Berkeley College 10th Annual Women's Entrepreneurship Week: How Passion and Authenticity Define the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs
Friday, October 31, 2025
NEXT GENERATION OF ENTREPRENEURS
Photo Caption: (Left) Stella Cicarone, a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and Berkeley College alumna, delivers remarks during the Berkeley College 10th Annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Week event, “Trailblazers of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow,” held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in Woodland Park, NJ. (Right) Panagiota Babadelis, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, Berkeley College, interviews Cicarone about brand identity, knowing your audience, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the strength of women in business.
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Learn More: Click here to watch the livestream. Click here to view photos from the event.
Entrepreneurs were encouraged to pursue their passions and be true to the integrity of their brands during Berkeley College 10th Annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Week, held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in Woodland Park, NJ. The milestone event, titled “Trailblazers of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow,” celebrated the voices of accomplished women in business and elevated the stories of aspiring entrepreneurs on campus and in the community.
“True entrepreneurship always starts with passion,” said Stella Cicarone, a strategist who has led marketing initiatives for brands including Martha Stewart, Emeril Lagasse, and others. “You have to make time every day to build what you love.”
Cicarone, who recently launched her own business, Stellar View Events, presented a masterclass titled “The Business of BOLD: How to Make Your Branding Impossible to Ignore,” alongside Panagiota Babadelis, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, Berkeley College. Cicarone spoke about brand identity, knowing your audience, the impact of artificial intelligence, and the strength of women in business.
Cicarone, a Berkeley College alumna, also shared the importance of higher education in her career journey.
“To every student at Berkeley College today, know that your education is your launchpad,” Cicarone said. “The lessons you are learning, the people you are meeting, and the courage you are building will take you further than you ever imagined.”
Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College, presented Cicarone with the 2025 Women’s Empowerment Award. The annual award was established in 2021 to recognize the entrepreneurs and business leaders who have shared their career advice, personal experiences, and journeys to success with students and the community.
Photo Caption: (Left): Ashley Martinez, a Berkeley College student entrepreneur, delivers remarks during the Berkeley College 10th Annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Week event, “Trailblazers of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow,” held on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in Woodland Park, NJ. (Right) Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College, presents Stella Cicarone, a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and Berkeley College alumna, with the 2025 Women’s Empowerment Award.
The event also featured remarks from Ashley Martinez, a Berkeley College student who is pursuing a degree in Justice Studies, whose goal is to become a victims’ advocate.
“Events and programs like these are necessary to show the possibilities beyond statistics and opinions,” said Martinez, who is also an entrepreneur in the beauty industry. “Each of us carries a story – a journey marked by challenges, triumphs, and the courage to keep going even when it feels impossible. Whether you are a student still finding your path, a mother balancing responsibility, or a professional carving out a space in your field, you belong here, and your dreams are valid.”
Aamira Garba, CEO, LoveLee Wine, was a sponsor of the networking portion of the event. The award-winning winemaker from Orange, NJ, shared her mission to create a path for more Black women to flourish in the wine and spirits industry.
“Since 2015 Berkeley College Women’s Entrepreneurship Week has opened doors to aspiring entrepreneurs by giving them opportunities to find mentors, gather inspiration, and connect with women in prominent positions across the professional landscape,” said Kelly J. Depsee, Senior Director, Communications, Berkeley College. “As we celebrate our 10th anniversary, we honor the trailblazers whose voices empower future generations to lead with purpose and lift others along the way.”
Ticket sales for the event supported the Berkeley College Foundation and its efforts to provide resources to Berkeley College students, including scholarships and supporting campus food pantries.
Sponsors included KGM Consulting, LoveLee Wine, the Meadowlands Chamber of Commerce, and ShopRite of Little Falls. Community Partners included the Gateway Chamber of Commerce, the Hudson County Chamber of Commerce, Newark Regional Business Partnership, and the North Jersey Chamber of Commerce. The media partner for the event was TAPinto.
Photo Caption: (Left): Berkeley College hosts its 10th Annual Women’s Entrepreneurship Week, “Trailblazers of Today, Leaders of Tomorrow,” on Tuesday, October 21, 2025, in Woodland Park, NJ. Pictured (L to R) are Patricia Greer, JD, Provost, Berkeley College; Panagiota Babadelis, Senior Director, Marketing and Communications, Berkeley College; Ashley Martinez, Berkeley College student entrepreneur; Stella Cicarone, a marketing strategist, entrepreneur, and Berkeley College alumna; Kelly J. Depsee, Senior Director, Communications, Berkeley College; Diane Recinos, EdD, President of Berkeley College; and Kevin L. Luing, Board Chairman. (Right) Aamira Garba, CEO, LoveLee Wine, shares her mission to create a path for more Black women to flourish in the wine and spirits industry.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students 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.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 4,000 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans for 12 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2026 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
The mission of Berkeley College is to empower each student to achieve lifelong success.
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