Camden, NJ – On the evening of Wednesday, January 8, 2025, LAEDA proudly welcomed the students of the Women’s Business Academy (WBA) Session 101. The 9 students were selected from a competitive pool based on their experience, ambition, and the potential to grow their businesses in impactful ways.

The evening began with a warm welcome from Ray Lamboy, President and CEO of LAEDA. Ray introduced the organization’s mission, values, and staff, while also highlighting the cohort of students who are about to embark on this transformative journey. He took the opportunity to outline the goals and expectations for the program over the next 9 weeks.

Jamila Powell, Program Director of the Women’s Business Center, and Jiao Xu, Program Manager of the Business Service Center, also addressed the group, setting the tone for a collaborative and goal-focused experience. They shared the course expectations and invited students to introduce themselves and share their motivations for being part of the program.

Ray Lamboy emphasized that LAEDA is here to support entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey, providing the necessary tools, training, and guidance to help them thrive. With an atmosphere of warmth and professionalism, the evening set the stage for what promises to be an enriching and impactful experience for all involved.

Some of the valuable words that the LAEDA staff filled the room with are the following:

• Establishing the right systems for your business is essential to ensure everything runs smoothly and all the pieces are connected. Think of it like a mouse navigating a maze toward the cheese: for the mouse to succeed, the systems must be in place from start to finish, guiding it every step of the way.
• This program will equip you with the foundational skills necessary for business success and highlight why a business plan is crucial. As Ray Lamboy said, “A business plan is your roadmap—it ensures your investment is protected and your business stays on track.”
• Make sure to connect the dots—do your research, ask questions, and build relationships. These steps will help you make the best decisions for your business.
• With a combination of expert instruction, business counseling, and resources, we are here to ensure your entrepreneurial journey is as successful as possible.
• Ray Lamboy, President and CEO of LAEDA, emphasized the importance of a strong, personal motivation behind every entrepreneurial journey. “Your ‘why’ should be compelling and clear for this journey to truly matter and succeed,” he explained. “Put your ‘why’ on your vision board and plant the seed for a successful and fulfilling entrepreneurial path.”
• He further stressed the significance of a well-crafted business plan. “A business plan is essentially the assembly guide for your business,” Lamboy said. “It’s essential for protecting your investment and ensuring your business is built on a solid foundation.”

The session also included an inspiring guest speaker, Nancy Ruiz, a graduate of Session 99 and co-owner of C2C Education Group, LLC—a cradle-to-career organization that collaborates with schools to develop customized solutions aimed at fostering meaningful success and positively impacting students’ lives. Drawing from her own entrepreneurial journey, Nancy emphasized the crucial role of community and networking in achieving business success. Her powerful message encouraged students to fully engage in the program, embrace every opportunity, and leverage the connections and resources at their disposal.

Nancy Ruiz, a graduate of Session 99 and CEO/President and co-owner of C2C Education Group, LLC, shared invaluable insights with the class, emphasizing key principles for entrepreneurial success:

• You will face many challenges, but this program will equip you with the tools to overcome them.
• Sometimes it is necessary to pause, reflect, and stay connected with LAEDA, as drive, motivation, and ambition are essential for sustained success.
• Education is a lifelong journey—never stop learning.
• LAEDA, its students, and instructors form a strong network of support. The resources available at LAEDA are indispensable — they serve as both a tool and a roadmap for your business.
Nancy also stressed the importance of active engagement during the course:
• Follow along with the presentations and be sure to take notes. The knowledge shared by the instructors is vital.
• Take full advantage of free resources and continue researching and educating yourself.
She recommended setting clear, actionable goals:
• Set eight key goals, build eight new connections, and dedicate eight hours a month to learning.
Finally, she urged students to stay engaged and never stop learning:
• Ask questions, stay connected with your peers and LAEDA, and keep pushing forward in your entrepreneurial journey.
The Nine Week Program offered through LAEDA’s two centers offer 3 sessions per year – Spring, Fall, and Winter. Apply online at www.LAEDA.com.