CAMDEN, NJ — Thursday, June 12, 2025
LAEDA’s EDTP/WBA Session 100 Celebration was marked with a room filled with laughter, heartfelt stories, and the vibrant energy of small business success. What unfolded was more than a ceremony—it was a powerful testament to the lives transformed by education, mentorship, and community-driven entrepreneurship.

Andrea Patton, Senior Manager of Employee and Community Engagement at The Campbell’s Company, where the event was held, set the tone for the evening.

“We are here tonight celebrating what makes Camden and South Jersey so bright,” Patton said. “LAEDA has been the driving force of economic development for decades, and we are here to support them.”

And with that, a celebration of resilience, impact, and shared purpose began.

A Milestone Marked by Meaning

Ray Lamboy, President & CEO of LAEDA, captured the essence of the evening with gratitude and purpose.

“Tonight is a celebration of all these contributions combined. To our funders—thank you so much. You planted the seeds for everything we are today,” Lamboy said. “We give entrepreneurs tools, guidance, and support they need to succeed in their journeys. Thank you to our funders, supporters, staff, team, teachers, and mentors. To our teachers and mentors—you are family. You teach entrepreneurs to work hard, reach higher, and build legacies. You are the architects. Thank you for all of your commitments.”

Jiao Xu, Program Manager of LAEDA’s Business Service Center, graciously introduced board members and instructors and offered congratulations to all graduates in attendance.

Instructors Who Built the Foundation

Among those celebrated were instructors whose dedication shaped the path for hundreds of entrepreneurs.

Insurance expert and long-time instructor Ben Calaf, who taught nearly 70 classes, spoke with respectfulness and honor.

“I served on the board to be a part of this growth—for the entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities,” said Calaf, reflecting on LAEDA’s mission of sustainable empowerment.

Joseph Grimm, another cornerstone instructor, remembered the program’s humble beginnings.

“The first program took place in a lawyer’s room,” Grimm recalled. “I even hired six or seven LAEDA graduates. The students were not afraid to ask questions—you are lucky to be a part of this program.”

Words of Purpose from the Board and Community Leaders

José Mercado, current chairman of the LAEDA Board of Directors, reminded guests that this milestone goes far beyond numbers.

“This is more than a milestone—it is personal empowerment and community empowerment. We help business owners wear all the hats, build legacies, and create jobs,” said Mercado. “Go to LAEDA for opportunity, guidance, and support. LAEDA alumni—keep growing and pass this forward. It’s more than a classroom. It’s a legacy in the business world.”

Assemblyman William W. Spearman, a steadfast supporter of the organization, reinforced LAEDA’s importance in policy and community investment.

“We are here for LAEDA, and we will give resources to help LAEDA,” he declared.

A Community of Alumni, Stronger Together

Jamila Powell, Program Director of LAEDA’s Women’s Business Center, spoke to the power of continued connection.

“I admire this moment,” Powell said. “I always say let’s create that alumni network and keep making those connections. Please join the alumni Facebook group page: LAEDA Alumni Connections.

Then, three alumni took the stage to share the real-life impact of LAEDA’s programming:

Beverly Ramos, Session 2: 1992

“I gained so much knowledge. It helped make my dream a reality. I learned everything I needed and now I use that knowledge to mentor others.”

Tiffany Battle, Session 64: 2013 – 14-year business owner:

“I didn’t understand business when I started. LAEDA gave me the foundation and roots. The business plan gave me hope and reassurance. Do not quit the program—it is rewarding at the end.”

Saddiyyah Maamoon-Means, Session 95: 2023

“Do not give up. LAEDA is there to guide you. Do not let fear stop you. Be true to your passion and do not let the difficult times stop you from seeing the success forward.”

A Journey of Entrepreneurial Success

As the night came to a close, Ray Lamboy addressed the room one last time:

“We are all pieces of the puzzle that come together to empower people to build better lives through entrepreneurship and education.”

Final Thoughts

This 100th session celebration wasn’t just a recognition of milestones. It was a celebration of vision turned into ventures, classrooms turned into companies, and dreams turned into impact. It was a reminder that when a community rallies around education, mentorship, and opportunity, real transformation happens.

Join LAEDA. Support your community. Pass it forward. Because every business born through LAEDA is a testament to the power of believing—in yourself, and in each other.

Event hosted at The Campbell’s Company World Headquarters on Thursday June 12, 2025 at Camden, NJ.

The celebration concluded with joy and delicious offerings from alumni-owned businesses, turning the evening into a vibrant marketplace of success:

Tiffany Battle – Yhanne’s House of Cheesecakes (Caterer) Kashana Waples – Juice Capitol (Caterer) Ashana Bush – Styled by Shon (Balloon Decor) Cesily Cannon – Cesily Love Meals (Caterer) Alberta Ferebee – Aunt Berta’s Kitchen (Caterer) Ernest Ford – Ernest A Ford Art Studios (Vendor) Tkemia Gibson-Daniels – Boutique Vendor Naeemah Hickson – Bringing Happy 2 Your Hour Michelle Hill-Hardy – Clique Socially (Photo Booth Vendor) Sonya Jacobs – Tis So Sweet Bakery (Caterer) Jameca Jolly – Pour It Up Tomika Lewis – ™ Creations (Balloon Vendor) Taneesha Marshall-Id’Deen – Clique Socially (Photo Booth Vendor) Ronda Mendez – Flowers by Mendez & Jackel (Vendor) Lavonne Nichols – Say Something Good (Singer) Angel Ramos – Seek Pest Solutions Teresa Rios & Artemio Acosta – TeresArt Photography LLC Laquira Whichard – Cuteticles By Quira Mona Wilson – It’s a CupCake! (Caterer)

Thank you to all our sponsors and supporters! Here’s to the next 100 sessions!