New Jersey Black Women’s Collective Celebrates First Leadership Institute Graduation

Trenton, NJ – The New Jersey Black Women’s Collective (NJBWC) and Mercer County Community College (MCCC) launched a leadership program earlier this year designed to cultivate and develop the next generation of Black women leaders in New Jersey, and on Saturday, June 8th at 9:30 a.m. members of the inaugural class will present their Capstone project and at 11:00 a.m. graduate in a special ceremony at the Trenton Country Club in West Trenton, NJ. The graduation will feature keynote speaker Michele Meyer-Shipp, CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide, Advisory Board Member.

The Leadership Institute, which met from March through June 2024, is a partnership between the New Jersey Black Women’s Collective and Mercer County Community College. A steering committee that includes leaders of NJBWC, executives from MCCC, and MCCC President Dr. Deborah E. Preston have served as the planning board for the Leadership Institute.

The Leadership Institute was specifically designed for emerging leaders across various sectors. Its purpose is to equip participants with the necessary skills and strategies to effectively address current challenges in real-time, bring their visions to fruition, and enhance their overall effectiveness. Additionally, the program aims to cultivate a pipeline of talented Black women leaders in the state of New Jersey.

“As the chair of the Leadership Institute, I had the privilege of launching a new program that aimed to empower women from within. The level of energy and enthusiasm in each session exceeded my wildest expectations,” said Tennille McCoy, Co-founder NJBWC. “Our ultimate goal was not only for these women to achieve success and meet expectations, but also to leave the program with authentic relationships and practical strategies to navigate real-world challenges. We wanted to ignite a fire within them that would continue to burn long after the program’s conclusion.”

“This has been a phenomenal journey, but this is just the beginning of the great things that we anticipate happening through the leadership institute. I am excited for celebrate these amazing women for their engaging participation in the program and equally excited about the impact this inaugural cohort will make within their organizations and communities,” said Taraun Tice McKnight, NJBWC Co-founder.

“This is what black excellence looks like. This class has truly demonstrated that women can work together and are empowered to take seats at the table in government, business, education, non-profits, and more – congratulations ladies,” said Adrienne King, NJBWC Co-founder. “We appreciate our partner’s contributions to the success of the institute because we couldn’t have done this without them. We’re looking forward to expanding beyond this inaugural cohort.”

“We were and are thrilled to partner with the NJ Black Women’s Collective,” said Dr. Deborah E. Preston, MCCC President. “This outstanding program aligns perfectly with our own mission, values, and emphasis on inclusive leadership.”

The facilitators for the Leadership Institute was Melody M. Fogarty, Managing Partner and Chief Business Strategist, Dakota Gray, LLC and Rita Williams-Bogar, Founder – Personal Development Solutions, LLC. The curriculum featured Black women executives, senior leaders, and guest speakers as presenters and experts in numerous fields. Specific topics included Decoding Your Leadership EQ; Strategic Mindset; Think Like a CFO; Marketing: The Creative Journey; Applying Leadership to Fulfill Your Mission; Power Structure and Little “p” in Politics; Creating High Impact Coalitions, and a Wellness Treat.

Guest speakers for the inaugural series included Rev. Tiffany Williams Brewer, Esq., Assistant Professor of Law and Chair of NJ State Commission of Investigations; Corein Carter, Chief Operating Officer Culture Makers I.N.C.; Former Secretary of State, Regena Thomas; Brenda Ross Dulan, Managing Principal, Ross Dulan Group; John Harmon, President and CEO, African American Chamber of Commerce NJ; Shani Boone, CFO NFL Players Association; Susette Brooks, Director of Strategy, Penguin Random House; Tricia M. Taitt, CEO and CFC of FinCore; Jeannine LaRue, Lobbyist and Public Affairs Executive; and Maggie Moran, CEO and Strategy Consultant at Moxie, and Deborah Frazier, Wealth Management Advisor, LRG Wealth Advisors.

“It’s not the woman who makes the journey, rather it’s the journey that makes the woman. It has been an honor to be a part of the journey with each of the participants, speakers and the board members of the New Jersey Black Women’s Collective as well as to facilitate with Rita Williams-Bogar,” said Melody M. Fogarty, Managing Partner and Chief Business Strategist, Dakota Gray, LLC.

“I entered the NJBWC Leadership Institute seeking to cultivate my leadership skills.  I exit this amazing experience a changed woman – both personally and professionally. The breadth of knowledge and authentic sisterhood gained was priceless,” said Jacqueline Heads, NJBWC Leadership Institute graduate.

“The New Jersey Black Women’s Collective Leadership Institute: Where professional development meets empowerment. Here, Black women find the knowledge to lead, the support to represent, and the sisterhood to thrive. In a world where we often work ten times harder and receive a fraction of the recognition, this institute is our beacon of acknowledgment and affirmation, said Shamara Gatling-Davila, NJBWC Leadership Institute graduate.

“Being accepted into the inaugural Leadership Institute cohort of the NJ Black Women’s Collective has been such a major blessing for me personally and professionally. The sessions have been filled with resources, information, and powerful insights that I immediately put into place in several areas of my life. The Institute has reignited my passions and desires to finish my graduate degree, persevere in politics, and mentor young Black women. look forward to seeing how NJBWC will continue to sow into and strengthen Black women in varying sectors across the Garden State,” said Danielle M. Jones,” NJBWC Leadership Institute graduate.

The Capstone presentation will start at 9:30 a.m., with a brunch and ceremony at 11:00 a.m. This event is open to the public and sponsorship opportunities are available. See more information here: www.eventbrite.com.

Congratulations to the NJBWC Leadership Institute Inaugural Class of Graduates!

Brianna Armstead

Latonya Ashford Ligon

Charise Breeden-Balaam

Risikat Busari

Latoya Cargeor

Rachel Dortch

Gabriel Douglas

Shamara Gatling-Davila

Jacqueline Heads

Sherida Hinckson

Candice Jackson Long

Danielle M. Jones

Darcell Q. Medley-Stokes

Donna Maywar

Shatiera Porte’e

Stefanie Williams Carthan

About New Jersey Black Women’s Collective:

New Jersey’s first comprehensive advocacy organization solely dedicated to the proliferation of Black women leaders in New Jersey. With a vision to garner, harness and strengthen the economic, social, and political power of BLACK WOMEN in New Jersey, by directly investing in and advocating for BLACK WOMEN in leadership roles. njblackwomenscollective.com

About Mercer County Community College: 

Established in 1966, Mercer County Community College is a publicly supported comprehensive institution that provides opportunities for higher education through an open-door admission policy. The scenic 292-acre West Windsor Campus was opened in 1972 to serve the needs of Mercer County residents. MCCC’s James Kerney Campus, located in downtown Trenton, serves as an educational and cultural hub for or city residents that meets the changing needs of thousands of students and community members seeking educational fulfillment and personal and career growth. Deborah E. Preston, Ph.D., President. www.mccc.edu