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 recently at the Woodland Park campus.
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, Ed.D., 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.
Aamira Garba, CEO, LoveLee Wine, was a sponsor of the networking portion of the event. The award-winning winemaker from Orange, 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,” Depsee said.
Ticket sales for the event supported the Berkeley College Foundation and its efforts to provide resources to Berkeley College students, including scholarships and campus food pantries.
