the community. Every year I was able to volunteer in a community event. The two events that resonated with me the most, were the National Veterans Wheelchair Games and the National Urban League Convention. When I participated in each event, I further realized how great the need was for services in the community and had first-hand experience in helping UPS deliver on what we promise; serving where needed and providing job opportunities.

After graduating from Pennsylvania State University, I was hired as a BaSE Specialist at the Meadowlands Hub in Secaucus, New Jersey. While at the Meadowlands Hub, with its fast pace and high volume environment, I sharpened my skills within each BaSE function. As a BaSE Specialist, I was also able to do one of the things I loved most, serving our fellow partners in Brown and providing an opportunity to give back to the community. During this time, I built cross functional relationships. As a result, I was able to assist with the Meadowlands Health and Safety’s wellness initiatives that became an annual events. Within the BaSE group, I also planned an event where we participated in the American Heart Association’s Heart Walk in New York City.

As my UPS journey continued, I was promoted to District Environmental Coordinator in New York. This was one of the most rewarding experiences because I had the chance to actually work in the field that I studied in college, which was environmental studies. This experience was also a tremendous reward because I had the ability to travel to many facilities within the North Atlantic District, learning that each facility is unique. Within the District Environmental Coordinator role, I managed environmental compliance and facility safety for the district. I also provided environmental training to all sorts (Pre-Load, Day, Twilight and Midnight) at various facilities and responded to urgent environmental incidents. As a result of managing a greater number of facilities, I met so many people. Again, I knew I could build relationships to create a positive impact in the community. As a District Environmental Coordinator, I was able to help create cross functional volunteer experiences that included I.E, Finance, Security, TSG, HR, etc. with organizations, such as, the YMCA of Newark New Jersey, Figure Skating in Harlem, etc.

While continuing my service to UPS, I took an assignment as the Corporate Environmental Affairs Supervisor in Atlanta. In this role, I had the opportunity to help develop a training plan for all District Environmental Coordinators, which included all of the topics covered in the Environmental Manual and more. I also supported the Facility Safety, Remediation, and DMP/Stormwater Corporate Program Managers. Even though I was in a new environment, my passion for positively impacting the community did not change. While serving as the Corporate Environmental Affairs Supervisor, I volunteered for many organizations. I also served on the communications team for the African American Business Resource Group. One of my most meaningful experiences at UPS was being able to create and help plan UPS’ first BaSE United Way Mobile Parade, where we collected and donated food to local organization in Atlanta.

Now, I currently serve as the Corporate Environmental Manager. In this role, I manage environmental compliance for the southeast region. I also have the amazing opportunity of helping my team develop and reach their potential so that they will be successful in their career paths. Eventually like many of my colleagues, my time in brown will inevitably come to an end. On that day, I want to look back, not only at my individual achievements, but at the legacy I created by investing in others as so many people have invested in me.

Shereka Danzy, nicknamed “Danzy” is a retired combat military veteran with an impressive 25-year career in the United States Army, where she achieved the rank of E8 Master Sergeant. Notably, she made history as the first female Drill Sergeant for the New Jersey Army National Guard and completed two combat tours in Iraq and was awarded the Meritorious Service Medal. While in the military Danzy also served as a sworn law enforcement officer, holding the title of Senior Parole Officer with the New Jersey State Parole Board for eight years. 

Currently, Danzy is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and has been working as a Program manager, Project manager, and Certified Instructor in the workforce development industry for the past year and a half. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Sociology from William Paterson University. In addition to her 19 years in leadership coupled with professional endeavors, Danzy is dedicated to mentoring and coaching others, sharing her wealth of

experience and knowledge to inspire the next generation of leaders.

Born and raised in Newark, New Jersey, Ebony Adkins is a proud lifelong resident and a true product of her city. A graduate of Central High School — a proud Blue Devil — Ebony has resided in the South Ward for over 20 years. Her commitment to helping others has always been the driving force behind her work.

Ebony earned her degree from Montclair State University, where she focused on working with adults in need. This led to a 15-year career as a mental health case manager with UMDNJ and Rutgers, where she provided compassionate and dedicated support to individuals facing mental health challenges.

Over the years, Ebony’s passion evolved as she became increasingly aware of the deep connection between mental, physical health, and the environment. Witnessing the suffering in her community, she was drawn to explore how environmental factors contribute to overall well-being.

Her journey into environmental justice began when she was introduced to the GALA (Green Alliance Leadership Academy) Program through  the South Ward Environmental Alliance. This opportunity sparked a new chapter in her mission — to advocate for a healthier environment as a means to uplift and heal her community.

Now actively engaged in the GALA program, Ebony is deepening her knowledge and expanding her impact. She is committed to working toward environmental justice in Newark, believing that by improving our environment, we can also improve our collective mental health and quality of life.

Ebony Adkins is on a mission to heal, empower, and transform her community — one step, one person, and one green space at a time.

Shamara Gatling-Davila born and raised in the vibrant city of New Brunswick, New Jersey, Shamara Gatling-Davila embarked on a remarkable journey driven by her passion for helping others and her relentless pursuit of personal and professional growth. Graduating from

Temple University with a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology marked the inception of her academic pursuits, setting the stage for a career characterized by versatility and dedication.

Shamara's early career was anchored in the realm of social services, where she spent six formative years with DYFS, now known as DCPP, diligently serving her community. Simultaneously, she pursued her Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Seton Hall University. However, in 2012, Shamara underwent a transformative shift in her career trajectory, leading her to pivot into the dynamic field of workforce development. By 2014, she had fully embraced this new path, leveraging her expertise and passion to make a tangible impact on the lives of individuals seeking meaningful employment and career advancement opportunities. 

For ten years, Shamara was an invaluable asset to the Middlesex County Office of Workforce and Career Development. She held diverse roles ranging from Career Counselor to WDB Policy Analyst, and eventually, Business Development Manager. Hermultifaceted responsibilities reflect her adaptability and unwavering commitment to fostering economic empowerment within her community. 

Building on a decade of dedicated service in public workforce development, Shamara has seamlessly transitioned into a role that bridges education and industry. Her move to the Associated Construction Contractors of NJ as Education Manager represents a

natural progression in her mission to cultivate opportunity and access. Leveraging her deep understanding of workforce systems and policy, she now champions career pathways in construction and the trades—collaborating with educational institutions from K-12 through post-secondary to inspire and prepare the next generation of skilled professionals, while also administering impactful scholarship initiatives.

Beyond her professional endeavors, Shamara is a visionary entrepreneur, serving as the founder and owner of Personalized Imagery LLC, operating under the names Amir'rd Image and A' Lyce 1Bite of Sassy. Through her ventures, she empowers individuals to embrace their unique identities and express themselves authentically. 

Moreover, Shamara's advocacy extends beyond the realms of business and career development. In her leisure time, she champions the cause of entrepreneurs, offering support and guidance to aspiring business owners, further embodying her spirit of generosity and community service. 

In essence, Shamara Gatling-Davila epitomizes resilience, ambition, and compassion. Her journey from social services to workforce development and entrepreneurship serves as a testament to the transformative power of dedication and the unwavering pursuit of

one's passions. As she continues to inspire and uplift those around her, Shamara remains a beacon of hope and empowerment in her community and beyond.

Vice Principal, Barringer High School

Felicia Simmons is a lifelong resident of Asbury Park, New Jersey, and a distinguished community leader, activist, and artist. Her unwavering dedication has left a lasting impact on the Jersey Shore, where she has become a driving force for social justice, educational equity, and community revitalization.

As President of the WCC Historic Renovation Association Inc., Felicia leads efforts to restore the historic Westside Community Center at 115 Dewitt Avenue. Her vision is to transform it into a vibrant hub offering educational resources, wellness programs, and leadership training for youth and families. She also serves as President of the Monmouth/Ocean County Chapter of the National Action Network, where she champions civil rights and economic empowerment in Central Jersey.

Felicia is the founder of Proper Foundation, an organization dedicated to addressing systemic issues in urban communities by connecting residents to essential services related to employment, housing, education, mental health, and spiritual well-being. Additionally, she serves as Education Chairwoman for the Asbury/Neptune Chapter of the NAACP, working to improve educational opportunities and address disparities in the local school system.

A former two-term member of the Asbury Park Board of Education, Felicia contributed to key policy initiatives aimed at enhancing student outcomes. Her leadership has earned her numerous accolades, including recognition as one of the Asbury Park Press's Most Influential Figures of the Jersey Shore in 2023. Under her guidance, the Monmouth/Ocean County Chapter of the National Action Network was also named "Chapter of the Year" at the organization’s annual convention.

Felicia has led numerous community initiatives, including pandemic response efforts that provided meals and vital health services to vulnerable populations through partnerships with organizations like World Foods, NJ Re-Entry, and Mt. Olive Church. She co-founded Communities Unified to Eliminate Disparities (C.U.R.E.D.) to expand vaccine and testing access in underserved areas. She also played a pivotal role in the Asbury Park Affordable Housing Coalition, supporting key measures like the Rent Control Referendum and Inclusionary Zoning Ordinance to combat displacement and protect affordable housing.

In 2022, Felicia announced her candidacy for Mayor of Asbury Park, emphasizing her commitment to equitable development, stronger public services, and greater community unity.

Felicia’s dedication to service is deeply personal. Inspired by her own experiences and her son, Zachariah, she remains steadfast in her mission to foster a unified, empowered, and prosperous community. Through her leadership and advocacy, Felicia Simmons continues to create a legacy of transformation in Asbury Park and beyond.

Natasha Davis is a distinguished real estate developer, licensed real estate agent, seasoned real estate investor, and nationally certified construction trainer. With a career marked by groundbreaking achievements and a relentless commitment to empowering others, Natasha has established herself as a leading figure in the real estate and construction industries (LinkedIn, 2025).

Kirsten works for the Newark Board of Ed as a plumber; she has been with the Board for 5 years and has been in Local 24 for 25 years.

Ms. Hewitt-Cabral has worked for 24 years in a variety of positions in environmental sustainability and community building at national levels, including creating and managing all aspects of the Sustainable Communities Network. The network supported 30 leaders in rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina pummeled the New Orleans region in 2005. She went on to lead community-building projects as Founder and CEO of Newark-based Community Action Strategies, LLC.

“We are proud and privileged to appoint someone with the professional credentials and proven track record of commitment to Newark and our residents like Nicole Hewitt-Cabral to the critical position of Chief Sustainability Officer,” said Mayor Baraka. “Ms. Hewitt-Cabral will provide our administration with the energy, determination, and leadership to take command of our sustainability office.”

The Chief Sustainability Officer reports to the Business Administrator, and works closely with an interdepartmental Sustainability Team made up of staff from key City departments, the Newark Environmental Commission, Newark Green Team, and other community, university and private sector partners to implement policies and programs that create a healthier, greener Newark in all five wards. The work of the Sustainability Team builds on the framework laid out in the Newark Sustainability Action Plan, and is guided by principles of environmental and social justice, ensuring all members of the Newark community benefit from the city’s progress.

Ms. Hewitt-Cabral gained her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Environmental Science & Policy in 2000 from Hood College in Frederick, Maryland. She earned a Master’s of Public Administration, specializing in International Public and Nonprofit Policy and Management from New York University in 2006.

“It is an honor to serve in this role serving a city that I love as we work together to continue to shape our sustainability initiatives that increase our urban tree canopy, support our local growers to provide nourishing food to our residents, and invest in clean energy while preparing us for a hotter and wetter future,” said Ms. Hewitt-Cabral.

In 1999, she was an intern for the President’s Council on Sustainable Development for the White House in Washington, DC, and in 2005 as an intern with the United Nations Development Program working on both its Equator Initiative and the United Nations Capital Development Fund.

She served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Bolivia from 2000 to 2002 in two roles as a Natural Resources Management Extensionist and then as a Gender and Development Representative, managing community-driven agroforestry and soil conservation projects supporting women farmers.

After gaining her Master’s Degree, Ms. Hewitt-Cabral was a Program Officer for the Institute for Sustainable Communities, in Washington, DC and Gulf Coast, where she worked on supporting leaders and the community in rebuilding after Hurricane Katrina, serving in that role from 2007 to 2010.

From 2014 to 2023, she worked at Public Agenda, based in Brooklyn, first as Associate Director of Public Engagement & Senior Public Engagement Associate, then as Director of Public Engagement. She led complex, innovative projects such as the NYC-focused Cycles of Resilience that supported citizen-centered climate justice and resiliency planning in NYC neighborhoods devastated by Superstorm Sandy.

In December 2022, she founded Community Action Strategies, which led community-building projects with clients that included the City University of New York (CUNY), Canarsie Community Development Inc., and the City of Newark, serving as CEO until this year.

Kim Gaddy is the Founder and Executive Director of the South Ward Environmental Alliance, (SWEA) a grassroots Environmental Justice organization of residents and community based organizations, founded in 2015. SWEA’s mission is to create healthy and vibrant neighborhoods by ensuring residents' voices are heard and are active participants in decision making regarding policies that impact their neighborhood.

Ms. Gaddy is a former Newark School Board Member, first City of Newark female Chief of Staff for Councilwoman Mildred Crump, New York/New Jersey Regional Representative for the Moving Forward Network, Appointed by Governor Phil Murphy to serve as Chair of the NJDEP's Environmental Justice Advisory Council member of the New Jersey Green Jobs Council and Co Founder of the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance.

Kim was recognized as the 2023 NAACP Newark Community Champion for Environmental Justice, NY/NJ Baykeeper 2022 Conservation Leadership Award, 2021 Russ Berrie Making a Difference Honoree for New Jersey, 2021 International Black Women's Congress Oni Award Recipient, 2021 Weequahic High School Hall of Distinction, 2020 UUFaith in Action Environmental Justice Award, 2020 New Jersey Governor’s Richard J. Sullivan Environmental Excellence Award, 2018 Newark Women from Suffragettes to the Statehouse, 2017 selected as 100 People of Newark and a 2007 recipient of the Environmental Protection Agency Region 2 Environmental Community award.

Ms. Gaddy has deep roots in the Newark community as an organizer with ties to businesses, government and communities and was responsible for bringing the “cool roofs” concept to one of the oldest and most beloved establishments in Newark: Level One bakery. With over 20 year’s experience in renewable energy and environmental issues, Ms. Gaddy has authored many curriculums to train Newark residents in solar, off-shore wind, green infrastructure and tree health management.

Patricia Canning joined the SWEA team in March 2024.  Patricia joined SWEA as a seasoned project manager for the Passport to Green Jobs Training program featuring GALA (Green Alliance Leadership Academy.)  She brings with her over 15 years of experience in climate and sustainability and most recently tenured at Deloitte, a leading professional services firm, where she helped establish its sustainability and climate practice.

As a trained industrial engineer, Patricia is known for crafting innovative solutions that seamlessly integrate people, processes, and technology. Operating at the intersection of equity and climate sustainability, Patricia seeks to work with organizations to leverage their resources for socially impactful outcomes.

Patricia is  a community organizer and activist.  She has garnered numerous awards for her community-led efforts in the South Orange/Maplewood community. Initiatives like the SoNotPlastic environmental campaign — aimed at eradicating single-use plastics — and the MLK Luminary Project — dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday and promoting racial equity — showcase Patricia's commitment to driving positive change.

A graduate of Lehigh University, with degrees in engineering and international relations, Patricia further honed her skills at the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester. Outside her professional pursuits, Patricia and her husband embody a shared passion for health and wellness, and Patricia regularly participates in Half-Ironman triathlons. Together, they are the proud parents of two daughters.

District Director Rubayyi Salaam holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology and dual master’s in Industrial/Organizational Psychology. She began her tenure with OFCCP in 2008, as a Compliance Officer in the Northeast-Mountainside District Office. In 2011, she was promoted to Regional Liaison for the Mid-Atlantic region; and returned to Northeast region in 2015 as their Regional Liaison, then took a role in management in 2016 as Assistant District Director of the New York District Office. In 2020, she was promoted to District Director for New York District Office and former District Director of the Caribbean Field station, which oversaw reviews in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.

District Director Salaam ensures that American workers and job seekers have a fair opportunity at varying employment decisions, resulting in good jobs and closing the pay disparity for many across the nation. She and her team received the Secretary’s Exceptional Achievement Award on multiple occasions for successfully resolving systemic hiring and compensation discrimination cases against federal contractors. During her tenure at OFCCP, she helped the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions secure millions in back wages and annualized salaries for thousands of class members, under her leadership she has ensured that discrimination violations were remedied.  Additionally, she has provided technical and compliance assistance to over 200 contractors.

The Job Corps' 60th Anniversary highlights six decades of empowering young individuals by providing free education, vocational training, and career support to help them achieve success in the workforce. Celebrating its commitment to underserved youth, the program has transformed lives through hands-on training in high-demand industries, fostering personal growth and employability. Success stories from alumni showcase how Job Corps equips young people with the skills and confidence to secure meaningful jobs, contribute to their communities, and build brighter futures. This milestone underscores Job Corps' enduring mission to create opportunities for the next generation.

Hope W. Little is a dynamic media professional with a rich background in television production and communications. She earned her degree from William Paterson University, where she specialized in Television and Radio production and minored in African American and Caribbean Studies.

Following her graduation, Hope began her career at MSNBC Television studios as a freelancer, where she honed her skills as a cameraman and teleprompter operator. During her tenure at MSNBC, she contributed to prominent shows such as "Early Today," MSNBC Live News, "Countdown with Keith Olbermann," and "The Chris Matthews Show." 

In addition to her work at MSNBC, Hope expanded her expertise by freelancing for Interfaith Television Ministries in Newark, New Jersey. There, she played a key role in significant projects, including the City of Newark Mayoral elections, covering the terms of influential mayors like Sharpe James, Cory A. Booker, and Ras Baraka. She also served as a robotic camera operator for NJTV News, also located in Newark, NJ, where she covered daily news broadcasts and local events, further solidifying her reputation in the industry. 

In recent events, Hope has earned her Part 107 Remote Drone License through Alpha Drones USA and the city of Newark and is officially a remote drone pilot working with Fleet 2 Drones on various projects throughout the city and state. 

Currently, Hope W. Little is the proud owner of Scopentertainment, LLC, a media production company. In her role, she continues to cultivate her talents as a business owner, videographer, editor, and remote drone pilot, reflecting her unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence in media production and beyond. With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for detail, Hope eagerly anticipates the exciting opportunities that lie ahead in her career, and wouldn't be here without the support of her loving husband Michael of 17 years, and two children, Demarcus and Dawn. 

Born and bred in the Historic City of Newark, New Jersey. Newark is the City that runs through my blood. My non-profit "Newark One Ward Wide" was created because I am everywhere for everyone. I love the community work that I am able to do. Saving Lives is my passion and stretches from children to adults. I am actively helping to resolve our homeless situation along with providing clothing and food. I have partnered with Hope Over Hurt, a local non-profit organization with ties to Houston, Texas. With their support we were able to help residents stock up on food during the inflation. You can also find me at our City Council meetings advocating for our right to live.

I am a self-employed CPR AED Life Trainer, OSHA 30 Trainer (construction), educator, mentor, tutor, life coach...I do it all! I spend a majority of my time as a Community Activist. During my activism I helped lead a successful protest for our lead stricken water and participated in the successful lawsuit against the Mayor to acknowledge the crisis with our water. I fight for equal and fair housing, livable wages, habitable living conditions, fair taxes for our seniors and homeowners, residential parking and our children.

It is imperative that we engage our children and connect with them on a level that they know we genuinely care and are concerned about their future. I am investing in their NOW! NOW is the time that we roll up our sleeves and get the work done that is required of us for our children. NOW is the time that we hold every person in position of power over our educational system accountable. NOW is the time that we no longer stay silent while our children are being mistreated and harassed. NOW is the time to actually do the work that is being claimed to be done. NOW is the time to stand up for the voiceless.

Ravi Ramsaran is a visionary leader and innovator dedicated to advancing workforce development and digital literacy in Newark, NJ. With a robust background in technology and a commitment to community enrichment, Ravi has spearheaded numerous initiatives to empower Newark residents through skill-building and career preparation. His expertise in software development, particularly in Python, has been instrumental in crafting solutions tailored to the unique needs of the city, from refurbishing technology for underserved communities to developing educational programs in virtual reality and digital content creation.

In his role with the City of Newark, Ravi has led impactful programs that bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping individuals with essential skills to thrive in today’s job market. Through targeted literacy and workforce training efforts, he has supported both youth and adult learners, enabling them to pursue meaningful career pathways. Ravi’s commitment to community engagement extends to his podcast, where he shares valuable insights on career opportunities and educational resources for Newark’s youth.

Driven by a passion for continuous learning and innovation, Ravi also explores advanced creative tools like Blender, harnessing these platforms to inspire and educate. His professional journey reflects a dedication to making technology and opportunity accessible to all, building a stronger, more inclusive Newark.

Job Title: CEO

Company: Final Touch Construction LLC

Final Touch Construction LLC:  We specialize in expert carpentry, residential remodeling, and transformative commercial restaurant renovations. 

FTC Management INC ( 5O1C3)  We teach high school students and second-chance citizens valuable hands-on skills in construction , provide mentorship, and host annual school supply giveaways for a brighter, more skilled community.

Tamika Lowe a native of Newark, New Jersey with an Associate's Degree in Applied Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Accounting. Tamika has been an entrepreneur since 2009. Tamika became a realtor in 2014 and, soon after, began flipping properties in 2015. Tamika's love for the business encouraged her to become a Licensed General Contractor in 2017.

Since the initial launch of Tamika's business, F&F Contracting and Property Management, she has been hired to work on numerous 203K loan jobs and insurance jobs -- as well as doing many speaking events to share her knowledge about real estate, real estate investing, and construction. 

Tamika is now the proud Chairwoman of her organization, She Contractor (TM), an organization to give tradeswomen in the U.S. a larger voice and presence through apparel and podcast outlets. Shecontractor.com will host a list of tradeswomen around the U.S. and offer seminars, webinars, and conferences in the near future.

The Speakers Series welcomed a panel of select Tradeswomen Build Nations Conference attendees that represented Newark at the event -- the panel includes NWDB Shovel Ready Taskforce Chair, Shanteau McFadden, NWDB Director of Talent Management and Development, Catresa McGhee, and 311 CTE Carpentry Graduate, Veronica Rodriguez. 

"Tradeswomen Build Nations is the largest conference of its type in North America and growing each year. This event brings together over 4,000 tradeswomen from every craft in the building trades. Our unique community fosters a supportive environment, embracing and celebrating solidarity, sisterhood and diversity, and we are stronger because of it! Tradeswomen Build Nations is for women of all ages and skill levels who work, or aspire to work, in the unionized construction trades. The lively conference provides opportunities for networking, learning, and leadership development for all attendees, whether you are a pre-apprentice or a seasoned journeyworker." (NABTU)

Shonda Williamson is a Licensed Freight Broker, Drayage Consultant, Entrepreneur, residing in Newark NJ, a SBE and MWBE Certified Business, as well as a Vendor @ the PANYNJ, Member of the Workforce Development Board, and a Partner with the TDL Partnership with the NJ Department of Labor. She attended Essex County College and Union County College where she completed her CSCMP Certificate in Supply Chain Principles and Demand Planning. Her career in Logistics began 12 years ago as Supervisor of Dispatch at UPS and she continued to excel in accomplished roles, at one of the largest Shipping Lines CMA-CGM and then transitioned to Panasonic in Newark NJ.

As a mother of 3 adult children, she can recall the financial challenges she faced 20 years ago being on public assistance and not having the skills needed to obtain employment that would cover her expenses. For years she attended college part-time and worked a full-time job, knowing education is key. Although, the jobs she would obtain had no career potential, just an end to a means. Her spirit of perseverance, good attitude, positive perspective, and the belief that anything is possible led her to her destiny as an entrepreneur.

Her introduction into the Drayage industry opened the door to her extensive education in Supply Chain, Logistics, and international/global business. She has accomplished roles such as Logistic Coordinator, Operations, and Management without a degree. “I had never heard of Drayage, and amazingly this was the first time I had the opportunity to earn more than the low living wage, pay bills, and be valued as an asset to a company.”

A plan to “pay it forward” by training and providing employment options to her community led to the establishment of Logistic Professionals Incorporated designed for Improving the quality of life of Newark residents by providing experiential training, understanding the impact of transferable skills, and the purpose of upskilling has been her mission. Providing community outreach opportunities via information sessions and training courses weekly leading to employment.

Logistic Professionals Incorporated has successfully made partnerships with community organizations such as Ironbound Community Corporation, Leaders for Life, and Newark Street Academy to offer Drayage training to their clients and students.

Erin O’Brien-Hofmann is the Director of Training at IUPAT (International Union of Painters and Allied Trades), DC 21, The Finishing Trades Institute of the Mid-Atlantic Region . Her duties include educating and providing necessary experience to current registered apprentices on the skills and demands of the painting, glazing and drywall industries. Any time not in the classroom is spent pounding the pavement recruiting men and women alike.

For several years, Erin has been the instructor for WINC (Women in Nontraditional Careers) Trades Readiness program. This is a six-week cohort, with NABTU’s MC3 (North American Building Trade Unions, Multi Craft Core Curriculum). Women are taught construction math, OSHA 10, Heritage of the American worker, and other related subjects.  Erin takes great pride in recruiting women into the Philadelphia and New Jersey Union Building Trades.

Erin is IUPAT DC 21, Local Union 2011 commercial painter with 18 years’ experience in the field. She has worked that time with Schnoll Painting and has been responsible for major projects including the Comcast Building, Convention Center expansion, Franklin Field, CHOP, TCNJ and many more.

Erin Loves her job and has a passion to reach other women in hopes that they too will consider a career in the building trades. Erin resides in Holland, PA with her husband and her four boys. Her hobbies include working on her own home, exercising and going to the beach in Wildwood NJ. Erin is a member of NAWIC (National Association of Women in Construction), and chair for the MYWIC (Mentoring Young Women in Construction) camp, CLUW and the AFL-CIO, Mayors Business Roundtable, PA Prevailing Wage Appeals Board, DC 21 Womens Committee and the IUPAT Womens Committee.

Email Erin O’Brien-Hofmann:  erin@fti.edu

Phoebe Cusack is a carpenter by trade and a 16 year member of Carpenters Local 328 in Boston. She got started in her trade through Non Traditional Employment for Women in NYC. As a carpenter she worked in concrete, interior system and interior finish. She has served her union as a Steward and as an instructor at the Boston Carpenters Apprenticeship Training Fund and the International Training Center in Las Vegas.  She worked as an EHS coordinator for Skanska before starting her own company in 2019.  She holds an unrestricted MA CSL and is pursuing her ABC license.  She is currently self-employed as an Owners Project Manager focusing on the restoration of churches and historical buildings.

Marjorie Perry, a lifelong resident of New Jersey, is the President and CEO of MZM Construction & Management Company, Inc.  As importantly, she is widely recognized as an innovator, public speaker, writer and role model for women and minorities in business. Using her extraordinary path to success and 26 years of experience as fodder for inspiration, Perry finds her mission to be one who motivates nascent entrepreneurs to develop and pursue their dreams by sharing the lessons she has learned from her own success, which often meant taking life's lemons and making lemonade. Trained as an educator with a B.A. from Kean College, Perry’s path in teaching was diverted after she was caught in a series of layoffs in the Newark Public School system. In a fortuitous career move, she decided to try her luck in sales and marketing—which turned out to be an unexpected perfect fit. She went on to work for corporate giants 3M, Johnson & Johnson and United Airlines, ultimately cultivating a burgeoning vision for life as a passionate, self-made entrepreneur.

Perry launched a consulting company focused on helping start-ups and serial entrepreneurs succeed in the marketplace. Resourceful and open to all possibilities, it wasn't long before she and two partners founded MZM Construction & Management. Soon after, she became sole principal of the company, which has sustained a multi-million-dollar bottom line for the last 24 years.

Perry is now a coveted inspirational speaker and writer, motivating people with the message that, “You, too, can do it!” She has spoken throughout the United States to women in business and at small business conferences on how to successfully navigate while playing in shark-filled waters.

Speaking engagements include the NJ Governor's Conference for Women, the heralded Sobel & Co., Executive Women Breakfast Series, The Liberty Science Women’s Program, The National Association of Women Business Owners, The NJ chapter of Financial Executive Institute (FEI). Columbia Bank, Berkeley College, Goldman Sacks, City of Pittsburgh, City of Cincinnati, City of Newark  Women in Construction NYU, Morristown Chamber of Commerce, NJBIA,  Ted Talk, and Women in Business Miami Florida.     

Perry has appeared on MSNBC, CBS, ABC, UPN 9, News 12 and NJN’s New Jersey Caucus with Steve Adubato where she also is a proud member of the Adubato Advisory Board. 

She has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being inducted into New Jersey's premier business publication’s NJBIZ 2011 Business of the Year, New Jersey Business of Hall of Fame, 2012 SBA Business of the Year, 2012 Best 50 Women in Business, and one of the Top 25 Entrepreneurs in New Jersey. More recently, Perry was selected by Goldman Sachs and Bloomberg in 2015 as one of the top 15 businesses in the country to watch for in the future with major growth within the next five years. To top it off, she has been selected to receive the prestigious 2018 NJBIZ Lifetime Achievement Award, which has only been presented to three other New Jersey business women over the years.

Perry sits on the following boards:  The Board of Directors Chair Emeritus and Finance chair at NJIT, Harvard University advisory Board, RWJ UMDNJ Board of Trustees; Board member of the Newark Regional Business Partnership, M & T Bank and African American Chamber. A Prior Board member,  Montclair State University Feliciano Center for Entrepreneurship, New Jersey chamber of Commerce Secretary and Executive Committee,   Kean University and  Business School,  Two terms as the Finance Chair for the East Orange School Board, and past member of the New Jersey Economic Development Authority and Kean University Foundation Board. In academia, 2015 to 2018 she was an adjunct professor at NJIT and Stevens Institute of Technology, teaching MBA students the means and methods of best practices to be successful entrepreneurs.  In her spare time Perry mentors inner city college-bound youth because it matters that they make it too.

Perry excelled in receiving her MBA from NJIT with credited course work  in civil engineering;   additional coursework at Rutgers, Stevens, NYU NJIT and completed Leadership for the 21st Century at the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.  In addition, she completed a finance certification program in 2016 from Dartmouth. Graduated   Harvard Business School   (HBS) OPM Executive Program and was voted class speaker November, 2020. Finally proud to have been a constructor on the new  Terminal A Newark Port Authority NY/NJ.

Tracey Mitchell is a seasoned diversity and civil rights specialist with 20 years of experience in the field. She currently serves as Senior Director, Civil Rights, at the Gateway Development Commission, where she runs an ambitious Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program for the largest and most complex infrastructure project in the country.

Jill Schiff is the Chief Operating Officer for the Associated Construction Contractors of New Jersey

Ashlee Sullivan brings with her an impressive background in commercial real estate, boasting over 12 years of experience. She began her career after graduating from REAP (Real Estate Associate Program) NY in 2008. This program is designed to open professional opportunities for minorities in commercial real estate and is a catalyst overall for success in the industry. Throughout her professional journey, Ashlee has held various positions in the CRE industry, including project management, portfolio/multi-site property management, and community development. Currently, Ashlee Sullivan works for Turner Construction Company’s NJ Business Unit as a Community & Citizenship Specialist.

Ashlee's confidence in strategic community development, exceptional communication skills, and team-oriented approach make her a valuable asset. Her commitment to lifelong learning, as evidenced by her educational background, further enhances her ability to create positive change.

Aside from her professional achievements, Ashlee has a passion for travel and actively participates in community service projects and volunteer opportunities through her sorority, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. Current Role & Core Responsibilities: Her role involves fostering community engagement, promoting corporate citizenship, and managing programs that make a positive impact. Here are some key aspects of her work:

Community Engagement: Ashlee actively engages with local communities where Turner operates. She collaborates with community leaders, organizations, and residents to understand their needs and develop initiatives that benefit everyone involved.

Strategic Partnerships: Ashlee plays a pivotal role in forging connections with economic development entities in the communities where Turner builds. These partnerships contribute to Turner's commitment to community growth and sustainable development.

Program Development: She spearheads community-centric programs and events. These initiatives not only enhance Turner's brand but also strengthen relationships with local stakeholders.

Entrepreneurial Support: Ashlee innovates value propositions for entrepreneurs by integrating events and programming. Her efforts contribute to the success of local businesses and promote economic vitality.

Diversity Advocacy: Ashlee is passionate about diversity and inclusivity. She advocates for diverse tenancy through thoughtful policy development, ensuring that Turner's projects reflect the communities they serve.

Workforce Development/Economic Development: As a Community & Citizenship Program Specialist, Ashlee works closely with her Procurement Team to amplify utilization of underrepresented business enterprises within Turner’s Construction projects. Additionally, she works diligently to ensure youth throughout the state of NJ is engaged and exposed to careers in construction as alternative routes and pathways to success.

Fun Fact 

Content Production: She created and produced a series called “The Suite Spot" on Kearny Point's (former employer) YouTube Channel. This platform allowed her to share stories, insights, and updates related to local businesses and entrepreneurs.

Who am I? 

My name is Edna M. Rashid, the mother of 11 children, grandmother of 18+, and great grandmother of 1. I am the owner of NF Insulation, LLC, Minority and Woman Owned Business Enterprise (MBE/WBE), certified by the Department of Transportation, Port Authority of NY and NJ, the state of New Jersey. 

As the owner of NF INSULATION, LLC

NF INSULATION family-owned and operated located in Newark, a signatory, union, mechanical insulation contractor specializing in green technology and awareness; whose focus is conserving energy and finance for consumers thru energy audits and reduce the cost of projects thru efficient company management. We are Detail orientated, on time and under budget service provider offering quality craftsmanship of larger companies with the consumer satisfaction only a small company can offer. The company was founded to fulfill the need for high quality insulation services; to raise the awareness about the added value of properly applied insulation; to increase the skilled workforce in Newark by offering them an opportunity to move from a job to a career. We are focused on: proficiency, energy efficiency, high performance and customer satisfaction. With over a decade in experience and research in not only the industry but the hiring process, NF INSULATION has been formed with both short- and long-term success in sight.

Background: 

Edna M. Rashid has 40 years of management experience. A community organizer who advocated for and monitored Davis Beacon prevailing wage legislation and compliance at local and state level over 40 years ago. Edna holds a BA from Rutgers University in Urban Planning and Policy; with graduate level courses in Management Information Systems, Principles of Management and Principles of Marketing from NJIT. She is a graduate of Rising Tide Business Academy and has completed NJIT Procurement Technical Assistance Center Seminar on Government Contracting for Small Businesses. She completed: • Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification Training offered by NJ Transit’s Office of Civil Rights • Construction Project Management, Regional Alliance for SBA • Construction Management and Project Development, L+M Development • Turner School of Construction Management • New Jersey Redevelopment Authority/Redevelopment Training Institute • Building Analysts Field and Envelope Professional Field Analyst, Building Performance Institute (BPI) and a 30-hour Occupational Safety Hazard Administration (OSHA) Certificate.

MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS

• African American Chamber of Commerce – New Jersey

• National Council of Jewish Women – Essex

• International Heat and Frost Insulators and Allied Workers Local 32

• National Insulation Association (NIA)

• Construction Institute (CI)

Philosophy I believe that you are the sum of your life experiences. There is triumph out of tragedy, if you can hold fast to your dream, and do not let go. Failure is just an opportunity to start over, rest- take-a-break. Remember when you are at those times, when it seems like all hope is almost gone, that you might succeed with just one more effort. Whatever you do just do not quit.

Chonte' Martin serves as the Facility Management Director of Operations for the City of Atlanta, overseeing approximately 3.6 million square feet of city facilities. Her wide-ranging portfolio includes City Hall, Municipal Court, Public Safety Headquarters, fire stations, and neighborhood centers. Martin’s team handles the daily operations, which span skilled trades, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, grounds maintenance, and custodial services.

Martin’s technical expertise is rooted in her hands-on approach to learning building mechanics. To deepen her knowledge, she enrolled in a technical school’s power plant engineering program, where she earned her stationary engineer’s license and HVAC EPA universal certification. She also holds a master’s degree in Facility Management from the Rochester Institute of Technology.

Today, she continues to leverage her leadership and technical skills to ensure smooth operations across Atlanta’s city facilities, including City Hall, fire and police stations, courts, and community centers.

Job Title: CEO

Company: Final Touch Construction LLC

Final Touch Construction LLC:  We specialize in expert carpentry, residential remodeling, and transformative commercial restaurant renovations. 

FTC Management INC ( 5O1C3)  We teach high school students and second-chance citizens valuable hands-on skills in construction , provide mentorship, and host annual school supply giveaways for a brighter, more skilled community.

Experienced AA/EEO and Contracting Diversity Program Director in the construction industry, including heavy, commercial and residential construction projects in New York City, Washington, D.C. Suitland, Md., Peoria, IL, Wilmington, N.C., and Bradenton, Fl.  Developed and administered training and outreach models to ensure equal opportunity participation for small, local, minority and women owned business concerns. Extensive expertise developing construction job-training and apprenticeship, and permanent job placement programs, Affirmative Action and EEO programs and policies, Community and Supportive Services and/or Family Self-Sufficiency plans. Extensive management experience in Davis Bacon, Prevailing Wage oversight, Fair Labor Standards, EEO / AAO / OFCCP complaint investigation, diversity training, State and Federal reporting.

Ravi Ramsaran is a visionary leader and innovator dedicated to advancing workforce development and digital literacy in Newark, NJ. With a robust background in technology and a commitment to community enrichment, Ravi has spearheaded numerous initiatives to empower Newark residents through skill-building and career preparation. His expertise in software development, particularly in Python, has been instrumental in crafting solutions tailored to the unique needs of the city, from refurbishing technology for underserved communities to developing educational programs in virtual reality and digital content creation.

In his role with the City of Newark, Ravi has led impactful programs that bridge the gap between education and employment, equipping individuals with essential skills to thrive in today’s job market. Through targeted literacy and workforce training efforts, he has supported both youth and adult learners, enabling them to pursue meaningful career pathways. Ravi’s commitment to community engagement extends to his podcast, where he shares valuable insights on career opportunities and educational resources for Newark’s youth.

Driven by a passion for continuous learning and innovation, Ravi also explores advanced creative tools like Blender, harnessing these platforms to inspire and educate. His professional journey reflects a dedication to making technology and opportunity accessible to all, building a stronger, more inclusive Newark.

Victoria Hosendorf is a seasoned and innovative executive with 25 years of experience. She has a proven track record in managing operations, building key alliances across the Mid-Atlantic region, and fostering successful network connections and relationships between companies, leading to awarded contracts. She strongly advocates for minority-owned firms, providing coaching, business development, and financial relations support.

Ms. Hosendorf successfully expanded her organization into New Jersey, establishing a new location and purchasing a 5,559 sq. ft. office building. She consistently delivers world-class service to clients, stakeholders, and partners. In collaboration with the revenue development team, she secured a five-year multi-million-dollar contract to open a new MBDA Center for the U.S. Department of Commerce in New Jersey. As Executive Vice President of The Enterprise Center, she inaugurated The Business Opportunity Center in Newark, NJ, in September 2023. This initiative aligns with The Enterprise Center's mission to support minority entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, business development opportunities, and technical assistance.

As Executive Vice President at The Enterprise Center and Director of the New Jersey MBDA Business Center, Ms. Hosendorf offers nationwide strategic deal-making and business consulting services. She addresses the business needs of over 500 entrepreneurs with revenues of $1M and higher and collaborates with regional economic development partners to support minority business owners. Additionally, she liaises with local corporations to source their needs for minority business enterprises (MBEs) and socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, ensuring they have the size, scale, and experience to meet project demands.

Ms. Hosendorf has helped small businesses secure over $938M in contracts and capital access. She has forged over 40 critical alliances across Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey and led operational efficiencies that reduced costs by 25%.

Michael Rojas is the Northeast Regional Outreach Coordinator for the Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs, U.S. Department of Labor. He oversees Community Outreach, Media Relations, Compliance, and Technical Assistance, working to ensure voluntary compliance by federal contractors and subcontractors. Michael is dedicated to promoting diversity through equal employment opportunity and enforcing labor laws. Previously, Michael spent 8 years as the Outreach and Education Manager at the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. In this role, he excelled in managing Employer/HR Technical training, acting as the regional small business liaison, and contributing to various National Office committees and executive boards. Before entering the public sector, Michael gained valuable experience in the private sector as an HR Generalist. His responsibilities encompassed payroll management, budget forecasting, recruiting, policy guidance implementation, and performance management. Michael proudly served in the United States Navy from 2001 to 2006 as a Personnel Specialist. His contributions extended to supporting operations like Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, earning him a Navy Unit Commendation and a Navy and Marine Corps Achievement medal. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Workforce Education and Development from Southern Illinois University Carbondale and a Masters in Human Resource Management from Long Island University Brooklyn Campus 

Jill Ashton serves as the Northeast Regional Administrator for the US Department of Labor, Women’s Bureau. She is a leader and activist in the women’s advancement community. From 2009-2021, she served as the executive director of the Massachusetts Commission on the Status of Women. In the 2015-2016 Massachusetts legislative session, Ashton led the coalition of organizations that successfully stewarded the passage of the Equal Pay Act, a piece of groundbreaking economic justice legislation that, among other provisions, prevents hiring managers from inquiring about salary history. Ashton is committed to developing talent among young women and men, having mentored more than 200 students through the commission’s robust internship program and beyond. She currently serves as the Previous Past President of the National Association of Commissions on Women, with which she has increased peer-to-peer learning opportunities to encourage the success of member commissions. A graduate of the Program for Women in Politics and Public Policy at UMass-Boston, she now proudly serves as a member of the Center’s advisory board