Women Entrepreneurs Rock 11: WE-R Connected
Celebrating 11 Years of Empowering Women in Business
The New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Brookdale Community College (MOSBDC) will host its 11th annual Women Entrepreneurs Rock (WER) event on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Whitechapel Projects, 15 2nd Avenue, in Long Branch, NJ.
Returning for its eleventh year, Women Entrepreneurs Rock 11: WE-R Connected will celebrate a decade of amplifying women-owned businesses and entrepreneurial success stories across New Jersey. This high-energy, free networking event brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, and community leaders to share ideas, spark inspiration, and build meaningful connections.
“This year’s theme, WE-R Connected, reflects what has always been at the heart of this event—collaboration, empowerment, and the connections that help businesses and communities thrive,” said Jackeline Mejias-Fuertes, Regional Director of MOSBDC. “For 11 years, Women Entrepreneurs Rock has created space for women to lift each other up and celebrate success together.”
Featured Speakers and Honorees
Keynote Speaker – Gail Barringer
Executive Producer, Studio Owner, Hollywood Powerhouse
Renowned television producer Gail Barringer, owner of Mile End Studios, will deliver this year’s keynote address. With more than two decades of experience and credits including Law & Order: SVU, The Punisher, Luke Cage, and Wu-Tang: An American Saga, Barringer continues to shape the film and television landscape. She currently serves as Executive Producer of CBS’s Elsbeth, now filming its third season.
Humanitarian Award Recipient – Diane Raver
Founder, Garden State Film Festival; Executive Director, New Jersey Film Academy
Trailblazer Diane Raver will be honored with the 2025 WER Humanitarian Award for her visionary leadership in New Jersey’s film industry. Founder of the globally recognized Garden State Film Festival and Executive Director of the New Jersey Film Academy, Raver has been instrumental in developing pathways that connect education, film production, and workforce development statewide.
Panelists and Entrepreneurs
This year’s distinguished panel includes:
- Chef Feeza Khan, Personal Chef and CEO of Chef Feeza: A Private Dining Experience, whose passion for fresh, soulful cuisine has inspired a thriving business built around food, family, and culture.
- Meghan Longo (“Meg Things”), NJ-based content creator and entrepreneur with over 369,000 followers across TikTok and Instagram, known for spotlighting local businesses and spreading authentic “hype-girl energy.”
- Andrea Plaza, Founder and President of Andrea Plaza, LLC, a strategic communications and PR consultant who has elevated nonprofit and corporate voices across New Jersey through storytelling and relationship building.
- Gladys Vonglahn, Founder and CEO of Gladys’ Cleaning Service, whose inspiring journey from first-generation immigrant to award-winning business leader exemplifies perseverance and vision.
- Denise “Procurement Queen” Williams, procurement expert, educator, and business strategist who empowers entrepreneurs to compete for government contracts through training and mentorship.
Together, these remarkable women represent the resilience, creativity, and leadership that define New Jersey’s entrepreneurial community.
Event Details
When: Monday, October 20, 2025, 5:30–9:30 p.m.
Where: Whitechapel Projects, 15 2nd Avenue, Long Branch, NJ
Admission: Free (registration required)
Highlights: Networking, panel discussions, small bites, and a cash bar
Sponsorship opportunities are limited and available on a first-come basis.
Get Your FREE WER Tickets Today
About the MOSBDC
The New Jersey Small Business Development Center at Brookdale Community College (MOSBDC) is dedicated to supporting Monmouth and Ocean County entrepreneurs through no-cost consulting, training, and access to business resources. As part of America’s SBDC New Jersey network, MOSBDC helps small businesses start, grow, and thrive—fueling innovation and economic development throughout the state