On the evening of May 28, the heart of Camden came alive with stories, laughter, and a shared vision for the future. The Parada San Juan Bautista Business and Professional Reception, brought together entrepreneurs, leaders, and local dignitaries for an evening of reflection, recognition, and meaningful community connection.

Although the Parada San Juan Bautista (PSJB) has Puerto Rican roots, its mission is to “create solidarity and harmony within the entire community.” Their success in bringing together people from different cultures and backgrounds has made their events and activities an important part of the social fiber of Camden and the surrounding area. 

The Business and Professional Reception served as both a celebration of progress and a tribute to the deep-rooted spirit of giving that defines Camden’s professional and cultural identity.

“The night was filled with conversations, great food and valuable networking opportunities are available to you. It is about giving,” shared Ben Calaf, member of the PSJB and Scholarship Fund, who opened the evening with warm welcoming remarks. A former instructor of LAEDA’s Entrepreneurial Development Training Program (EDTP), Calaf set the tone for a night centered on gratitude, service, and community upliftment.

Felix Moulier, President of PSJB, followed with heartfelt opening remarks, reminding guests of the city’s rich and vibrant legacy. “I love the city of Camden and its efficiency, recruitment, and fundraising. This city was the first to make condensed soup via Campbell’s Soup and also is home to the first drive-in movie theater ever, in East Camden,” Moulier proudly shared.

As part of the evening’s highlights, Calaf introduced the dignitaries, including Angel Fuentes, city council president, who served as the grand marshal for the 2025 San Juan Bautista Parade. Fuentes emphasized identity and civic responsibility through “sharing our minds and hearts to show our culture to those who do not know it. Responsibility and giving back to the community starts with ‘who am I as a person’.”

After Fuentes spoke, the sponsors presentation underscored the businesses and individuals driving positive change in the city:

• Ashley Caruso-Condon of Falco, Caruso & Leonard Funeral Homes spoke proudly of her family’s Camden legacy: “I love the diversity and we are all family in the city.”
  
• Jose Duran-Pena from TD Bank added: “I love supporting the diversity and people and seeing the city grow.”
  
• Orlando Mercado, Scholarship Fund Chairperson, celebrated a major milestone: PSJB has given 145 Camden City high school seniors scholarships to attend college—a moving testament to the power of community investment.
  

The evening also brought together many LAEDA alumni, reflecting the organization’s reach in the community:

• Naeemah Hickson, CEO and Founder, Bringing Happy 2 Your Hour
  
• Nancy Ruiz, CEO and President, C2C Education Group, LLC
  
• Crystal Lewis, President and Owner, I Say Yes Salon & Spa, LLC
  
• Cindy McCoy, Executive Director of McCoy’s Stop The Hunger Food and Mobile Pantry
  
• Valarie Padgett, who took our Turning Your Hobby Into a Business and Food Trucking 101 series.
  

Beloved community leaders like Gabriela Santoferraro (former LAEDA staff member and current EDTP instructor) and Ben Calaf were also seen reconnecting with friends and reflecting on how far the community has come.

A standout moment of the evening was the recognition of Mexican restaurant La Ingrata as Business of the Year. Owned by Karla Torres and Ernesto Ventura, the Camden-based business is a shining example of cultural authenticity and entrepreneurial spirit making a real difference.

As guests mingled, stories were exchanged, and commitments renewed, the 2025 PSJB Business and Professional Reception reaffirmed what many already know: Camden is a city where business and heart go hand-in-hand. The event didn’t just honor achievements—it nurtured relationships, bridged generations, and cast a hopeful eye toward a future built on collaboration, compassion, and cultural pride.

Thank you to the Parada San Juan Bautista for all that you do in the community and for inviting us to be part of this inspiring celebration. Your dedication continues to create opportunities, build bridges, and uplift Camden.