Women Entrepreneurs Rock 12 Celebrates Revolutionary Thinking and Bold Moves

Women Entrepreneurs Rock 12 Celebrates Revolutionary Thinking, Bold Moves, and the Power of Women Supporting Women

New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Brookdale Community College marks 12 years of inspiring entrepreneurs, strengthening businesses, and creating opportunities

For 12 years, Women Entrepreneurs Rock has inspired women to dream bigger, challenge expectations, and turn ambitious ideas into successful businesses. This year’s celebration continued that tradition as the New Jersey Small Business Development Center (NJSBDC) at Brookdale Community College hosted its 12th Annual Women Entrepreneurs Rock event.

Under the theme “Bold Moves: Changing the Game,” the event brought together entrepreneurs, business leaders, elected officials, and community partners for an evening filled with inspiration, mentorship, and meaningful connections.

The word of the evening was “revolutionary,” reflecting the spirit of women who challenge the status quo, overcome obstacles, and create opportunities for themselves and others.

Dr. Jackeline Mejias-Fuertes, director of the NJSBDC at Brookdale and founder of Women Entrepreneurs Rock, reflected on the event’s 12-year history of celebrating extraordinary women, building relationships, and opening doors.

“Being revolutionary doesn’t mean you have to change the entire world overnight,” she said. “Sometimes being revolutionary means having the courage to change your own world.”

She reminded attendees that entrepreneurship is about more than starting a business. It is about building wealth, strengthening families, transforming communities, and leaving a legacy.

The celebration was hosted at The Whitechapel Projects, a woman-owned business led by Marilyn Schlossbach, a longtime supporter, sponsor, and mentor whose partnership has helped make Women Entrepreneurs Rock a success.

One of the evening’s most inspiring moments came from keynote speaker Gladys Vonglahn, founder and CEO of Gladys’ Cleaning Service, LLC, who shared her extraordinary journey from Chilean immigrant and young mother to successful business owner.

Arriving in the United States from Chile in 2001, Vonglahn worked to build a better future for her and her young son. She recognized an opportunity in the cleaning industry and began building a business with limited resources but an unwavering determination to succeed.

Her early years were marked by long hours, financial challenges, and repeated rejection as she attempted to break into commercial cleaning. Rather than abandon her dream, she pursued certifications, attended networking events, and sought guidance from mentors.

After years of persistence, she secured an opportunity at Newark Liberty International Airport. What began as a small cleaning assignment eventually expanded to work involving 23 retail stores and restaurants.

Today, Gladys’ Cleaning Service serves commercial, corporate, construction and public-sector clients throughout New Jersey, providing specialized services in post-construction cleaning, janitorial services and facility maintenance. The company has completed major commercial and healthcare projects for clients including Johnson & Johnson and University Hospital, earned recognition as an SBA-recognized legacy business and Rising Star Award recipient, and continues to expand into new markets.

A graduate of Essex County College with an associate degree in business administration, Vonglahn continues to invest in professional development, demonstrating the value of lifelong learning in entrepreneurial success.

“Networking is farming, not hunting,” she told attendees, emphasizing that meaningful business relationships require patience, trust, and consistent follow-up.

Vonglahn encouraged entrepreneurs to seek mentors, develop business plans, pursue certifications, and remain prepared for opportunities.

For Vonglahn, entrepreneurship represents more than financial success. Her company creates employment opportunities, supports working families, and provides pathways for professional growth. Her son, Lucas Bernui, now serves as an estimator for Gladys’ Cleaning Service, reflecting the family legacy she continues to build.

Her message to fellow business owners was simple: Be strategic, remain persistent, ask for help, and never stop pursuing your vision.

The evening continued with a dynamic panel discussion moderated by Lisa Durden, an award-winning filmmaker, producer, national television contributor, and sought-after moderator known for her fearless storytelling and commitment to amplifying underrepresented voices. Her work has appeared on ABC News’ 20/20, CBS News and Hulu.

The four accomplished entrepreneurs representing different industries shared their personal journeys, challenges, and lessons learned were:

Maria Clemente Morresi, founder and CEO of Reimagined Mind Counseling and Consultation and co-founder of the Perinatal Resource Collaborative, discussed building mission-driven organizations that address community needs. Her journey began with a desire to provide continued mental health support to young people, demonstrating how an unmet need can become the foundation for a meaningful business.

Vivian Pisano, founder of The Secret Garden Salon and a photographer, described following her passion for helping people feel confident and empowered. Beginning with a salon in her grandparents’ garden, she expanded her business while embracing sustainability, creativity, and community engagement. Her journey illustrated the importance of knowing when to grow, evolve, and pursue new opportunities.

Gladian Rivera, founder and CEO of Obsidian Rising LLC, shared how her experience in state and federal government inspired her to establish a business focused on operations, strategy, and innovation. She discussed the challenges of entrepreneurship and her vision of creating employment opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals.

Tatiana Sunik, CFP®, CDFA, founder of Hera Financial LLC, spoke about empowering women through financial planning, particularly during significant life transitions. Her work helps women gain confidence, establish financial independence, and make informed decisions about their futures.

Moderated with humor, authenticity, and thoughtful questions, the discussion explored overcoming rejection, identifying personal strengths, establishing healthy boundaries, managing competing responsibilities, and embracing change.

The panelists encouraged attendees to trust their instincts, recognize the value of their experiences, and build businesses aligned with their personal values and goals.

Their stories reinforced a common theme: Entrepreneurship is not a single path to success but a journey shaped by resilience, adaptability, and the courage to pursue something meaningful.

Supporting the Businesses That Drive New Jersey’s Economy

The event highlighted the significant role small businesses play in New Jersey’s economy and the resources available to help them succeed.
According to Kelly Brozyna, CEO and state director of the NJSBDC network, approximately 97% of New Jersey businesses are classified as small businesses, employing fewer than 500 people.

Since January 2025, the statewide NJSBDC network has assisted approximately 7,700 clients and provided more than 26,000 hours of business consulting. Women accounted for more than half of those served, with approximately 4,300 women entrepreneurs receiving assistance.
These services help business owners access capital, obtain certifications, develop business plans, expand operations, and pursue government contracts.

Brookdale Community College has long supported the NJSBDC, helping entrepreneurs throughout Monmouth County access professional guidance and resources.

Brookdale President Dr. David M. Stout emphasized that entrepreneurship has been part of the College’s identity since its founding and remains central to its commitment to the community.

“We are the best Small Business Development Center in New Jersey,” Stout said, recognizing the leadership of Dr. Jackeline Mejias-Fuertes and her team’s dedication to helping local businesses succeed.

He also emphasized that a single conversation, introduction, or shared idea can spark an opportunity that changes the direction of a business.

Mentorship and Brookdale’s Values Inspire Entrepreneurs

Brookdale Provost and Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Katie Lynch connected entrepreneurship to the College’s four core values: Compassion, Creativity, Courage, and Collaboration.

She explained that successful businesses often begin with compassion for a community need, require creativity to imagine possibilities, demand courage to take risks, and depend on collaboration to grow.

“When we work together instead of against each other, we don’t just build stronger businesses. We build stronger community,” Lynch said.
Lynch also emphasized the importance of mentorship in helping aspiring entrepreneurs gain the confidence and knowledge to pursue their goals.

State Leaders Recognize 12 Years of Empowering Women

The event received recognition from New Jersey state leaders for its contributions to women’s economic empowerment and business development.

A special greeting from Governor Mikie Sherrill recognized the event’s 12-year history of creating opportunities for women entrepreneurs to learn, grow, and connect. The governor also celebrated women who demonstrate the courage to innovate, take risks, challenge expectations, and contribute to New Jersey’s economy.

Assemblywomen Margie Donlon and Luanne Peterpaul, representing New Jersey’s 11th Legislative District, attended the celebration and presented legislative recognition honoring Women Entrepreneurs Rock.

Donlon acknowledged the intelligence, innovation, determination, and work ethic of women who have overcome barriers and created opportunities. Peterpaul emphasized the importance of women’s voices in leadership, mentorship, and supporting future generations.
Their remarks underscored the contributions women-owned businesses make to New Jersey’s economy and communities.

Connecting Entrepreneurs With Resources and Opportunities

Representatives from the New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA) also participated, sharing information about programs and financial resources to help businesses innovate, expand, and succeed.

The discussion highlighted funding opportunities, including innovation-related assistance that may provide up to $400,000 for eligible projects.

An NJEDA representative encouraged entrepreneurs to remain persistent and seek guidance when navigating available programs, noting that even experienced professionals can find the process complex.

The message was clear: Entrepreneurs should take advantage of the organizations, professionals, and support networks available to help move their businesses forward.

For more information about the speakers and the event download the digital program.

About the NJSBDC at Brookdale Community College
The New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Brookdale Community College provides entrepreneurs and small business owners with professional business consulting, educational programs, and resources to support business growth. Through its partnership with the statewide NJSBDC network, the Center helps strengthen local businesses, encourage innovation, and promote economic opportunity throughout the region.