Leading Ladies Collective Celebrates Second Cohort with Closing Ceremony
On Thursday, January 29, 2026, the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce hosted the closing celebration for its Leading Ladies Collective at San Jeronimo Restaurant & Bakery in Port Richmond, welcoming more than 50 women from Staten Island’s business, nonprofit, and civic communities for an evening of connection and celebration. Despite the cold weather, guests gathered for a festive night filled with authentic Mexican cuisine, meaningful conversation, and the opportunity to build new relationships.
The event marked the completion of the Chamber’s second Leading Ladies Collective cohort, an initiative designed to support women business owners and nonprofit professionals through leadership development, practical skill-building, and peer connection. The program was made possible through funding secured by New York State Senator Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, whose continued partnership with the Chamber has helped sustain the initiative for a second consecutive year.
San Jeronimo Restaurant & Bakery, a Chamber member and beloved local business, provided a warm and welcoming setting for the celebration. Co-owner Sarahi Marquez, a graduate of the Chamber’s inaugural Leading Ladies Collective cohort, exemplifies the program’s long-term impact as her business continues to grow and thrive.
Senator Scarcella-Spanton joined attendees as the evening’s keynote speaker, sharing her commitment to investing in women entrepreneurs and strengthening Staten Island’s small business community. Her support of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce and the Leading Ladies Collective was recognized throughout the evening as a key factor in the program’s success.
“Seeing this group come together again tonight is incredibly meaningful,” said Linda Baran, President and CEO of the Staten Island Chamber of Commerce. “The Leading Ladies Collective is about connection, support, and making sure women in business know they are not doing this alone. We are grateful to Senator Scarcella-Spanton for believing in this initiative and helping make it possible.”
“Grateful for a night celebrating some of Staten Island’s incredible female business owners & entrepreneurs at the Staten Island Chamber Leading Ladies Ceremony,” said Senator Scarcella-Spanton. “Congratulations to the incredible honorees whose work continues to inspire and uplift our community.”
The Chamber proudly recognized the 2025–2026 Leading Ladies Collective graduates: Andrea Brognano, Therapy Connection; Dorothea Martin, BDEM Services LLC; Sophia Lu, Hema Designs; Canny Rojas, Mole Poblano Asuncion Corp; Angie Russo, The Shoppe; Christine Jackson, Sunny Side Up Birth Co; Danielle Raleigh, Egger’s Ice Cream Parlor; Leilani Bernadskiy, With a Touch of Aloha; and Vivan Zhang, Sweetie House Playground.
The evening concluded with networking and reflection, celebrating not only the accomplishments of the cohort but the strong sense of community that continues to grow through the Leading Ladies Collective.
The Staten Island Chamber of Commerce looks forward to continuing this program and building on the momentum created by this year’s participants.
