By Raymond Tyler
Stockton University professor Pamela Thomas-Fields organized a Women’s History Month networking event honoring local women in business on Monday March 25.
As Women’s History Month was winding down, professor Pamela Thomas-Fields curated The Elevate and Celebrate event at Stockton University’s Atlantic City Campus. Elevate and Celebrate was about more than just networking as Thomas-Fields and several of her business students presented local women with awards.
The students currently enrolled at Stockton University and taking a business course with Thomas-Fields not only presented the awards, they also previously interviewed each honoree. From the stage, the students were able to discuss what they learned from each of the award winners before handing out the award.
The honorees of the evening included: Cathy Burke, owner of The Irish Pub; Lena Di, owner of Lena Di Wellness; Kim Jackson, owner of Kelsey and Kim’s Restaurant.
Also, Cynthia Jennings, a Mary Kay owner; Lisa Johnson, owner of Lisa Johnson Communications; Phyllis Lacca, owner of Masterpiece Advertising.
And, Rita Mack, owner of Atlantic City McDonald’s franchises; Roxanne Passarella, owner of The Flagship Resort; Kim Jackson, Cathy Burke and Rita Mack were unable to attend.
The winners that did attend Elevate and Celebrate shared valuable insight about their businesses and life stories.
Lena Di explained that she originally wanted to be a doctor. Di’s road eventually led her to being a leader in health, fitness and helping women heal through yoga, movement and meditation.
Cynthia Jennings discussed how the Mary Kay company started in the 1950s. Jennings also shared her personal start with Mary Kay while needing additional income to support a son in college.
Lisa Johnson gave insight on her life growing up in Atlantic City, Pleasantville and Northfield. Johnson related how her high school guidance counselor made sure she could attend college.
Johnson said she became the first of her family to hit many of the heights of success and also stressed that she would be available to help those business owners listening to her speech that evening.
Roxanne Passarella spoke about how relationships led her to being placed in a position to acquire The Flagship and other resort properties. Passarella said she and her family as owners, even cleaned hotel rooms as they were navigating the pandemic.
Phyllis Lacca discussed the importance of diversity, showing up, and being nice.
In every case, the women receiving awards discussed how hard it is to excel and the joy in helping others to also achieve.
You can connect with Raymond Tyler via Facebook, Twitter, Youtube and Instagram @RaymondTyler2018.
