Berkeley College recently hosted a panel titled “The Power to Empower,” as part of its Women’s Entrepreneurship Week (WEW). The panel, held on October 18, gave several women recognized as trailblazers in their respective fields the opportunity to speak on their career experiences to an audience of over 150 students, business leaders, and prospective entrepreneurs, attending both in-person and via livestream.
Serving as keynote speaker was Jaime Wynn, President of luxury shoe manufacturer Jimmy Choo Americas, and holder of a Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Merchandising and Management from Berkeley College.
“Not one of us got to where we are by ourselves,” she said during her keynote address. “As we rise in our roles and positions, we must remember to reach back, mentor, support, and advocate for others on their respective journeys.”
Wynn was later presented with the College’s 2023 Women’s Empowerment Award for Inspiring Future Leaders. The award serves to recognize the entrepreneurs, business, and community leaders who have shared their career advice and personal experiences with the students of Berkeley College and the community at large.
Also featured in the WEW summit was a panel of prominent entrepreneurs speaking on their respective paths to professional success. Speaking in the panel were Kim Baker, CEO and Founder, GLAMAZON Beauty; WyQuasia King-Thomas, Senior Director of Merchanding and Head of Clothing, Francesca’s Clothing Boutiques; Maryann Pagano, CEO, BlackHawk Data LLC; and Shelley Wade, Radio Peronality, New York City’s 94.7 The Block. Moderating the panel was Patty Greer, JD, Berkeley College Provost.
The event was recorded by Jill Greenbaum, EdD, who captured the summit’s highlights and key messages on a large easel drawing.
The event was sponsored by several businesses, including BlackHawk Data; Eastern Funding, LLC; and Valley Bank Women in Business. Partners in the event included D’s Cozy Kitchen, Shop Rite of Little Falls, the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, and the Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey.
WOMEN’S ENTREPRENEURSHIP WEEK 2023: IN THEIR WORDS
“Understand that with every success there are failures. Failures are stepping stones to success.” – Jaime Wynn, President, Jimmy Choo Americas
“I am sure at least one of our panelists have been told ‘no’ or ‘you can’t do it’ at some point in their journeys. Programs like this serve not only as inspiration, but also as a reminder that we can achieve whatever we set our minds to.” – Tania Mottos, Student Leader, Berkeley College
“Empowered women inspire one another, creating synergies that pave the way for endless possibilities.” – Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College
“I don’t wish I had done anything differently, because I did exactly what I set out to do – and I proved a lot to myself by doing so. I never want to be that woman who sits back later in life and has regrets.” – Kim Baker, CEO and Founder, GLAMAZON Beauty
“Shatter the glass ceiling! Be a guiding mentor for other women in their professional journeys.” – Patty Greer, JD, Berkeley College Provost
“I stay true to my brand by being unapologetically me. If I can’t walk in the room and be unapologetically WyQuasia, that room is not for me.” – WyQuasia King-Thomas, Senior Director of Merchandising/Head of Clothing, Francesca’s Clothing Boutiques
“As a woman in technology, you had to be confident in yourself, you had to build your own abilities, you had to show people that you could do it. You had to be self-made.” – Maryann Pagano, CEO, BlackHawk Data LLC
“You can find me at the intersection of pop culture and positivity. When I’m on the radio, my intention is to uplift. That’s the kind of energy I want to put out there – just goodness.” – Shelley Wade, Radio Personality, New York City’s 94.7 The Block
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College is a career-focused institution offering Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Founded in 1931, the College has campuses in New York City, as well as Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 3,600 students enrolled, in addition to Berkeley College Online®, which serves a global population. The College has been accredited by th Middle States Commission on Higher Education, and has been named among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans by U.S. News and World Report for 10 consecutive years. Berkeley College was also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2023-2024 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey.
For more information visit the College’s website at https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.