As the room opened up to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates in the room, Raymond L. Lamboy, President & CEO of LAEDA disclosed, “Our alumna are an important part of our success; No donation is too small or too big we are thankful to our funders to make our programs happen.”

After Ray thanked LAEDA, Inc. Professionals, Board Members, Faculty, Supporters (Corporate and Public partners) and Individual donors for giving graduates the needed opportunity and resources to meet their goals and help their business stand where they want it to; he handled over the mic to Krista Bey, LAEDA’s alumna with Elegant Lotus Gifts, who sparked the room with words of encouragement and a poem (“Don’t Quit,” by Poet Edgar A. Guest) that so many can connect to: “Encouragement and support that LAEDA program and staff offers is essential and valuable- Congratulations everyone.”

Afterward Jamila Powell, Women’s Business Center Program Manager, reflected onto the past year and all the hard work the graduates put into their work. “I love this part because I get to talk about all the hard work you guys did in these nine weeks and when you put that extra time to work on that passion, your dreams and your goals even after work and all responsibilities and commitments, I applaud everyone here for their hard work and dedication.”

The class representatives are selected based on their personality, professionalism, and public speaking abilities. The class representatives for 2022 were Nikiya Rogers of (Asali Charcuterie, LLC is a retail charcuterie and dessert business) for Session 91, Cesily Cannon of (Cesily's Love Meals, a catering company that specializes in offering full service catering for wedding, parties and many other social events) for session 92, and Osiris Jamaal Jackson (Safe and Sound Stewards, LLC, Accounting & Small Business development solutions) for session 93. Below, are excerpts from their graduation speeches:

• Nikiya Rogers: “I am so thankful that LAEDA saw a potential in me and my business idea and accepted me into the program, and how the staff dedicated so many hours toward working with me toward my business plan and providing me with valuable resources because there is more than having creativity and enthusiasm for running a business. Moreover, my classmates had a significant part too because everyone’s questions and ideas really helped everyone learn the concepts of this program.”

• Cesily Cannon: “Experience and knowledge are essential which LAEDA provides you along with the tools you need to keep that business running. We had an opportunity to get a consultant for marketing like with Trina Allen. We build valuable relationships that are everlasting ones on our entrepreneurial journey.”

• Osiris Jamaal Jackson: “We learn what it takes to be a successful business owner. We held each other accountable in the class and we dedicated our time to be in class and on time. We had a great team and we collaborated and worked together because this is important and the LAEDA team played an amazing role through those nine weeks and beyond in order to support us. Thank you LAEDA for all that you do for this community.”

Then, Sophie Werner, LAEDA’s Business Services Center Program Manager high lightened and thanked all the instructors for their time, dedication and hard work. “We could not have made this program be truly what it is so thank you so much everyone. In addition, words cannot describe how much I appreciate all of you, how you dedicated your time and answered all the essential questions that our clients had; we all connected with the instructors and the students and worked together as a team and such passionate folks that wanted to give back and build the next generation of entrepreneurs.”

Sophie added, "We want to now recognize that one instructor who students felt made the most impact throughout their time in the program by giving her the honor of Instructor of the Year. This woman inspired all of the graduates that are sitting here today to lead with purpose, and to really make sure to have such meaningful teams and employments and really look for the best and so much more. This year's award goes to Marketing Instructor, Fonda Wynn!"

Later, Raymond Lamboy talked about the LAEDA pins explaining how they represent the shared experiences during the program and becoming a part of the LAEDA family. “My favorite part of LAEDA programs are the experiences that each one brings to the table and also leaves with.” He also introduced Annabel L. Soto who not only gave graduates certificates and commendations, but also offered words of encouragement.

“These individuals have put 75 hours toward instruction and we all worked together as a team to work on goals and be ready for graduation; LAEDA is always here for you. We all had a lot of commitment to bring to the table and worked hard toward it. Look around you tonight, everyone here is all part of your support system.”

The night concluded with endless applause from the audience and pictures that captured these valuable moments.
LAEDA prepares entrepreneurs for the entrepreneurial world and the doors within LAEDA help toward building upon your goals and climbing those steps toward success one step at a time because each step is valuable and essential in building that successful business venture and setting up a sustainable business. The classes teach students the building blocks of opening up and operating a business.

The Entrepreneurial Development Training Program and Women's Business Center have graduated 1,162 students, creation of 631 businesses and created 1357 jobs in the city of Camden and throughout South Jersey. LAEDA has been empowering people and revitalizing the community to start and grow businesses in Camden, Burlington, Gloucester, Atlantic and Cumberland Counties in New Jersey. If you are ready to become an entrepreneur and or business owner, Call LAEDA at (856) 338-1177 or visit us on the Web at: www.LAEDA.com for more information and to help you get started and going on your entrepreneurial journey.