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

Hamilton, NJ -  The New Jersey Black Women’s Collective (NJBWC) and Mercer County Community College (MCCC) are thrilled to announce the graduation of the second cohort of their Leadership Institute, a groundbreaking initiative launched in 2024 aimed at developing and empowering the next generation of Black women leaders across New Jersey.

On Saturday, June 6th, cohort members will present their Capstone projects, followed by a special graduation ceremony at the Social Profit Center in Hamilton, NJ. The ceremony will feature capstone judge and advisory board member Michele Meyer-Shipp, CEO of Dress for Success Worldwide, and keynote remarks from Sarah Curtis Henry, General Manager for L’Oréal Luxe USA.

The Leadership Institute, held from January through June 2025, represents a strategic partnership between NJBWC and MCCC, supported by a dedicated planning board that includes leaders from both organizations. The Institute provides high-impact training and a supportive network for women leading in various sectors—from government and education to business and nonprofits.

“Leading this program has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” said Tennille McCoy, NJBWC Co-founder. “We set out to build more than a leadership course—we created a movement. Each session was filled with discovery, resilience, and sisterhood. These women are leaving with more than just skills; they are leaving with purpose.”

Dr. Deborah E. Preston, President of MCCC, praised the collaborative spirit behind the program: “At Mercer, we believe in the power of inclusive leadership. Partnering with NJBWC has been an honor, and this Institute stands as a model for how institutions and community organizations can work together to build leadership pipelines that reflect the diversity and excellence of our state.”

The Institute’s curriculum was led by expert facilitators Melody M. Fogarty, Managing Partner and Chief Business Strategist at Dakota Gray, LLC, and Rita Williams-Bogar, Founder of Personal Development Solutions, LLC. The program has featured executive-level Black women leaders and guest speakers from various sectors, covering topics such as leadership development, personal branding, strategic communication, and systems change.

“It has been a privilege to watch these women grow, connect, and lead with conviction,” said Melody M. Fogarty. “This program isn’t just about preparing women for leadership—it’s about equipping them to redefine what leadership looks like in every room they enter.”

Rita Williams-Bogar reflected on the unique approach of the Institute: “What set this program apart was the authenticity. We weren’t just delivering content—we were creating a safe space for women to be bold, vulnerable, and visionary. I am proud to have walked alongside them on this journey of growth.”

The Class of 2025 Cohort Members participating in Saturday’s program include:

1. Tracey Ames
2. Jarquiza Ayers
3. Natasha Davis
4. Jasmin Edwards
5. Tevra L. Francis, MS
6. Shana Gelin
7. Erin Griffiths
8. Toni Hazel
9. Izoduwa Igiehon
10. Nathalie Laurent, MSW, PMP
11. Shawna Lieberman
12. Sadiyyah Maamoon-Means
13. Courtney McTeer
14. Larissa Morgan
15. Adwoa K. Nantwi
16. Taylor Nelson
17. Marsha Philemon
18. Jeneya Richardson
19. Iaishia Smith
20. Malaysia Thomas, MBA
21. Tiffany Thompson
22. Noelle Lee-Turner

The Capstone presentation will commence at 10:00 a.m., followed by a brunch and ceremony at 11:30 a.m. This event is open to the public, and sponsorship opportunities are available. Purchase tickets here: [www.eventbrite.com](http://www.eventbrite.com).